Travel Datuk salutes, ending 48-race losing streak for Richard Gibson and Matthew Poon
Almost five years after debuting at Happy Valley, Irish import Travel Datuk (Holy Roman Empire) shed unwanted status as Hong Kong’s most celebrated maiden by successfully snapping a 48-start losing streak to the bemusement and delight of Richard Gibson and Matthew Poon.
Feted as a cult horse – and Facebook hero – after 17 minor placings (11 seconds and six thirds) from his previous 48 outings in Hong Kong, Travel Datuk narrowly claimed the Class 4 Chatham Handicap (1000m) after a promising career opening in Ireland, where he raced as Rockaway Valley for Jessie Harrington.
Sold to Hong Kong after placing at Group 3 level and running fifth in the Phoenix Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) at The Curragh in 2015, Travel Datuk took his earnings to HK$4.27 million long after being decried as a non-winner.
Travel Datuk actually won a Maiden as a two-year-old in Ireland in 2015, but had proved eternally frustrating in his new surroundings – albeit with a growing profile.
“Actually, he became a very popular horse this season. Many fans contacted us on Facebook, he’s a brave, very consistent horse, always tries his best – and for some reason, today was his day,” Gibson said of the eight-year-old.
“I do not know why he chose today, but congratulations to Matthew (Poon). He made the difference.
“He always tries his best, but he’s not used to winning. He’s been very consistent and sometimes that’s how it goes in racing – it’s a great credit to the horse, he kept himself in good shape and today was the day.”
Gibson indicated the eight-year-old’s competitive limitations did not detract from the horse’s generous nature and popularity.
“I think I will remember him for his defeats and these are not things for a trainer that you are proud of – the defeats. You are more celebratory of the wins.
“So, we’ll take today. You never know. Now he’s won once, who knows next time?
“I didn’t think he was going to make it (win), actually. It’s not a record a trainer is very proud of but he’s been very consistent this year and a lot of fun.
“It’s funny – these horses, once they get their nose in front, they tend to do it another time.”
Following in a similar vein, the David Ferraris-trained Xiang Bai Qi (Azamour) saluted in the following event – the Class 3 Bulkeley Handicap (1800m) – to register his second win in 35 outings.
Partnered by Karis Teetan, the Azamour (Night Shift) gelding posted his first victory since 30 October, 2019.
Wind N Grass (Lawman) restored something approaching normality with his second win in a week for trainer John Size and Teetan in the second section of the Class 3 Baker Handicap (1200m) as the Lawman (Invincible Spirit) gelding posted his third Hong Kong success – all over 1200 metres.
Stock Legend (Sidestep) continued his excellent recent form with victory in the Class 4 Gillies Handicap (1200m) – his third win from five starts for Francis Lui.
Beautifully ridden by Joao Moreira, the Sidestep (Exceed And Excel) gelding has flourished after a trip to Conghua, according to Lui.
“It was a good run and he was more behaved and under control,” Lui said. “We teach him and we sent him to Conghua and get him to forget some of the bad habits.
“After the race, Joao said if he got a good gate, even (in) Class 3, he’s got a good chance.”
Zac Purton continued a phenomenal week with victory on Fantastic Fabio (Hidden Dragon) in the Class 5 Wuhu Handicap (1200m) for Dennis Yip before Derek Leung combined with Manfred Man and Hero Star (Kaphero) to land the first section of the Class 4 Gillies Handicap (1200m).
The reigning champion jockey, Purton has ridden nine winners at the past three meetings and has figured in eight wins with Yip for the 2020/21 season, while Leung posted his eighth win from the past 11 meetings and his 25th winner for the term.
Blake Shinn praised Casper Fownes after Tangmere (Frankel) proved his class with a powerful win in the second section of the Class 4 Po Loi Handicap (1650m).
The Frankel (Galileo) gelding was given time to settle by the Melbourne Cup-winning jockey as Shinn tracked Moreira on race-favourite Shanghai Grace (Kyllachy) before edging into clear running approaching the straight.
“It was a strong win, he was the class runner of the race, but he was dropping back in class,” Shinn said.
“He got the job done nicely – it means a lot for me to ride a winner for Casper. He’s just kept throwing me a decent ride here and there and he’s been a solid supporter from day one. It’s nice to get a winner for him and hopefully keep the ball rolling.”
Stay Chill (Invincible Spirit) claimed the first section of the Class 4 Po Loi Handicap (1650m), prevailing by a short head for Vincent Ho and Chris So over a much-improved Rainbow Light (Outstrip) and veteran Thunder Stomp (Fastnet Rock).
Matthew Poon completed a memorable night with a double by guiding Shouson (Star Witness) to a slender victory in the first section of the Class 3 Baker Handicap (1200m) for Tony Millard.
Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Saturday (13 March).