After a long hiatus, Lucky Sweynesse is set to make his highly anticipated return to racing at the FWD Champions Day on Sunday, April 27. Trained by Manfred Man and owned by a group including Cheng Ming Leung, Cheng Yu Tung, Cheng Mei Mei, and Cheng Yu Wai, the horse will compete in the prestigious HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin, with hopes of completing a remarkable comeback after more than a year off.
Lucky Sweynesse’s journey has been anything but easy. The sprinter, who clinched the 2023 Chairman’s Sprint Prize and earned the title of Hong Kong’s Champion Sprinter during the 2022/23 season, faced a major health setback in 2024. After triumphing in the G2 Sprint Cup in April of that year, the gelding underwent left fore fetlock surgery and was forced to sit out of competition for over a year. Despite the lengthy recovery, Lucky Sweynesse has shown promising signs in recent trials, leaving his connections optimistic about his performance in this top-tier event.
Veteran owner Cheng Ming Leung expressed his unwavering patience throughout the horse’s recovery, highlighting the importance of staying hopeful during challenging times. While acknowledging the long break from racing, Cheng mentioned that the team kept faith in the horse’s ability to return to his prime. The return to FWD Champions Day holds special significance, as it marks the same event where Lucky Sweynesse had previously triumphed two years ago.
Cheng further praised the work of trainer Manfred Man and his team for their dedication in getting the horse back in peak form. With the gelding now fully recovered, Cheng is hopeful that Lucky Sweynesse will be competitive on Sunday, based on his impressive performances in recent trials. “The horse has a good heart,” said Cheng, “and we are excited to see him back to his best. We’re optimistic about his chances, and I believe he will be in the mix.”
Adding to the confidence surrounding Lucky Sweynesse’s return is the involvement of top jockey James McDonald. Cheng revealed that McDonald proactively reached out to the team, expressing his desire to ride the horse once again. With their successful partnership in the past, Cheng believes McDonald’s involvement further strengthens the horse’s prospects.
Although the race is expected to be highly competitive, with strong contenders such as Ka Ying Rising, Cheng remains hopeful for a strong performance from his prized sprinter. With the support of a dedicated team and a top-class jockey, the stage is set for what could be a thrilling comeback for Lucky Sweynesse on Sunday.
