Hong Kong racing produced another competitive evening at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 23 September, with Cody Mo strengthening his position at the top of the trainers’ championship as Fortunate Son continued a fine run at the city circuit.
The six-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding made it two wins from two starts this season at Happy Valley, taking the lead in the Million Challenge and moving to 30 points. Vincent Ho played a major part in the evening’s results, completing a double that included Fortunate Son’s success in the Class 3 Tai Hang Handicap over 1800 metres.
Rated 71 before Wednesday’s victory, Fortunate Son recorded a fourth Hong Kong win and once again showed an affinity for the turning Happy Valley track. The gelding is now likely to remain at the venue as connections consider a continued campaign in the Million Challenge, which runs through 17 February and rewards the best-performing horse in Class 3 races or above with a HK$1 million bonus.
Mo indicated that the programme would be assessed carefully as the season progresses. Fortunate Son has matured since last season and his ability to settle and finish strongly could shape the next stage of his campaign.
Hong Kong Racing Sees Chau Open Season With Double
Jerry Chau also enjoyed a memorable night, recording his first two victories of the new campaign aboard David Eustace-trained runners Red Brick Warrior and Akermanis Gold.
Chau began his winning account with Red Brick Warrior in the Class 5 Nam Fung Handicap over 1650 metres before completing his double on Akermanis Gold in the Class 4 Wong Chuk Hang Handicap, also over 1650 metres.
Red Brick Warrior benefited from barrier one and broke sharply, a significant improvement after being slow into stride in several previous starts. Eustace had worked with the horse during the off-season to improve his early racing manners, and the change paid dividends at Happy Valley.
The trainer was also encouraged by the horse’s fitness. Having competed during his first Hong Kong season last term, Red Brick Warrior now appears to be gaining familiarity with the local racing environment.
David Hall also registered a double, with Zac Purton guiding Bits Superstar to victory in the first section of the Class 4 Deep Water Bay Handicap over 1200 metres. The win came after the gelding had finished second three times last season.
Hall’s second success came with Brownneedsfurther, who produced a determined performance in the second section of the same 1200-metre contest to give Brenton Avdulla his first win of the campaign.
The trainer believes Brownneedsfurther has returned from his break in improved condition and suggested that longer trips could be explored as the season develops, including 1400 and 1650 metres.
Yuen Records First Happy Valley Success
Apprentice Nichola Yuen recorded a landmark victory when she partnered Prestige Always to success in the second section of the Class 3 Mount Butler Handicap over 1200 metres for trainer Pierre Ng.
It was Yuen’s ninth ride at Happy Valley and her first victory at the circuit. The 26-year-old apprentice produced a tactical ride on a track where positioning and timing can play a significant role.
Elsewhere, Happy Smile produced a strong finishing burst to win the Class 4 Hong Kong Country Club Challenge Cup Handicap over 1650 metres for Jamie Richards and Derek Leung.
Jumbo Blessing added another notable performance, securing a third course-and-distance victory in the Class 4 Island Handicap over 1000 metres for Caspar Fownes. Ho completed his double with a well-timed ride down the outside.
Danica’s Choice maintained a productive spell at Happy Valley by winning the first section of the Class 3 Mount Butler Handicap over 1200 metres under Andrea Atzeni. The result also gave Manfred Man’s stable its fourth victory of the season.
The evening provided several positive indicators for trainers and jockeys as the Hong Kong racing season continues to build momentum, with a number of runners already establishing strong records at Happy Valley.
Attention now turns to Sha Tin on Sunday, 27 September, where the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap over 1400 metres will headline the next meeting.
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