Jumbo Legend demonstrated his endurance and versatility with a determined victory in the Class 3 Hanshin Handicap (2200m) at Happy Valley. The six-year-old, trained by Caspar Fownes, had previously secured wins at shorter distances but proved his staying power with a well-fought success over Fallon. Jockey Harry Bentley guided him to the finish line in 2m 14.18s, overcoming the challenge with a late surge. Charity Gain finished further behind in third place.
Bentley expressed his satisfaction with the horse’s ability to handle the longer trip, acknowledging that there were initial doubts about the extended distance. However, Jumbo Legend’s strong finishing ability and adaptability proved decisive in securing the win. Trainer Fownes praised the gelding’s consistency and noted that the horse had performed well over various distances, making this step up a logical progression.
The evening also marked the conclusion of Richard Kingscote’s short-term riding contract in Hong Kong. He capped off his stint on a high note by piloting Giant Leap to victory in the second section of the Class 4 Nakayama Handicap (1200m) for trainer Ricky Yiu. Kingscote, who had previously secured a treble at Sha Tin, expressed gratitude for the support he received during his time in Hong Kong. Declan McDonogh also wrapped up his contract, finishing with a single win at Happy Valley earlier in March.
Andrea Atzeni maintained his momentum in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship with another impressive performance. He secured victory aboard Crystal Powerful in the Class 4 Japan Racing Association Trophy Handicap (1000m), narrowly defeating Plentiful. Atzeni highlighted that the horse had benefitted from a favorable draw, which played a crucial role in his back-to-back wins. The jockey later added another success to his tally, guiding Kaholo Angel to victory in the Class 3 Kyoto Handicap (1200m), bringing his season total to 38 wins, trailing only Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman in the standings.
Keagan De Melo and trainer Chris So continued their productive partnership, celebrating their sixth win together this season. Their three-year-old runner, Top Time, secured victory in the first section of the Class 4 Chukyo Handicap (1650m). De Melo acknowledged So’s support and emphasized the horse’s potential for further improvement. Meanwhile, Dragon Four Seas showcased his acceleration to claim back-to-back wins in the first section of the Class 4 Nakayama Handicap (1200m) under Bowman for trainer Manfred Man.
A new Class 4 1650m record was set at Happy Valley as Highland Rahy eclipsed the longstanding mark held by Flying Elite since 2013. The Hard Spun gelding completed the race in 1m 38.42s with an all-the-way triumph in the second section of the Chukyo Handicap. Jockey Lyle Hewitson credited the horse’s ability to maintain pressure throughout the race, securing an authoritative win for trainer Francis Lui.
Golden Darci delivered an eye-catching performance by storming from last place to clinch the Class 5 Niigata Handicap (1200m) under James Orman. Overcoming a wide draw, the gelding made a sweeping move to seize victory for trainer Douglas Whyte. Orman notched his third win of the season, reflecting on the horse’s strong finishing effort.
Zac Purton continued his successful collaboration with trainer Pierre Ng, guiding Aestheticism to a commanding win in the Class 3 Tokyo Handicap (1650m). The victory marked the horse’s fourth career success, all of which have come under Purton’s expert handling. The seasoned jockey’s dominance remains evident as he further strengthens his position in the Hong Kong racing scene.
Racing in Hong Kong resumes this Sunday (6 April) at Sha Tin, promising another exciting day of competition.
