Jamie Richards is eager to see what Wellington can do in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on Sunday, 28 January at Sha Tin.

No longer the kingpin of Hong Kong’s sprinting ranks – a crown which is now worn by his current sparring partner Lucky Sweynesse – Wellington kicked off his seven-year-old season with a pair of competitive third placings, indicating that even as a veteran, the earner of HK$67.13 million still has the vim and vigour to mix it with his younger adversaries.

“He’s going to have to be at the top of his game with Lucky Sweynesse in there but we’re looking forward to next weekend,” Richards said.

Wellington is a four-time Group 1 winner. The 2021/22 Hong Kong Champion Sprinter stepped out for a barrier trial on the dirt under jockey Hugh Bowman on Tuesday (16 January) over 1200m. He clocked 1m 10.71s as he overhauled Apache Pass for first spot.

“He’s just had a bit of an easy time since the Hong Kong Sprint. The plan was to always give him a maintenance trial here and he seems to be in good shape,” Richards said.

Lucky Sweynesse heads the Centenary Sprint Cup entries. Courier Wonder, Duke Wai, Flying Ace, Lucky With You, Packing Treadmill, Sight Success, Son Pak Fu, Super Wealthy, Taj Dragon, Victor The Winner and Whizz Kid are also entered to run.

Wellington has had two starts for Richards, most recently in the HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) last month. He was formerly trained by Richard Gibson, who departed Hong Kong’s ranks at the conclusion of last term.

“He’ll just do a little bit of work a couple of times next week and that should have him where he needs to be,” Richards said.

Looking to Happy Valley’s fixture this evening (Wednesday, 17 January), Richards saddles Happy United in the Class 3 Hong Kong Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1000m).

“You have those old, hardened horses that are at the top in there who know exactly what the game is all about but he’s still a young horse and hopefully he has a few more (rating) points in hand,” Richards said.

Happy United has won twice in Hong Kong and pairs with leading rider Zac Purton from barrier four with 118lb assigned. The likes of Heroic Master (129lb), Atomic Energy (121lb) and Nicconi County (121lb) feature among the 10-runner field.

Happy United finished third last start on debut in Class 3.

“He ran well. Caspar’s (Fownes) horse (Explosive Witness) just got the dream run through, it was a beautiful ride by James (McDonald) and we just got flushed out on the corner, which maybe just cost us a length or two but he still ran well for his first time in Class 3,” Richards said.

The bay shuttled to Conghua following last start. He had one barrier trial there, finishing second.

“He had a little maintenance trial up there. He seems to be in good shape and everything is in order, he has a nice draw and hopefully he can have a little bit of luck,” Richards said.

Richards saddles seven runners this evening, including the in-form Ernest Feeling and Armour Eagle. The trainer has 11 wins at Happy Valley this season.

Tonight’s (Wednesday, 17 January) eight-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 7.10pm with the Class 5 Murray Handicap (1800m).