Speed Dragon (NZ) (Darci Brahma) made a triumphant return to racing on Wednesday following 241 days away after scorching to a rousing first-up success in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Lei Yue Mun Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley.
Sidelined for four months following a ligament injury, Speed Dragon – the first winner of a running treble for jockey Vincent Ho – crossed immediately from his wide draw (10) to settle in last position. Pacesetter Telecom Fighters made the running before yielding at the top of the home straight as Speed Dragon gradually pinched ground.
Helene Feeling took the lead turning for home as Californiatotality made his run. Ho asked the Francis Lui-trained Speed Dragon to lift between runners and the six-year-old obliged, clocking a race-best 22.87s over the final 400m to defeat Californiatotality in 1m 47.96s by a short head with Encountered filling third.
“He trialled very well, so I actually expected him to be very competitive, which he was,” Ho said. “It was great that he could win for the owner. Everything went well for him; the opening on the inside was perfect.
“I think so (to progressing further), it’s still early in the season and he will be fitter after this race tonight. I’m grateful that Francis and my boss (Caspar Fownes) support me. Hopefully I can kick on some more.”
Ho, who returned to competition at the start of this season following neck fractures and a head injury, sealed his trio when Lui’s King Miles held onto the Class 3 Hok Yuen Handicap (1200m) over a fast-finishing Storm Rider. Tonight’s treble his Ho’s first since 1 December, 2024.
A clever ride from Luke Ferraris saw Satono Aladdin gelding King Glorioso (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) hold off a rampaging Thunder Prince by a nose in the first section of the Class 4 Fung Mo Handicap (1200m) for trainer Douglas Whyte.
Whyte said: “Only when the number went up was I happy. Luke gave him an absolutely beautiful ride – he could’ve led but he let the speed go, took advantage of that, got the horse to settle and he got off the rail and got going at the right time. The margin was very narrow but a win’s a win, so the good ride made the difference.”