Matthew Poon crowned 31st birthday celebrations in perfect style with a Sha Tin double capped by Green N White’s brilliant victory in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Panasonic Cup Handicap (1400m) on Saturday (9 November).
Maintaining hopes of claiming one of two remaining berths in the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley on 4 December, Poon continued an excellent season with victories aboard Ricky Yiu’s Green N White and David Hall’s Ka Ying Attack in the Class 4 Panasonic Smaller Multi-Split Air Conditioner Handicap (1200m).
Lightweight Poon was elated after wasting to ride Green N White at 113lb after the pair forged to a one and a quarter length victory over Packing Hermod (115lb) and Drombeg Banner (125lb) in 1m 20.34s, almost breaking Fantastic Treasure’s class record of 1m 20.28.
Jumping cleanly from barrier two, Green N White enjoyed a trouble-free run behind leader Drombeg Banner before angling into the clear at the 150m and hitting the front 50 metres from the line.
“The barrier draw helped a lot because I reckon this field is a very strong field – most of the horses had a chance to win. Luckily, the pace was fast and, from the draw, I was able to get a good spot and he was able to finish off the race,” Poon said.
“I’m very happy with this win and I got some birthday luck today I was three-deep the whole way on Ka Ying Attack, no cover, so I think it was pretty much the horse. He had improved mentally and physically since his first start. I think he will improve again from this run.
“I’m very happy and I need to thank my former boss (David Hall). It’s been a long time since I have ridden a winner for him.”
With 13 wins for the season, Poon is in fifth place in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship behind Zac Purton (35), Hugh Bowman (19), Vincent Ho (15) and Karis Teetan (13), who has more minor placings than Poon.
Poon is optimistic of joining the 12-jockey LONGINES IJC roster next month and, with Purton and Ho already in the line-up as last season’s Hong Kong champion jockey and IJC champion, respectively, Poon is vying with Bowman, Teetan and Matthew Chadwick (11 wins) for the remaining spots.