Vincent Ho Chak-yiu and Jerry Chau Chun-lok continued their duel for the local riders’ spot at next month’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, with Ho narrowly in front after the pair rode doubles.
Ho entered the night one winner ahead of his nearest rival and after a brace for both riders, the status quo was maintained following a topsy-turvy evening.
It was Chau who struck first on the night, teaming up with trainer David Eustace for a race-to-race double kicked off by Apolar Fighter’s win in the Class Five Tai Hang Handicap (1,650m).
After a good midfield trip from barrier one, the gaps opened up nicely for Chau in the straight, who switched into the centre of the track and charged home to win by half a length from Excel Wongchoy.
Things got even better for Chau in the next race, with Podium lashing home from a mile back to collect the Class Five Hing Fat Handicap (1,200m).
It was a brave effort from both horse and rider, with Chau having to thread his mount through the eye of a needle to take up the lead 100m out before careering away late for an easy success.
“We’ve still got two meetings to go and it’s still too early to say but I will try my best because it’s a very good opportunity for me,” said Chau.
“I’m trying to get some good results early in the season and to have a chance to fight for a place in the IJC – I will try 200 per cent and hopefully I will get in.
“I need to thank David, who has given me great support this season. He has been giving me quality rides and tonight, the horses have been running well.”
That lead did not last long, however, with Ho fighting back later in the card and bringing up a double of his own to fend off Chau’s surge.
He has had plenty of support from Caspar Fownes this season and the pair teamed up with Mr Desira, who continued his march up the grades in the Class Four Indian Recreation Club Challenge Cup (1,000m).
It was a facile success for the unexposed galloper, who made it two wins from his past three starts when going from pillar to post under Ho.
The 35-year-old then wasted little time getting his head back in front of Chau, with the aptly named Glorious Journey enjoying a nice trip to win section one of the Class Four Caroline Hill Handicap (1,650m).
Sat towards the rear one off, Ho began his run on the turn and after straightening widest of all, the pair thundered home to collect the prize by one and a half lengths to keep Ho’s lead intact.
“The IJC is very important but after a long injury, it’s hard to get the momentum. I’m glad that the Fownes’ are supporting me and a few other trainers but it’s hard to get rides,” Ho said.
“I’m doing my best on every single horse to hopefully get in the IJC. It’s a great privilege to ride in it and I’ll just do my best.”
Meanwhile, there was a double for trainer David Hayes, who watched Samarkand salute in the second section of the Caroline Hill Handicap before Romantic Son struck in the Class Three Cotton Handicap (1,200m).
Harry Bentley also lodged a double, riding Romantic Son to success to add to his earlier win aboard Win Method for Danny Shum Chap-shing in the Class Four So Kon Po Handicap (1,200m).
Not to be outdone, Andrea Atzeni also snagged a pair of winners, saluting aboard Lakeshore Hero in the Class Four So Kon Po Handicap (1,200m) and Super Unicorn in the Class Three Causeway Bay Handicap (1,650m).
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