At Sha Tin on Sunday, 26 April, attention will centre on a familiar name with a fresh dimension, as Lucky Sweynesse lines up in the Group 1 FWD Champions Mile seeking to confirm his evolution from elite sprinter to accomplished miler.
The seven-year-old, a four-time Group 1 winner, represents the stable of Manfred Man and will again be partnered by Derek Leung in the HK$24 million feature over 1600 metres. Long regarded as one of Hong Kong’s most popular racehorses, Lucky Sweynesse has compiled 17 wins from 33 starts, including a standout 2022/23 season that earned him Champion Sprinter honours.
This campaign, however, has marked a decisive shift. Having previously campaigned exclusively at sprint distances, Lucky Sweynesse has adapted impressively to the mile at Sha Tin Racecourse. He first signalled his capability when finishing second to Romantic Warrior in January’s Stewards’ Cup, before returning on 6 April to secure the Chairman’s Trophy, defeating My Wish with authority.
The progression has been carefully managed by Man, who guided the gelding back from a year-long absence caused by physical setbacks. The patient handling appears to have restored both fitness and confidence, a view echoed by Leung after the latest victory.
“He’s been waiting a long time for that win,” Leung said earlier this week. “Every time he tries hard. He’s been up against top horses like Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior, and he’s always been honest. It was good to see him get his turn again.”
Leung, who has partnered the son of Sweynesse in each of his last eight starts, reported further encouragement following a turf gallop at Sha Tin on Monday, where the gelding worked alongside stablemate Patch Of Stars in a steady 54.4 seconds.
“I’m very happy with him,” Leung added. “The stable has done a very good job to bring him back, and his form has been very consistent.”
Sunday’s contest will demand another step forward. The Champions Mile has assembled a strong field featuring multiple top-level winners, including Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble, defending champion Red Lion, Japan’s Jantar Mantar and the British challenger Docklands.
Beyond Sha Tin, the week’s programme continues at Happy Valley Racecourse, where a competitive nine-race card on Wednesday evening adds further depth to the season. Among the highlights, Bunta Baby seeks to extend a productive run of form in the Class 3 Kalanchoe Handicap, with rider Alexis Badel noting the gelding’s versatility and sharp turn of foot despite a wider draw.
“I was a bit surprised by his early speed last time, but it shows he has options,” Badel said. “He’s in good form and should run well again.”
The meeting also marks the start of a short-term contract for Australian Group 1-winning rider Ethan Brown, who is set for a full book of rides as he familiarises himself with the local circuit.
For Lucky Sweynesse, though, Sunday presents a more significant stage. A victory in the Champions Mile would not only add another major title to an already distinguished record but also confirm that his transition in distance is no temporary experiment, rather a successful reinvention at the highest level.
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