Australian jockey Ben Thompson is on the verge of a career-defining moment as he prepares to ride BUNDLE AWARD in the prestigious BMW Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin on March 23. With a prize pool of HK$26 million, the race marks a significant milestone in Thompson’s journey, highlighting his growing reputation in the Hong Kong racing circuit. Securing the ride on BUNDLE AWARD was the result of a masterfully executed performance in a prior 1800m race at Sha Tin on March 9, where the Shamus Award gelding delivered a powerful finish, earning a crucial rise in the handicap rankings to 86 and a spot in the Derby field.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Thompson acknowledged the support of owner Colin Lo and trainer John Size. He had been eager to reunite with BUNDLE AWARD, a horse he had initially ridden in its debut Hong Kong appearance. The gelding’s previous performances had shown promise, making its recent victory an anticipated result. Displaying impressive acceleration in the final stretch, BUNDLE AWARD clocked 22.11 seconds in the last 400m, securing a win against notable contenders MARKWIN and LO RIDER.
Despite drawing barrier nine for the upcoming Derby, Thompson remains confident in his mount’s ability. He believes the gelding’s exceptional turn of foot negates the concern of starting position, focusing instead on executing a well-timed ride. Interestingly, he shared a personal anecdote about his preference for the number nine, considering it a lucky omen due to his brother’s birthday.
Adding to the excitement of the BMW Hong Kong Derby, Brenton Avdulla, another accomplished Australian rider, will partner with RUBYLOT, the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup winner. The talented horse, drawn in barrier four, has demonstrated an impressive combination of speed, adaptability, and stamina. Avdulla is optimistic about RUBYLOT’s ability to handle the 2000m distance, believing that the colt’s strong Classic Cup finish positions him well for the Derby challenge. Winning the prestigious race remains a dream for every jockey in Hong Kong, and Avdulla hopes to etch his name into the event’s history.
The BMW Hong Kong Derby serves as the final leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series, featuring a competitive field of 14 horses. Alongside BUNDLE AWARD and RUBYLOT, the lineup includes MY WISH, JOHANNES BRAHMS, STUNNING PEACH, PACKING ANGEL, MICKLEY, NOISY BOY, CAP FERRAT, STEPS AHEAD, CALIFORNIATOTALITY, MARKWIN, LO RIDER, and BEAUTY ALLIANCE. Each contender brings a unique set of strengths, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Meanwhile, seven-time champion jockey Zac Purton continues his steady return to competitive riding. His latest effort saw him guiding KA YING RISING to a dominant win in a 1200m barrier trial on March 21. The top-rated sprinter displayed his class, accelerating effortlessly past SWORD POINT to claim victory by one and three-quarter lengths. Purton, while still on the path to full recovery, is gearing up for his return to race-day action and is expected to compete in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup on March 30 at Sha Tin.
Pending medical clearance, Purton is likely to take on a full book of rides upon his return, including a highly anticipated partnership with GALAXY PATCH in the G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m). His recent trial performance aboard Pierre Ng’s galloper, finishing second to HE WAS YOU, signals his readiness to compete at the highest level.
The BMW Hong Kong Derby Day will commence with the Class 4 Luger Handicap (1400m) at 1pm, while the feature race is scheduled as Race 7 at 4:05pm. With top-tier jockeys, elite horses, and a significant prize purse on the line, the racing spectacle promises to deliver thrilling action for fans and bettors alike.
