Unforgettable Jockeying Feats at Happy Valley
Perfect Start with Sergeant Pepper
Barzalona got off to a sensational start when he dropped top weight Sergeant Pepper's head on the line to secure the 1st Leg. In a thrilling finish, he deprived William Buick of victory in the final stride, kicking off with a maximum 12 points. This early success gave him a valuable head start in the championship. It was a moment that showcased his exceptional skill and ability to handle pressure. The crowd erupted in cheers as Barzalona demonstrated his dominance from the very first race.Sergeant Pepper proved to be a reliable steed for Barzalona, and this victory set the tone for the rest of the championship. It was a testament to his talent and judgment in choosing the right horse at the right time. Barzalona's ability to make the most of every opportunity was on full display in this opening leg.
Thirty Minutes Later: Forever Glorious' Charge
Thirty minutes later, the 33-year-old Barzalona seemed almost certain to claim the lion's share of the HK$1 million prize fund. He charged to the front aboard Forever Glorious in the 2nd Leg, showing all the quality expected from a rider who would be crowned the world's best jockey for a second time on Friday night. The horse surged ahead, leaving the competition in his wake.However, James McDonald, a rider with a reputation for excellence, showed his mettle by driving Douglas Whyte-trained Prince Alex to score by a head. Colin Keane also closed in fast, claiming third on Sure Joyful in the 3rd Leg. This added an extra layer of excitement to the championship, as the lead changed hands multiple times.
Final Leg: Aurora Lady's Dominance
Going into the final leg, four other jockeys were in with a chance of at least matching Barzalona's score of 18 points. Karis Teetan and Buick both hoped for a maximum haul, while the other race winners awaited their turn. But Barzalona put the matter beyond doubt as Pierre Ng-trained Aurora Lady drew steadily clear of his rivals.The Happy Valley faithful were able to cheer their new IJC champion before he hit the line in the 4th Leg. Reflecting on how he had gained priceless early momentum with Sergeant Pepper and Forever Glorious, Barzalona said, "It was very important to get points on the board quickly, and I also felt I'd scored well with horses that were perhaps not among my better chances of the evening. It just all unfolded perfectly."
Aurora Lady had plenty of support at odds of 6-1 heading into the last, and Barzalona had the task of negotiating a path from stall 12. Pierre was quite confident in Aurora Lady's chances after her disappointment at Sha Tin last time. Barzalona trusted his horse, and it didn't let him down. This final victory solidified his place in jockeying history.
Barzalona is yet to taste victory in any of the four Hong Kong International Races, but he arrives at Sha Tin on Sunday with the wind in his sails. He will ride aboard Marquisat in the HK$24 million Hong Kong Vase (G1), hoping to build on his success and improve on a second-placed effort in the 2020 Hong Kong Sprint (G1) on outsider Jolly Banner.When told that he had joined his illustrious compatriots Peslier and Lemaire on the IJC honors board, Barzalona said, "It's a hyper-competitive jockeys challenge, and when you see the major names up there on the roll of honor, I'm delighted to have mine alongside."McDonald and Doyle shared second place overall, with neither able to add to their 12-point wins. Keane and Vincent Ho were the only other jockeys to register two scoring efforts across the four legs.Reflecting on his narrow success aboard Prince Alex for Douglas Whyte after the 2nd leg, McDonald said, "It was nice to get one home and do it for Dougie as well. It was a tough effort from the horse who is in career-best form, and it was nice to capitalize."McDonald's mount in the final leg, Chateauneuf, went off as the 3-1 favourite but was unable to keep up with Aurora Lady.Doyle also knew her fate early in the decider as Goko Win required rousting from an early stage and beat only one rival home. But her hard-fought victory on Soleil Fighter for David Hayes was a popular one."I think David gave me my first winner in the Longines IJC, so it's nice to get him another one," said Doyle. "The horse was very tough; he does need things to fall right, but they did."Pierre Ng took home a bonus for leading trainer, with a third placing with Aestheticism in leg three making the difference over the other heat winners, Me Tsui, Whyte, and Hayes.Coverage of the Hong Kong Thoroughbred season at Horse Racing Nation is made possible through a sponsorship by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.