Erasing the memories of a recent challenging spell, Matthew Poon posted his second treble of the season to take riding honours at Sha Tin on Sunday (21 May) as John Size moved closer to a record 12th Hong Kong trainers’ championship with a double.
Poon entered the meeting on a 38-ride winless streak but immediately halted the bleak sequence aboard Size-trained Speedy Fortune, who swept to a three-length victory in the day’s opening event, the Class 4 Wheelchair Fencing Handicap (1200m).
Making the most of his opportunities, 29-year-old Poon also found the winners’ circle with Pakistan Friend, who led all the way to make it two wins in a row with success in the Class 4 Lawn Bowls Handicap (1800m) for Chris So before Ka Ying Spirit sealed Poon’s treble with a tenacious win in the Class 3 Tenpin Bowling Handicap (1000m).
Winless since Reve Parisien triumphed on 23 April, Poon was asked by Shum to visit a temple before today’s meeting as he sought to end the barren streak.
“I asked (Matthew) to go to the temple to pray for some good luck. He went on Saturday. Maybe the God helped him,” Shum said as Poon advanced to his first treble since 5 October, 2022 at Happy Valley.
Taking his tally to 19 wins for the season, Poon conceded the wait before his Sunday spree had been frustrating.
“It’s been a long time. In the second half of the season, I have a better connection with the horses. It’s great to get this result, but I still have to keep working hard,” he said. It hasn’t been easy because I’ve been a bit quiet recently, so it’s nice to get some winners.
“I’m grateful for the support from the trainers and owners and hopefully there’s more to come. All the horses ran well today and did a good job.”