The race for the final spot in the upcoming Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley was a closely contested affair, with Lyle Hewitson ultimately securing his position in a dramatic fashion. Despite a challenging night where victories were hard to come by for the contenders, Hewitson’s second-place finish aboard Happy Tango proved pivotal, tying him with Brenton Avdulla in wins and pushing him ahead due to his superior count of third-place finishes.
The competition was intense as Luke Ferraris, another contender, claimed his 10th win in the Class Four Plover Cove Handicap (1,200m) with Scotch Tycoon, further heating up the race for the coveted IJC spot. However, Ferraris could only manage fourth in the final race, leaving the door open for Hewitson.
This will be Hewitson’s third appearance in the IJC, having been a late addition the previous year. He joins an elite line-up of jockeys, including Zac Purton, Karis Teetan, Vincent Ho Chak-yiu, and eight international jockeys. Reflecting on his qualification, Hewitson expressed his gratitude and anticipation for the championship, hoping for a successful outcome in his third attempt.
The evening at Happy Valley was not just about the IJC qualification race. Jockey Alfred Chan Ka-hei, riding for trainer David Hayes, celebrated his first win of the 2023-24 season with Samarkand in the Class Four American Club Challenge Cup (1,650m). This victory marked a significant moment for Chan, breaking a drought that had lasted since July.
In contrast, jockeys Karis Teetan and Vincent Ho, already assured of their places in the IJC, delivered impressive performances. Teetan extended his winning streak with a double victory, while Ho also secured a double, elevating his total wins to 13 for the season. Both jockeys expressed excitement and readiness to compete against the world’s finest in the upcoming IJC.
Trainer Jamie Richards also had a notable night, achieving a double with Ernest Feeling and Happy United. Ernest Feeling, ridden by Antoine Hamelin, delivered a commanding win in the Class Five Tai Lam Chung Handicap (1,200m), marking a strong start for Richards this season.
The anticipation now builds for the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship, where the world’s top jockeys will showcase their skills and vie for supremacy in one of the most prestigious events in horse racing.
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