Lyle Hewitson delivered a textbook front-running ride to steer Highland Rahy (126lb) to his long-awaited first Hong Kong victory in the Class 4 Ireland Trophy Handicap (1650m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (March 12).

A former winner in Ireland before his arrival in Hong Kong, Highland Rahy took full advantage of an uncontested lead from barrier seven, dictating the tempo before holding off Viva Graciousness (135lb) by three-quarters of a length in the HK$1.17 million contest.

“I think he’s found his level now,” Hewitson said. “It’s probably been frustrating that he hasn’t won sooner, but he showed how he wants to race—he likes to roll, build momentum, and keep going.”

Hewitson, who has now notched up 16 wins this season, was coming off a double at Sha Tin last Sunday (March 9) and was pleased to get the win for Highland Rahy’s connections after a near miss last time out.

“He’s happy to sit just off the pace, but he needs to keep rolling,” Hewitson explained. “Tonight, a horse came up close to him, but he fought on well. It’s been an overdue win, and I’m glad I was able to get the job done.”

Hong Kong Derby on the Horizon

With the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) set for Sunday, March 23, Hewitson now turns his focus to Steps Ahead, whom he partners in the city’s most prestigious race.

“I think his rating (83) is a fair reflection of where he stands in the field, but he’s one of the most genuine and versatile horses,” Hewitson said. “The 2000 meters will test him, but against his own age group, he’s got every chance.”

The final leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series, the BMW Hong Kong Derby, will feature 14 runners, with early standouts including Rubylot and My Wish, winners of the series’ first two legs. The confirmed field will be announced this Friday (March 14).

Trainer Cody Mo Secures a Double

Trainer Cody Mo celebrated a two-win night, with Happy Fat Cat (122lb) battling his way to his eighth Hong Kong victory in the Class 3 Cheung Chau Handicap (1200m) under Antoine Hamelin.

“I love this horse and his owner—they’ve supported me a lot, and that’s what we need,” Hamelin said. “He’s got a big heart, and we work well together. I’m really happy to get this win for everyone.”

Mo was on the scoreboard earlier when Crystal Powerful notched his third career win in the Class 5 Waglan Island Handicap (1000m) with Andrea Atzeni in the saddle.

John Size and Alexis Badel Shine

Champion trainer John Size continued his dominant season, moving to 39 wins after scoring a double on the night.

His first victory came courtesy of Beauty Infinity, who won the Class 3 Cheung Chau Handicap (1200m) under Brenton Avdulla, who has now won five races in the past three meetings.

“It’s been a great little run,” Avdulla said. “I’m getting the right rides, and I’m just trying to make the most of them. The horses are in great form, and John’s stable is flying.”

Size’s second winner was BMW Hong Kong Derby contender Beauty Alliance, who dominated the Class 3 Ap Lei Chau Handicap (1800m) under Alexis Badel.

“He jumped well, there was no early pressure, and I got him into a nice rhythm,” Badel said. “When I asked, he responded beautifully—he’s a classy horse.”

Badel also guided Tactical Command to victory in the Class 4 Peng Chau Handicap (1200m), securing his own double on the night.

Other Notable Winners

Find My Love, a six-year-old son of Frankel, claimed his third Hong Kong win in the Class 4 Peng Chau Handicap (1200m) under Hugh Bowman for trainer Douglas Whyte.

Apprentice Angus Chung picked up his 10th win of the season, steering Good Luck Win to success in the Class 4 Soko Islands Handicap (1650m) for trainer Jimmy Ting.