Three-mendous coup for Kingscote

Michael Cox

It took Richard Kingscote 32 rides over five long weeks to notch his first Hong Kong victory but he soon made it three wins with a breakthrough performance he hopes can earn him another short-term stint next season.

The 38-year-old Brit finishes his first stay here on Wednesday at Happy Valley and wins with Chill Kaka, Fashion Legend and Rising Force at last night's all-weather track meeting at Sha Tin will leave a lasting impression.

"I want to come back here and I hope the club will invite me for another stint next season," Kingscote said after guiding Rising Force to victory and sealing the Jockey Challenge with two races remaining. "It is competitive here but I have enjoyed it. This is the place you want to be as a jockey."

Chill Kaka had delivered Kingscote the only second of his stay on March 9. On that occasion Chill Kaka rattled home from last over 1,200 meters on the dirt and trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai stuck with the rider for the step up to a more suitable trip.

Yiu, who also trains Rising Force, said he likes to support new jockeys and visiting riders who are struggling. "They deserve a chance to do well and that is why I always support them. A lot of them, like Richard, are good jockeys and they just need opportunities."

Kingscote repaid Yiu's loyalty with a polished steer, crossing from barrier nine to find a one-out, one-back spot early and then sliding into a perfect spot behind the leader with a smooth piece of riding at the top of the back straight.

"The winner got away on us last time but today was much smoother," Kingscote said. "I was pretty confident."

Kingscote said he has three rides on Sunday at Sha Tin before his final race day at Happy Valley.

A race later, it took what looked like a rugby scrum formed by eight barrier attendants to get Cheer For South into the starting gates for the Spoonbill Handicap (Class 5, 1,200m) but the sprinter was less reluctant once up and running.

"Yesterday we took him for barrier practice and it only took three or four attendants to get him into the gates, so I think he is improving," winning trainer Frankie Lor Fu-chuen said with a chuckle after Cheer For South raced wide throughout for jockey Andrea Atzeni and kicked clear for a convincing win.

"It takes a lot of work to get him into the barriers but at least he isn't missing the start now," the trainer added.

michael.cox@singtaonewscorp.com