Richard Kingscote made a resounding impact at Sha Tin’s all-dirt meeting on Wednesday night, securing a stunning treble with a perfect three wins from three rides. The Epsom Derby winning jockey, who had gone winless in 31 previous mounts in Hong Kong, finally broke through in emphatic style, guiding CHILL KAKA, RISING FORCE, and FASHION LEGEND to victory.
Kingscote’s triumph began with CHILL KAKA in the second section of the Class 4 Peacock Handicap (1650m), followed by a confident ride aboard RISING FORCE in the first section of the Class 4 Kestrel Handicap (1200m), both for trainer Ricky Yiu. His treble was completed when he partnered with David Eustace to steer FASHION LEGEND to success in the first section of the Class 4 Peacock Handicap (1650m).
Demonstrating the same all-weather track expertise that earned him the British All-Weather Champion Jockey title in 2020/21, Kingscote maximized his opportunities with clinical precision. “It’s a big result. Obviously, time was running out to ride some winners,” Kingscote admitted, with his Hong Kong stint set to conclude on April 2. “Luckily, I have, and I’m grateful to the connections who put me on these horses. I had good draws and capable horses tonight, and that made a huge difference.”
At 38, Kingscote has already built an impressive global riding portfolio, with victories in Australia, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, France, Bahrain, and Turkey. His biggest career win came aboard Desert Crown in the 2022 Epsom Derby for Sir Michael Stoute. Reflecting on his experience in Hong Kong, he said, “It’s very competitive, but I’ve really enjoyed it. Hopefully, they’ll let me come back.”
Angus Chung also enjoyed a successful night, landing a double with two masterful rides. The reigning Tony Cruz Award winner showcased his tactical prowess on CALIFORNIA STAR, trained by Tony Cruz, weaving through the field from the rear to clinch victory in the second section of the Class 4 Kestrel Handicap (1200m). He then led from the front aboard TELECOM FIGHTERS in the Class 3 Flamingo Handicap (1650m), holding off a late challenge from Never Peter Out by a short head. The veteran gelding, formerly known as Mark Gee in Australia, now boasts eight Hong Kong wins and HK$17.5 million in career earnings.
Andrea Atzeni celebrated his 34th birthday in style with a double of his own, striking in the first section of the Class 5 Spoonbill Handicap (1200m) aboard CHEER FOR SOUTH for Frankie Lor and later piloting MUST GO to success in the Class 3 Egret Handicap (1200m) for John Size. “It’s always nice to get a winner on your birthday,” Atzeni said. “CHEER FOR SOUTH has been knocking on the door, and things finally fell into place for him tonight.”
Size extended his lead in the trainers’ championship with 45 wins, seven ahead of David Hayes, while Atzeni edged past Brenton Avdulla into third place in the jockeys’ standings with 35 wins, trailing only Zac Purton (84) and Hugh Bowman (50). Notably, Atzeni had also ridden a birthday winner in 2016, guiding Postponed to victory in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic.
Meanwhile, YODA’S CHOICE rewarded trainer Pierre Ng’s patience with a well-earned breakthrough win in the Class 5 Swan Handicap (1800m) under Luke Ferraris. Having placed second four times this season, the galloper finally shed his maiden tag, much to Ng’s relief. “He’s been consistent but just unlucky. Now that he’s got the win, hopefully, he can carry on in Class 4,” Ng said.
CODY MO-trained YEAH BUDDY also notched his first Hong Kong victory in the second section of the Class 5 Spoonbill Handicap (1200m), with jockey Derek Leung steering him home.
The action at Sha Tin now turns to Sunday (March 30), with the high-stakes HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) and HK$5.35 million G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) set to take center stage.
