Andrea Atzeni enjoyed a memorable afternoon at Sha Tin on Sunday, producing a superb four-winner haul to record his best day since arriving in Hong Kong, while Fast Network delivered a polished performance to capture the meeting’s feature Essex Handicap and reward his consistent efforts this season.
The experienced jockey enjoyed a rich vein of form throughout the meeting, striking with He Was Me, Juicy Dragon, Good Chap and Endued to move his season tally to 35 victories. The quartet marked Atzeni’s finest single-day performance in the city and added further momentum to his pursuit of the leading riders in the championship standings.
Only eight-time champion Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman have recorded more winners this campaign, and Atzeni’s productive afternoon — which also included a second and two third-place finishes from 11 rides — highlighted his growing influence in the local riding ranks.
Reflecting on the day, Atzeni acknowledged the support behind his recent run of success. “I had good rides but, as you know, it doesn’t always work out,” he said. “I’ve had a good day. The two horses on the All Weather Track had great chances, Tony’s had a chance too and the only question with Endued was the draw. I’m picking nice rides and the support is coming. Here you can never look back; you always have to keep looking forward.”
Fast Network Stars in Sha Tin Race Results 8 March Feature
While Atzeni dominated the winners’ enclosure, the day’s feature belonged to Fast Network, who secured the Class 1 Essex Handicap (1200m) for trainer Dennis Yip under Zac Purton.
Carrying 135lb, the consistent sprinter had previously finished behind leading speedster Ka Ying Rising in major races this season and was rewarded for that solid form with a decisive performance. Settled fifth along the rail, Fast Network travelled strongly before Purton guided him through a gap in the straight to defeat Sky Trust, with Invincible Shield finishing third. The winning time was 1:08.28.
Purton praised the gelding’s consistency after the race. “It was a really nice win. He’s been consistent all season,” he said. “He drew barrier one today and there was a bit of speed in the race, which helped. Carrying top weight against younger horses is never easy, but he handled it well and finished the job comfortably.”
Trainer Dennis Yip echoed those sentiments, noting the strength of competition faced by his runner earlier in the season. “Everybody knows Ka Ying Rising is extremely strong,” Yip said. “My horse is very consistent and I still think he had something left today.”
Endued Earns Bonus with Brave Victory
One of the most determined performances of the afternoon came from Endued in the Class 3 Kowloon Tong Club Trophy Handicap (1600m). Starting from the wide draw in barrier 14, the John Size-trained runner showed early speed to cross the field before holding off Smart Avenue by a head in a gripping finish.
The victory also secured a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million, further highlighting the significance of the performance as the gelding builds toward a possible start in the prestigious Hong Kong Derby later this month.
Strong Support Acts Across the Card
Tony Cruz enjoyed a productive meeting as well, with Irish import Stunning Peach continuing his resurgence when taking the Class 2 Devon Handicap (1800m) under Angus Chung. The trainer indicated the horse could target the Group 3 Premier Plate later in the season.
Cruz later completed a treble when Winning Ovation, returning after a 308-day break, scored comfortably in the Class 3 Cumberland Handicap (1400m) with Alexis Badel in the saddle.
Elsewhere on the programme, Frankie Lor’s productive month continued when Run Run Sunrise captured the Class 4 Suffolk Handicap (1000m) under Derek Leung, stopping the clock at 56.87 seconds.
James Orman partnered Magnifique to success in the Class 3 Cornwall Handicap (1200m, dirt) for trainer David Hall, while also claiming victory with The Golden Knight for Francis Lui following a successful objection.
Jamie Richards-trained Yee Cheong Glory rounded out the winners when Hugh Bowman guided the grey to a neat victory in the Class 4 Kent Handicap (1200m).
The meeting showcased a blend of emerging talent and seasoned performers, providing an entertaining afternoon of racing action at Sha Tin. Attention now shifts to the midweek fixture at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
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