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| Sumita Pawar |
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Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is eagerly anticipating working with racing's renowned couple once again at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The seasoned trainer, Ricky Yiu, is hopeful that Spirited Express will benefit from the presence of the familiar face of Hollie Doyle, while Prince Chiswick can improve with "something fresh" from Tom Marquand.
Although Yiu had no control over which jockeys would partner his four Longines International Jockeys' Championship runners, he wasted no time in enlisting the help of Doyle and Marquand for the undercard. Yiu is excited to see history repeat itself in the night's most lucrative race.
After the prestigious IJC is over, Yiu, Doyle, and Spirited Express will aim for a second consecutive victory in the Class Two contest of the evening, now known as the Japan Handicap. Last year, Doyle rode Spirited Express from barrier 11 and made a stunning comeback from last place to win by a narrow margin. This time, the renowned British jockey has the option to start closer to the front from gate two.
“It’s the same combination, and hopefully it works. He’s still doing well, and she knows the horse,” Yiu said of Spirited Express, who returns to the course and distance for the first time since his win under Doyle.
Prince Chiswick is out to break his maiden at start four in the Class Four Great Britain Handicap, with Marquand chasing his first win for Yiu after a couple of placings from five attempts.
“It’s something fresh, and hopefully the different combination can be an added boost,” Yiu said.
Marquand is also partnering with the galloper known as Splendid Living, which Yiu considers his best chance in the four IJC legs. The trainer has confidence that they can grab a portion of the HK$500,000 trainers' bonus.
“I think I’m a chance, I should be in the first three of the trainers. Splendid Living looks a chance, and Sure Joyful has a good draw, a light weight and some chance,” said Yiu, who also has the services of Vincent Ho Chak-yiu (Diamonds Soars and Sure Joyful) and Ryan Moore (Solar Partner) in the competition, which sees jockeys and trainers earn 12 points for a win, six points for a second and four points for a third.
Yiu is looking forward to aiming for his fourth victory in the Hong Kong International Races after the events on Wednesday night. Although Nimble Nimbus, who is considered an underdog, will participate in the Group One Hong Kong Cup, Yiu is particularly excited about Voyage Bubble's participation in the Group One Hong Kong Mile.
“I’m looking forward to my horses running in the international events. Voyage Bubble pulled up fine after he finished third [behind Beauty Eternal in the Group Two Jockey Club Mile], and then he won a trial, so I can’t fault him,” Yiu said.
“He’s definitely a chance – he could be a surprise. He’s one of the lowest-rated horses in the field, but he’s a horse who is full of talent, and he’s got a good brain.”