There’s something magnetic about a horse who knows how to win — and Lo Rider has quickly earned that aura. After an eye-catching first-up victory last month, Caspar Fownes’ promising gelding returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday night (15 October), looking to extend his unbeaten run this season in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Lei Yue Mun Handicap (1800m).
The Irish-bred son of Harzand, previously known as Sharinay when racing under the colours of His Highness the Aga Khan IV, carried his early reputation with him to Hong Kong. His debut local campaign was filled with promise, highlighted by a brave fourth-place finish in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin last March — a sign that Fownes had unearthed a horse with genuine staying potential.
When Lo Rider returned on 17 September, he did so in style — cruising home by three-quarters of a length over 1650m in Class 2 company. That victory not only confirmed his class but also suggested there’s much more to come. With eight starts under his belt and over HK$7 million in prize money, the gelding now looks ready to climb higher.
“He arrived back from Conghua looking extremely well — healthy coat, happy attitude,” Fownes said. “We’re stretching him out by an extra 150 metres, which I think will really suit him. He’s learning to settle better, and he’s in a great headspace right now.”
Rivalry Renewed at Happy Valley
The field for Wednesday’s feature is packed with quality. Encountered (128lb), who finished second behind Lo Rider last time, returns for another crack, while the likes of Chill Chibi (133lb), Californiatotality (130lb), and Helene Feeling (128lb) add depth to the nine-furlong contest. Harry Bentley retains the ride on Lo Rider, drawn in barrier nine after steering him to victory from gate one.
“Encountered chased us last start, and he’s definitely one to respect,” Fownes added. “But my horse is progressing the right way. The goal is to get his rating into the triple digits — once you do that, you’ve done your job. Anything after that is a bonus.”
Fownes also fields Jumbo Legend (121lb), who ran fifth behind Lo Rider last start. The durable seven-year-old boasts seven Happy Valley wins across distances from 1200m to 2200m and remains a consistent performer.
With nine winners from his first 62 starters this term, Fownes sits near the top of the Hong Kong trainers’ standings, chased closely by Jamie Richards (seven wins) and current leader Mark Newnham (11 wins).
Richards Targets Another Valley Success
Richards’ rapid rise continues, with his in-form runner La Forza (131lb) contesting the Class 3 Hok Yuen Handicap (1200m). A three-time Sha Tin winner, La Forza has been showing speed and improvement since placing third on his Happy Valley debut.
“He’s been racing well — just needed to tidy up his barrier manners,” Richards said. “He trialled nicely and should handle 1200m no problem. Zac [Purton] is happy with him, and that’s always a good sign.”
Looking Ahead
The night’s nine-race card kicks off at 6:40pm with the Class 5 Ngau Chi Wan Handicap (1650m), setting the stage for another thrilling midweek meeting at Hong Kong’s city circuit. All eyes, though, will be on Lo Rider — the galloper who looks poised to take another confident step toward becoming one of Hong Kong’s most exciting rising stars.
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