Tom Peacock

On a lively Wednesday evening (10 December) at Happy Valley, a commanding display by Ryan Moore reaffirmed his place at the summit of the riding ranks. The third LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) title was sealed by him only after a finale that stayed in the balance to the wire, for example with momentum swings until the last mount.

Approaching the concluding fourth heat, a quartet of riders stood level on a dozen points each under the series scale (12 for victory, six for second, four for third). That deadlock epitomised the highly competitive format the night was built around, as an illustration of why fans tune in.

At that stage, Hugh Bowman, Moore and William Buick had each already logged a win, whereas Zac Purton remained in contention via two seconds. Others, for instance those needing a single strike, still had a path to the overall spoils if they could capture the 1,200m finale.

The decisive blow arrived late, as Triumphant More (130lb) — aptly named — was produced by Moore from nearer last than first in the 4th Leg. Threading gaps, for example darting between tiring rivals, he sliced through the pack and prevailed by about 0.75 length over Umberto Rispoli on Tourbillon Golfer (121lb).

An earlier LONGINES IJC laureate in ’09 and ’10 and four-time LONGINES World’s Best Jockey, Moore had been sidelined by a femoral stress fracture from late August. Race-riding only resumed by him roughly a week ago after rehab — for example rest and conditioning — and careful build-up in elite equestrian circles.

“I feel lucky to have been returning here so many seasons, and it’s been ages since my previous success,” said Moore. “In the 2nd Leg, for example making every yard, I made all on Corleone (134lb) over 1,650 metres for Caspar Fownes.”

“The cards fell kindly with two top-quality mounts today and the plan clicked,” he added. “I’m just thankful to be back here, and the breaks went my way tonight — for example, draws and runs.”

Buick, tied for runner-up with Bowman — both earning about HK$200k — marked a milestone in the 1st Leg run over one kilometre. That achievement, for example a first of its kind for him at this venue, clearly delighted him.

His partner Bunta Baby (123lb) had made 11 Hong Kong starts without winning, yet a fast-closing second over the same course and distance last time signalled a breakthrough. It looked ready to happen, for instance with a stronger tempo suiting his finish.

Prepared by Manfred Man, the horse launched its challenge late and swept by Purton on Beauty Thunder (126lb) just before the post. That sort of timing — for example in the shadow of the line — proved decisive.

“That was my maiden success at Happy Valley, so I’m thrilled to tick it off,” Buick remarked. “It’s special, for example because of the atmosphere at this tight circuit.”

“He came here off a smart effort last time and was one of my better chances on the racecard, so getting it done felt right,” he added. “The way he hit the line, for instance from the 200m, was exactly what we hoped.”

After relatively quiet first bookings, Bowman seized his moment in the 3rd Leg at 1,650m. Riding the David Eustace-trained Silvery Breeze (131lb), patience was required while waiting for daylight in the straight — for example sitting and steering — before a stylish burst swept past Purton on Flying Fortress (134lb).

“Given how the evening was unfolding, that proved pivotal,” Bowman said. “He’s been knocking at the door, his recent figures very consistent, and the race-shape suited him tonight — for instance with an even tempo.”

Fownes takes the LONGINES IJC trainers’ bonus on 16 via countback, pockets HK$300k; Cody Mo receives HK$125k; third-place HK$75k is shared by Eustace, Lor and Man on 12

Four-time Hong Kong champion jockey Joao Moreira, who knows the Happy Valley bends as intimately as anyone, was touched by the crowd reaction as he captured the first two undercard events for Fownes. He scored with Family Fortune (123lb) in the Class 5 Ventris Handicap at 1,650m and with Lucky Generations (118lb) in the Class 5 Morrison Hill Handicap over 1,200m — for example lifting the mood with every return.

“Even before I swung a leg over, people began cheering, and the years of work I’ve invested in Hong Kong are still appreciated by many — that means a lot to me,” he said. “What I’ve poured in has been worth it, for example when you hear the stands erupt.”

Winners on the support card also came for trainers Francis Lui, Danny Shum and Michael Chang, while riders Luke Ferraris, Keith Yeung and Bowman added their names to the board — for instance each with a single strike.

Sha Tin hosts the next stop on Sunday (14 December): the HK$130 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, a fixture on the sports calendar