David Eustace finished the season on a high with three runs at the Happy Valley final thanks to Gratifide, Kyrus Treasure and Fashion Legend.
The British trainer has had a memorable season, celebrating Group Three glory with Light Years Charm in the Lion Rock (1,600m) and recording 38 wins in just his second year of training in Hong Kong.
Gratifide won the Eustace three furlongs down to 1,200m and used the blink for second, improving on his best indoor performance of a third start to take third in the Grade Four Super Oasis Handicap (1,200m).
In a good position from the third barrier, the son of Shamus Award quickly put away leader Double Alpha and then held off a late charge from Forza Leader to win by a short head.
“He’s improved in his ride and blinked, probably just a normal PP; he’s just taken a little bit of time to prepare for the race, and it probably took me a little bit of time to figure out what he needed,” Eustace said.
“I think he’ll probably be versatile. He really likes the Valley, and I think a mile around here won’t be a problem. But you’d like to think he can rest a bit and build up, and obviously he won’t change much now from his two runs recently.”
Gratifide also gave Richard Kingscote a two-goal second leg after Starry Show’s trials to victory for David Hayes in the first leg of the Grade Four Fast Most Furious Handicap (1,200m).
“It’s great to have a winner for Mr Hayes and Mr Eustace. Obviously, Mr Eustace has a good night and I’m grateful he’s helped me this year,” Kingscote said.
“He’s done a great job with (Gratifide). Obviously, the blink has helped, so happy last night to get the double.”
Eustace enjoyed another double win in tandem with Joao Moreira, who piloted Kyrus Treasure to take the Grade Four Hero of Turin Handicap (1,800m). Smart Missile went on a streak after winning the Class Five company in the track and the ride started last.
Sitting on the back of the pace, which increased significantly from 800m, Moreira made a move before the turn and brought down Firefoot, holding on safely from Romantic Laos by half a length.
“He’s a horse that took time to settle and understand the race. But he’s found his place here in the Valley, and he’s had two good draws with the riders, and things have gone well,” Eustace said.
The fashion legend enjoyed a drop in Grade Five company when scoring for the first time this season in the Silver Grecian Handicap (1,650m). Riding quietly three back on the rail, Moreira crept into the open at the top of the straight and claimed Lucky Blessing before shutting down Telecom Power to win by half a length.
“He’s a horse that likes soft ground and hasn’t had a wet track since he was in Hong Kong, so he’s been handling the dirt and making his wins on the dirt,” Eustace said.
“We were happy to see the rain and I thought he could run well tonight. I thought it was a great ride from Joao. It’s hard to go down Caspar, but he’s been very generous and offered his services a few times for me, so it’s good to get a winner with him.”
Elsewhere on Wednesday night’s card, Crimson Flash picked up his fifth win over the distance when winning in the Grade Two Lucky Patch Handicap (1,200m).
Andrea Atzeni has been in the saddle for every win and, after settling into the middle of the field with one out, the pair were able to do their best work late on to nail Lucky With You by a short head.
The Mark Newnham-trained jockey has built a solid record at Happy Valley, winning four of his five starts at the city circuit.
“Great way to end the year. It’s been a great season – it’s gone better than I expected all along. He’s building a really good record here. He’s shown enough ability – he’s won a couple of times at Sha Tin too, but he’s just a good horse,” Newnham said after finishing the campaign with 61 wins.
“I think we will avoid Ka Ying Rising (in the Group Three HKSAR Executive Cup in September) and look at an easier target. We may wait until he goes to Australia for The Everest before joining that kind of company. But he has proved to be a very good horse, the ladies who own him have been good – they are the owners in Wish My Long can also continue the season.
David Hayes finished the night in style with a double with Harmony N Blessed in the Grade Three Sun Jewels Handicap (1,200m).
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