Trainer Pierre Ng Pang-chi is aiming to maintain his lead in the trainers’ championship as he prepares an eight-strong contingent for Wednesday’s racing card at Happy Valley. The highlight of Ng’s lineup is Prestige Always, who will seek a hat-trick of wins in the opening race, the Class Three Yip Fat Handicap over 1,200 meters.
Ng, 43, has made a strong start to the season, capturing nine victories across the first eight racing meetings, holding a slim one-win advantage over rivals Cody Mo Wai-kit and Manfred Man Ka-leung. Last season, Ng finished as runner-up in the trainers’ standings and looks to build on that momentum.
Prestige Always, an established frontrunner known for his fast starts, secured a narrow victory at Sha Tin at the close of the previous season and followed up with a win at Happy Valley last month despite being hindered by an outside barrier and lack of cover. Ng noted the horse has shown further improvement since that race and highlighted the advantage of a more favorable draw from barrier three for Wednesday’s contest. Apprentice jockey Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu, who notched her first career win aboard Prestige Always at Happy Valley and has maintained strong form with eight wins this season, is set to retain the ride.
Other contenders in the race include another potential hat-trick seeker, Live Wire, as well as the consistent The Heir, Aurio, and Motor.
Ng is also optimistic about the return of sprinter Aurora Lady in the second section of the Yip Fat Handicap. The four-time winner over the Happy Valley course and distance has been sidelined since last November due to lameness and underwent surgery on both fore fetlocks in April. Following three encouraging trials, Ng described Aurora Lady as a more mature and stronger horse. Despite carrying top weight of 135 pounds and drawing barrier nine, the horse, ridden by Keith Yeung Ming-mun, is expected to perform well in Class Three and could contend even at higher levels.
Refusebeetonleigh, an Australian import aiming for his first Hong Kong victory after 13 starts and three placings, represents Ng in the 1,650-meter Hing Fat Handicap, another Class Three race on the card. The horse has faced some setbacks, including a slow start and interference in his most recent run at Happy Valley, but Ng expressed confidence that with patience and effort, success is forthcoming. Derek Leung Ka-chun, who has amassed eight wins this season, will be aboard.
Additional runners for Ng at Happy Valley include Good luck Win, Luck Is Back, Jumbo Steps, Master Champion, and Healthy Healthy as the trainer continues to assert his strong presence at the city circuit.