Beauty Joy proved age is just a number as he stormed to victory in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Premier Plate Handicap at Sha Tin, silencing retirement talks and securing his place on the track for another season. The seasoned eight-year-old, partnered by Brenton Avdulla and prepared by Tony Cruz, produced a late burst of speed to defeat a strong field over 1800 meters.
Once racing as Talladega during an unbeaten stint in Australia back in 2020, the Sebring gelding showed his class once again. Despite settling near the rear early on, Beauty Joy saved his energy for the final stages. He followed Cap Ferrat, the BMW Hong Kong Derby winner, before both made their moves to reel in Pray For Mir. In the end, Beauty Joy’s acceleration sealed his seventh Hong Kong win and fourth at Group level, boosting his impressive career earnings past the HK$35 million mark.
Trainer Tony Cruz hinted that retirement had been under consideration, but the victory changed the outlook. Cruz confirmed that owner Simon Kwok had expressed hope for one more season if Beauty Joy could deliver — and deliver he did.
Brenton Avdulla, still riding high after the recent birth of his son Kobe, acknowledged the challenge of handling Beauty Joy but credited the quirky veteran for rising to the occasion. Avdulla, the only jockey to win on Beauty Joy in recent years, timed his ride to perfection, noting how difficult the horse can be in the early stages but how reliable his finishing kick is when conditions suit.
Meanwhile, the meeting saw several standout performances. John Size continued his dominance towards a record 13th Hong Kong trainers’ title as Szeryng, ridden by Karis Teetan, impressed in the Class 4 Diamond Handicap. Chris So added to his strong season, with Golden Fairy and Lightness Of Music both scoring under different jockeys.
Zac Purton showed his class once again, guiding Lightness Of Music to victory despite pre-race complications, and later teaming up with Lo Pan Spirit for another win. Elsewhere, Brenton Avdulla’s successful day continued as he steered Mister Dapper to victory, extending the Eustace family’s winning streak, following Harry Eustace’s notable double at Royal Ascot.
Further success followed with Douglas Whyte’s Morgan Success claiming a significant PP Bonus, Cody Mo and Derek Leung combining for a win with Jumbo Treasure, and Flying Fortress closing the meeting in style under Harry Bentley.
The action returns on Wednesday night at Happy Valley, promising another evening of thrilling Hong Kong racing.
