Jerry Chau will arrive at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 11 November, with a full book of nine rides and a strong opportunity to strengthen his position in the race for a place in the 2026 International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC). The 26-year-old jockey has enjoyed an impressive start to the season and will be looking to maintain that momentum as the selection deadline approaches.
Chau has recorded 17 victories, including a Group 3 success, from the first 18 meetings of the season’s 88-fixture programme. With only five meetings remaining before the selection cut-off on 25 November, the competition for the final two places in the 12-rider championship is becoming increasingly important. Those positions will go to the leading homegrown jockey and the highest-ranked eligible rider.
Although Nichola Yuen currently leads the homegrown standings with 18 victories, the apprentice is ineligible for selection because of the seven-pound claiming allowance. Chau therefore holds a valuable advantage over his closest eligible rivals, with Vincent Ho on 14 wins, Andrea Atzeni on 12, Derek Leung on 11 and James Orman on 10.
Jerry Chau Happy Valley Book Includes Akermanis Gold
Among Chau’s nine Wednesday engagements, Akermanis Gold stands out as the jockey attempts to guide the five-year-old to a third consecutive victory at the city circuit. The pair will contest the second section of the Class 4 Sze Mei Handicap over 1,650 metres.
Akermanis Gold will carry 135lb from barrier seven, presenting a demanding assignment despite the horse’s recent consistency. Chau acknowledged the challenge posed by the top weight and draw but remains hopeful of another strong performance if the horse can secure a suitable early position.
“He’s won two in a row this season. He’s carrying top weight and the draw is tricky, but if he can get a good position, I think he will finish off well,” Chau said.
His remaining rides include Apolar Fighter, Majestic Delight, Iron Security, Ace, Mr Invincible, Leading Agility, Fivefortwo and last-start winner Lucky Sam Gor, giving him several opportunities across the nine-race programme.
Positive Trials for Light Years Charm and Winning Wing
Chau has also been keeping a close eye on preparations for the major contests later in the season. On Tuesday, 10 November, he partnered Light Years Charm in a trial for trainer David Eustace, with the horse being prepared for a possible appearance in the Group 2 Jockey Club Mile on 22 November.
The decision to test Light Years Charm over 1,650 metres rather than 1,200 metres proved worthwhile. The horse settled comfortably behind the pace, travelled smoothly and finished third in 1 minute 42.23 seconds.
Chau was satisfied with the performance, explaining that the longer trial allowed the horse to settle and build confidence without being forced into an early speed battle.
Light Years Charm is also entered for next month’s Group 1 Hong Kong Cup over 2,000 metres or the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile over 1,600 metres, both scheduled for 13 December.
Chau also has a booking aboard Winning Wing in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup over 2,000 metres. The horse completed a 1,200-metre trial in 1 minute 9.92 seconds, with Chau encouraged by the experience despite it being his first time aboard.
He highlighted the horse’s turn of foot and felt the step up to 2,000 metres should suit the runner.
Nautical Force Returns Under Keith Yeung
Keith Yeung is looking forward to partnering Nautical Force in the Class 2 Lung Cheung Handicap over 1,650 metres. The John Size-trained runner will carry 123lb and returns to competition after an encouraging preparation.
Yeung has partnered Nautical Force in several trials and was particularly pleased with the horse’s latest effort at Conghua, where the import finished fourth over 1,600 metres in 1 minute 38.13 seconds.
The jockey credited the trainer’s patient approach and expressed confidence in the horse’s preparation ahead of Wednesday’s assignment.
Yeung will also reunite with New Power in the second section of the Class 4 Tai Yau Handicap over 1,200 metres. The pair finished fourth last time after encountering traffic in the straight, but Yeung believes the horse showed a strong response once finding clear running.
Atzeni and Whyte Look for Strong Performances
Andrea Atzeni, who recorded a treble last Sunday, takes the ride on Mighty Masts in the Lung Cheung Handicap. The horse moves up in distance to 1,650 metres, with Atzeni hoping the longer trip will help bring out the best in the runner.
The jockey noted that Mighty Masts had shown speed in the trials but had struggled to reproduce that early pace on race days, often settling further back than intended.
Meanwhile, trainer Douglas Whyte is optimistic about Cheerful Wongchoy’s prospects in the first section of the Class 4 Sze Mei Handicap over 1,650 metres. The horse broke through in Class 5 on 14 October, and Whyte believes the victory demonstrated the ability to compete at a higher level.
Whyte was pleased with the manner of that success and feels the return to Class 4 is a suitable next step.
Wednesday’s nine-race programme at Happy Valley begins at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Tseuk Luk Handicap over 1,650 metres. With the International Jockeys’ Championship selections approaching, Chau’s nine engagements will carry added significance as he looks to convert his excellent season form into a place among the leading riders for December’s competition.
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