The race for Hong Kong’s prestigious Tony Cruz Award has taken an exciting turn as Matthew Chadwick continues to close the gap on rival Matthew Poon. With only six meetings remaining in the 2024/25 season, Chadwick’s impressive double at Happy Valley on Wednesday has brought him within striking distance of the coveted title for the city’s leading homegrown jockey.
Riding with determination, Chadwick piloted Superb Capitalist to victory in the St George’s Challenge Cup Handicap (1000m), marking the horse’s fifth success at Happy Valley. He followed that up with a strong performance aboard Another Zonda in the Renfrew Handicap (1650m), registering the gelding’s first win at the city circuit after previous success at Sha Tin. These results take Chadwick’s season tally to 34 wins, just two shy of Poon’s 36.
The 2021/22 Tony Cruz Award winner has been in fine form recently, steadily reducing Poon’s lead with consistent results over the last few weeks. Reflecting on his current momentum, Chadwick acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting the shrinking field sizes and competitive nature of the season’s final meetings, but remains optimistic about picking up more quality rides.
The night at Happy Valley also saw standout performances from several other contenders. My Day My Way produced a thrilling late charge to secure victory by the narrowest of margins in the second division of the Hereford Handicap (1200m), giving trainer Danny Shum and jockey Jerry Chau cause for celebration. Shum, buoyed by the win, believes the gelding has the potential to succeed in Class 3 after a well-deserved break.
Shum later completed a double when progressive three-year-old Wrote A New Page delivered his second consecutive win in the Lancashire Handicap (1650m), with Harry Bentley aboard.
Trainer Michael Chang also notched a brace on the night. Woodfire Champ secured his second course and distance victory in the Chester Handicap (1200m), while Amazing Victory, partnered by visiting jockey James Orman, stormed home in the Hereford Handicap (third division). Orman, originally from Queensland, has exceeded his own expectations during his Hong Kong stint, now boasting nine wins this season.
David Hayes enjoyed success with Amazing Run in the Lancashire Handicap (second division), as Lyle Hewitson guided the gelding to victory despite yet another wide draw — a recurring theme for the horse this season. Hayes expressed satisfaction in reverting to a simple gear setup, which clearly suited Amazing Run.
Veteran gelding Never Too Soon proved his staying power with a commanding three-length win in the Hereford Handicap (first division) for trainer David Hall and jockey Brenton Avdulla. After enduring a tough campaign, the seven-year-old finally capitalised on favourable race conditions to return to the winner’s circle.
Rounding off the night, Dragon Four Seas powered to victory in the Selkirk Handicap (1200m), delivering Zac Purton his 123rd win of the season and extending trainer Manfred Man’s tally to 38.
With the season rapidly approaching its conclusion, the battle for jockey honours and the quest for late-season victories is intensifying. Racing fans now turn their attention to Sha Tin, where action resumes this Saturday.
