Trainer David Eustace reached a significant milestone in his debut Hong Kong season, notching the first treble of his career at Sha Tin on Sunday, April 6. The 32-year-old, who previously trained in partnership with Ciaron Maher in Australia, continues his strong rise in the local ranks with wins from REGENCY HAPPY STAR, GOOD LUCK BABE, and SEA SAPPHIRE.
“I thought we were coming here with a strong team,” said Eustace. “This is a nice surprise. They’ve all raced well and consistently, so it’s very pleasing.”
Eustace’s winning day began in the Class 5 Chung Chi Alumni Handicap (1400m) with REGENCY HAPPY STAR, guided expertly by Alexis Badel. The gelding has now won three of his last five races, and Eustace hinted at one final Class 5 run before a potential class rise.
Next came GOOD LUCK BABE, who prevailed in the Class 4 United Alumni Handicap (1600m) under Karis Teetan, before SEA SAPPHIRE dug deep to deny debut winner AKASHVANI in the Class 4 CUHK Alumni Cup Handicap (1200m) with Ben Thompson in the saddle.
Karis Teetan, meanwhile, also enjoyed a treble of his own, kicking off with a victory aboard TOP THRONE for David Hayes in the second section of the Class 4 New Asia Alumni Handicap. The gelding made a sharp improvement from his debut and never looked in doubt.
Teetan’s second winner came with promising youngster MR COOL, who stormed home in the Class 4 Morningside Alumni Handicap (1400m) for trainer Frankie Lor. The gelding races for the same connections as former Group 1 sprint star MR STUNNING, and Teetan expressed special affection for the colours.
“It’s turned out to be a great day,” Teetan said. “You could see today, not many horses won from where he was, but the speed was on and he really responded.”
Another standout performance came from VOYAGE SAMURAI, who notched his fifth career win in the Class 2 Faculty Of Education Alumni Handicap (1600m). Ridden confidently by Derek Leung, the honest gelding dictated terms throughout and finished powerfully in 1:34.78.
Trainer John Size and jockey Hugh Bowman combined with rising star SKY JEWELLERY, who dazzled in the Class 3 Wu Yee Sun And Lee Woo Sing Alumni Handicap. Already marked as a 2026 Four-Year-Old Classic Series prospect, the gelding handled the mile with class and maturity.
In the sprint divisions, GENEVA continued his consistent season for trainer David Hall, securing his third win in six starts thanks to a pinpoint ride from Brenton Avdulla in the Class 3 Shaw Alumni Handicap. Avdulla later partnered BRILLIANT EXPRESS—also trained by Size—to a third win in the Class 3 S.H. Ho And C.W. Chu Alumni Handicap, bringing his season tally to 36.
Elsewhere, Jerry Chau delivered a narrow win with CHATEAU LE PECHE in the Class 5 Graduate School Alumni Handicap (2000m), providing a breakthrough victory for trainer Jimmy Ting.
Hong Kong racing resumes at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, April 9.
