Luke Ferraris posted a belated birthday present, while Lyle Hewitson enjoyed the honour of winning the final race of 2023 in Hong Kong at Happy Valley on Friday.
David Hayes and Lyle Hewitson combined to close the meeting in style with Star Contact, who cruised to victory in the Class 3 Pak Tam Au Handicap (1650m). Now a three-time course and distance winner, Star Contact provided Hayes with his 14th success of the campaign.
Hugh Bowman posted his first win since suffering injuries after a race fall on 11 November when Caspar Fownes-trained Valhalla landed the Class 5 Nam Long Shan Handicap (1200m).
“It didn’t take long, but it’s nice to get the support and it’s nice to be back,” Bowman said, who has recovered from shoulder and spinal injuries. “I’ve still got a bit of work to do to get to where I want to be.
“I was out for a long time so it’s good to be back and good to be on the board.”
Fownes notched a double when Lyrical Motion won the second section of the Class 4 Pat Sin Leng Handicap (1200m) under Alexis Badel.
Super Baby provided Luke Ferraris with a belated 22nd birthday present when Mark Newnham’s galloper won the first section of the Class 4 Middle Gap Handicap (1650m).
Luke Ferraris – celebrating! (Pic – HKJC)
“It’s a nice present, Mark’s team is going well and I’m extremely grateful for the support,” Ferraris said after the South African slotted his 16th victory for the season.
The outsider of the field, Green Laser broke through for his first Hong Kong success in the Class 5 Tung Wan Shan Handicap (2200m) for Chris So and Keith Yeung. Last approaching the 600m, the seven-year-old, who won at Group 3 level in South Africa in 2020, triumphed at his 24th Hong Kong start.
Alfred Chan posted his second win of the season when Tony Cruz-trained Atomic Beauty swept to victory in the second section of the Class 4 Middle Gap Handicap (1650m) before Ernest Feeling continued his strong run of form with his third win in four starts by snaring the first section of the Class 4 Pat Sin Leng Handicap (1200m).
The gelding provided the first leg of a brace for Jamie Richards, who also scored with Armour Eagle in the Class 3 High West Handicap (1200m).
“It’s been a good night for the stable,” Richards said. “Hopefully we can carry the momentum into the new year. All credit to James (McDonald) on Armour Eagle – it was a beautiful ride – and Antoine did a good job on Ernest Feeling.”
- Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Monday 1 January for the New Year’s Day meeting and the running of the Gr3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap.
