Glory Elite marked his return to Happy Valley with a commanding performance on April 30, asserting his sprinting prowess in the Class 2 Seoul Handicap over 1000 meters. The four-year-old, guided confidently by Derek Leung and trained by Jimmy Ting, showed a clean break from gate five and quickly secured a strong position near the rails. His smooth acceleration and composed demeanor helped him maintain control throughout, finishing the dash in 56.08 seconds and securing a solid victory over Colourful King, with Whizz Kid trailing in third.
After a stint in longer races, including a run in the prestigious Hong Kong Classic Mile where he finished tenth, Glory Elite’s switch back to shorter distances has proven wise. This outing was his first over 1000 meters since last season, and it showcased his adaptability and natural speed. Leung praised the horse’s focus and easy-going nature, especially in the early stages where maintaining composure was crucial against a field lacking many specialists at the distance.
Glory Elite now boasts a consistent record from his 19 starts, with four wins and several placings, all previously secured over 1200 meters at Sha Tin. This latest success at Happy Valley adds further depth to his profile and highlights his versatility across tracks and distances.
Elsewhere on the card, Harmony Galaxy continued his upward trajectory with a strong finish in the 1800-meter Korea Racing Authority Trophy Handicap. Ridden by Brenton Avdulla for trainer Danny Shum, the Brazilian Group 1-placed runner surged from the back of the pack to clinch his second straight course-and-distance win. Avdulla credited the honest pace and his ability to navigate wide for the powerful finish, suggesting the gelding could remain competitive as he moves up to Class 3.
The night also featured a string of wins for consistent performers and emerging talents. Everstar delivered in the first part of the Yeongcheon Handicap under James Orman, while Happy Fat Cat notched another win in the Busan Handicap’s second section. Under Antoine Hamelin, the Cody Mo-trained gelding overcame a wide draw and added to his growing resume, pushing his career earnings well past the HK$9 million mark.
A Americ Te Specso extended his winning streak to two for trainer John Size, this time with Andrea Atzeni aboard in the Jeju Handicap. Previously a sprint specialist, the Per Incanto gelding has adjusted well to longer distances, now scoring twice at 1650 meters and suggesting more to come.
In a close-run affair, Kaholo Angel, piloted by Ellis Wong, earned his second career win in only three starts by edging out Victory Sky in the opening section of the Busan Handicap. His patient ride and inside run proved decisive in a tense finish.
Later in the evening, California Moxie broke through for his first victory after 15 attempts. Partnered with Hugh Bowman for trainer Tony Cruz, the gelding produced a determined late charge to secure the win in the Daegu Handicap. Another thrilling finish followed as The Azure, ridden by Zac Purton, narrowly held off Dragon Star in the Incheon Handicap.
Purton wasn’t done there—he wrapped up the meeting with a second win aboard Loving Vibes in the final section of the Yeongcheon Handicap. The victory pushed his seasonal total to 102 wins, putting him well ahead in the jockey championship standings, with Bowman his nearest rival on 58.
The action continues this weekend at Sha Tin, where the spotlight will shift to the HK$4.2 million G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap over 2400 meters on Sunday, May 4.
