Trainers Man and Size end season in fine style

Delivering an unexpected triumph for Manfred Man, former Irish galloper Encountered delivered a book-ending triumph to crown the veteran trainer’s finest season in style with victory in the Class 1 Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association Trophy Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Man, 65, slotted a career-best 44th winner of the season when Encountered (128lb) speared to a neck victory under Derek Leung over Circuit Stellar (131lb) with pace-setting Tuchel (133lb) a further neck away in third.

His stock boosted by the deeds of the world’s highest-rated sprinter Lucky Sweynesse, Man closed the season as he started it - with a win in the program feature on the opening day of the season.

Lucky Sweynesse, who advanced to a trio of Group 1 triumphs and eight wins from 10 starts for the campaign, got the ball rolling for Man by winning the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) on September 11 and Encountered delivered a winning finale for Man with Sunday’s gritty performance.

“I’m a little bit surprised. His first win in Hong Kong was in Class 3 and now he’s just won in Class 1,” Man said. “But his form is good. Let’s see where he goes from here. The season has been very good. I’m very happy.”

Completing a hat-trick of wins after two impressive Happy Valley victories, Encountered was handled with precision and patience by Leung, who finished with 36 wins for the campaign.

“He had a good run, last time he won super but this time was much more difficult and back to Sha Tin,” Leung said. “It was a very strong field and it was a good win. He keeps improving, he stays on and he was very impressive.”

John Size marked the close of a record 12th Hong Kong trainers’ title in style, with Fingers Crossed, Leading Fortune, Simple Hedge and Golden Express giving him a season total of 79 wins.

Size combined with a trio of compatriots to finish the season with a flourish. Luke Currie won the Class 5 Mr Award Handicap (1200m) with Fingers Crossed, Hugh Bowman prevailed on Leading Fortune in the Class 3 Sight Winner Handicap (1600m) before Zac Purton triumphed on Simple Hedge in the Class 3 All You Wish Handicap (1400m) and Golden Express in the Class 2 Joy And Fun Handicap (1200m).

“I am very grateful to have been able to achieve another championship,” said Size, 69. “I’m very happy to put myself on the line and supply a good service. I get a lot of satisfaction from improvements in the little things.

“It’s very humbling.”

Purton completed the season with a treble for a record total of 179 wins and a sixth Hong Kong jockeys’ championship with dominating 2022/23 reign. He won the first race of the season on This Is Charisma and also the last on Golden Express.

“It’s always nice to have some winners on closing day, especially for John after the seasons we’ve both had,” Purton said. “It’s great for him to become the legend that he already was and complete his quest for a 12th championship. For me to be a part of that, means a lot.

“We can go away and enjoy the holiday and try and do it all again next season.”