Frankie Lor breathed new life into the trainers’ championship with a double at Sha Tin this afternoon (Sunday, 18 June) as Sauvestre overhauled red-hot favourite Flaming Rabbit to capture the HK$2.64 million Class 2 Lek Yuen Handicap (1400m).
Trimming John Size’s lead from eight to six (68-62), Lor – reigning Hong Kong Champion Trainer (2021/22) – has steadily crept into serious contention after the season’s ninth-last fixture with seven wins this month compared to his former mentor Size’s three.
On a day when Zac Purton persevered towards Joao Moreira’s record of 170 wins in a single Hong Kong season with a sparkling four-timer to reach 155 wins, the Lor-trained Sauvestre lifted under Luke Ferraris to deny Flaming Rabbit in the programme’s feature.
“It was tough, he was obviously coming up against a nice horse (Flaming Rabbit) but they put up a good fight. He dug deep and he’s come on from his first run – it’s worked out well and all credit to Frankie and his team for having him in superb condition,” Ferraris said.
Returning from several setbacks, the Hinchinbrook gelding has been prudently managed by Lor across five starts this season for two seconds and today’s win.