Chau hopes kiwi breds can provide a winning start
Jockey Jerry Chau returns to Hong Kong racing on Wednesday at Happy Valley hoping some New Zealand bred horses can start his season with the same momentum that resulted in an unlikely stakes win in Korea on Sunday.
Chau, 25, who skilfully avoided much of the sand course’s harsh kickback aboard Self Improvement on his way to Korea Sprint victory, is booked for five rides at the city circuit, including Embraces (NZ) (Reliable Man) in the Class 3 Central Handicap (1650m) for trainer Cody Mo.
“Hopefully the outside draw (10) will help Embraces because he always comes from behind. He’s in good form, in good shape and I think he will run good,” Chau said.
Happy Valley’s opening meeting of the season marks the start of the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, worth HK$1.5 million, which runs from tomorrow night until 4 February, 2026. The competition is for horses racing in Class 3 and above, with points awarded for first, second, third and fourth place finishes.
Success first-up at Happy Valley for Embraces will secure 15 points in the challenge. Second receives six points, third gets four, while fourth place secures three points. David Hayes’ Soleil Fighter won the 2024/25 edition with an unmatched 65 points accrued, featuring three wins, for owner Sze-To Kin Sun.
Chau also partners Flying Wrote (NZ) (Wrote) in the Class 4 Quarry Bay Handicap (1200m) for trainer Tony Cruz.
“Last season he ran a good race on the final day (when third). I’ve trialled him this season and he was still a little bit heavy in that trial, but after that he will improve,” Chau said.
Chasing a hat-trick, four-year-old Wrote A New Page (NZ) (Wrote) steps away from draw seven for trainer Danny Shum and jockey Harry Bentley in the Central Handicap. The bay has been gelded between seasons.
“He finished the season in really good form and it’s great to get back on board and see how he goes. Danny’s certainly good for getting his horses fit at the beginning of the season. I don’t expect this horse to be any different. I sat on him the other morning and he felt really good. He was moving very, very nicely and all is good,” Bentley said. “There was no point keeping him as an entire. It probably just gets his mind focused on the job that bit more, which is going to do no harm.”
In preparation for his shot at Japan’s Gr.1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama on 28 September, Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) finished second to Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) in Sunday’s HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) with Derek Leung.
“We are very happy. The stable did a very good job and his action was good. His fitness is getting better and better. He’s still not 100 percent fit. It’s step-by-step, he’s older, so he needs a few runs to get his routine back. He’s pulled up good and his movement was good,” Leung said.
