Apprentice Victor Wong celebrated a major milestone in his career with his first Hong Kong victory at Sha tin on Monday aboard Always Win in the day’s feature, the Class 3 Hong Kong Lions Cup Handicap (1200m).

Ten-pound claimer Wong, who was having just his sixth ride in Hong Kong after returning from his training in Australia, positioned the Benno Yung-trained Always Win fourth, one off the rail, in the early stages. 

Upon straightening, Wong shook the reins at Always Win, but the gelding did not initially respond. It took a vigorous drive from the 24-year-old to get the Bahamian Bounty seven-year-old home for his second win in a row.

“Of course, riding my first winner here at home was very exciting, especially in a trophy race,” Wong said. “I’ve waited a long time to get a Hong Kong winner, so this means a lot. Unfortunately, my family was not here, they are on the Chinese Mainland, but I will celebrate with them when they return.”
Yung added: “It was a good ride but he’s still got a lot to learn, as any young apprentice does at that stage of his career. I was happy to put Victor aboard though because I thought Always Win was in top form and he would be an easy ride for him. The 10 pounds was crucial.”

For Yung, it had been a long road back for the injury-prone Always Win. The galloper, who was named Mick’s Yer Man in Great Britain, has been restricted to eight starts for Yung in the last two years.

“I first got him in early 2016 and he had a number of injuries early,” Yung said. “I told the owner (Patricia Hui) he may never race again, and that was the same after his fracture last May. But the owner has given me the space and the time to nurse him back to health and it is a tribute to her patience that he has now won two races in a row.”

In addition, Wong also finished second on two last-start winners; Sun Touch led until the 50m before finishing runner-up to Harmony Hero in the closer, while the John Moore-trained Agree was overhauled late by Douglas Whyte aboard Caspar Fownes’ Royal Performer in the Class 3 Oncidium Handicap (1600m). 

Whyte, who also won the Class 3 Freesia Handicap (1200m) aboard Star Shine, was one of two riders to post a brace. Joao Moreira took his championship lead to 10 after wins aboard the John Size-trained pair Aerohappiness and What Else But You.

Racing resumes at Sha Tin on Sunday, with a Group 2 double-header – the Sprint Cup (1200m) and the Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) – highlighting the meeting.

Apprentice Victor Wong scores his first Hong Kong victory aboard the Benno Yung-trained Always Win, picture Hong Kong Jockey Club