The Sha Tin crowd roared long before the numbers went up. Zac Purton gave Patch Of Stars an affectionate pat past the winning post, while trainer Manfred Man watched with a quiet, satisfied smile. It was the sort of win that felt bigger than just another Class 2 success — a moment that hinted at serious progress ahead for a gelding shaping toward the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
Purton had voiced mild concerns about the wide draw earlier in the week, but once the gates opened, he delivered a ride full of clarity and conviction. From barrier nine, the pair travelled sweetly into the box seat, and when the run appeared, Patch Of Stars lengthened like a horse heading in the right direction. He put away a competitive field with assurance in Saturday’s feature Lukfook Jewellery Cup Handicap (1200m), stamping himself as a rising force this season.
The victory also became part of a bigger story: Purton’s treble on the day, stretching his lead in the jockeys’ standings and reminding everyone why he remains the benchmark in Hong Kong racing.
Man was quick to underline the horse’s sweet spot distance. “At 1200 metres he’s more comfortable,” he said. “He went up to Class 2 today and did it again, so I think we’ve found what suits him best.”
Behind the winner, Invincible Shield and Aeris Nova — both nominated for next month’s international meeting — closed well for second and third, enhancing their own credentials.
Purton’s treble gathers momentum
The first leg of Purton’s hat-trick came aboard Supreme Agility, who finally broke through at his 24th Hong Kong attempt in the Class 4 Heirloom Fortune Collection Handicap (1650m, dirt). Trainer Pierre Ng praised patience and maturity. “He’s just more straightforward now,” Ng said. “The owner stayed patient and today he earned it.”
Purton sealed the treble later with Beauty Bolt in the Class 3 Night Banquet In Tang Palace Collection Handicap (1600m), adding another bright prospect to his growing list of season successes.
Ng strikes back with a timely double
It had been a lean few weeks for Pierre Ng, but Saturday marked a welcome return to form. On The Lash delivered relief in the Class 5 Wedding Collection Handicap (1800m), holding on bravely under Luke Ferraris, while the young rider continued his push toward LONGINES IJC qualification.
Ng’s afternoon only improved when Loch Tay produced the shock of the day in the Class 3 Joaillerie Handicap (1650m, dirt). Richard Kingscote, who had been waiting for his first win of the season, drove the gelding home with determination to finally end his long winless stretch.
Debut delight and late drama on an eventful card
Salon S made a sharp impression on debut in the Hexicon Handicap (1200m), controlling the race from early stages to secure a decisive win under Matthew Poon, who extended his superb run to seven wins from the past seven meetings.
James McDonald collected an important success for Mark Newnham when Crimson Flash produced a polished sprint to land the Class 3 Shimmering Gold Collection Handicap (1000m). For Newnham, it marked a timely rebound after a rare four-meeting pause in winners.
There was drama in the Miss Hong Kong Love Yourself Collection Handicap (1400m) when McDonald was unseated from Aerovolanic at the start. Fortunately, he walked away unhurt. Bucephalas, meanwhile, sliced through the field under Matthew Chadwick to secure his first Hong Kong success.
The final scheduled contest — the Ccool Collection Handicap (1200m) — was voided due to safety concerns after Dreaming Winner dislodged jockey Matthew Poon. Both horse and rider were reported to be unharmed.
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday (19 November).
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