Francis Lui has laid down an ominous marker ahead of Golden Sixty’s imminent return on Sunday with a Happy Valley double crowned by Sunny Star’s spectacular victory in the Class 2 The Japan Racing Association Trophy (1650m) on Wednesday (17 November).
Lui, who will saddle Golden Sixty in the BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin this weekend, took training honours at tonight’s meeting after Party Warrior preceded Sunny Star’s driving victory.
Last entering the home straight, Sunny Star weaved his way through the field under Alexis Badel to give the Frenchman a brace and outright third in the jockeys’ championship with 17 victories, while Lui improved his tally to 13 wins.
“It was a fantastic effort from the horse. I know he’s got good ability, especially when you can get him to relax. If you can do that, he can have a very fast final section,” Badel said. “I was just lucky to come right on time, he’s got a very good heart.
“When you have momentum with him, it’s quite easy with him. Happy Valley is always very good for him. He can relax and sprint very well at the end.”
Lui said: “Very happy. He got a bad draw (barrier eight of 11) and the jockey was very patient with him and gave him a chance. He’s an honest horse and he can still improve.”