Wong, who scored on Jolly Companion for Manfred Man in the Class 4 Tai Ho Handicap (1200m, dirt), celebrated her first win on Sha Tin’s All Weather Track and her second overall in Hong Kong.
“We knew the pace was going to be very fast and we decided to be very positive out of the gate, even if it took 400 metres, and we eventually got to the front nice,” Wong said.
“I’ve been working very closely with Felix (Coetzee) to improve how I jump and, with the 10lb claim and drawing barrier four today and carrying only 109lb, we were carrying a lot less than the other horses, which was a big advantage.
“He travelled happy and turning into the straight, he gave me a big kick and he just kept going and it was nice to get a win for Manfred.”
Australian Ben Thompson notched his first winner of the campaign when he substituted for Bowman on Daily Trophy in the Class 5 Ho Pui Handicap (1200m, dirt) for Caspar Fownes.
“Hugh’s misfortune has been my fortune, so right place, right time,” Thompson said. “I’m very thankful to Caspar Fownes’ connections for giving me the ride on him today.
“Obviously, we have had half a dozen meetings and it’s a place that moves very quickly and it was nice to get on the right horse today, so may the winners keep coming.”
Fownes said: “It’s nice for Ben to get a win there. He did a good job – rode the horse perfectly. I just wanted to prove that if you give jockeys some decent rides, they can prove themselves and their worth. He’s given the horse a perfect ride. In Hong Kong, if you’re riding horses that are not in form, it’s very hard to prove your ability.
“This is a horse who has always run well on the dirt. When I looked at the race, there were quite a few jockeys available, and I said, ‘you know what, I’ll give Ben a chance’. I’m so happy he got the result and hopefully now people can give him some support and he can show his ability.”
Alfred Chan continued the breakthrough theme with his victory on Danny Shum-trained Super Legends in the second section of the Class 4 Sha Tsui Handicap (1200m).
“I haven’t ridden a winner at Sha Tin on grass for maybe two years and I’m really thankful to Danny – I work for him every morning, seven days a week and finally I got something in return, which is perfect,” Chan, 30 said. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
Jimmy Ting notched his maiden victory for the campaign when Harry Bentley piloted Deal Completed to success in the first section of the Class 4 Tak Wah Handicap (1400m).
Matthew Poon continued his excellent start to the season with his sixth win for the term with success atop Michael Chang-trained Casa Legend in the Class 5 Hoi Pa Handicap (1600m) before Purton scored on Ng-trained Fighting Machine in the second section of the Class 4 Tak Wah Handicap (1400m).
Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Tuesday (1 October) with the National Day Raceday.