Irish import Le Zonda continues Hong Kong spree

Group race targets are under consideration for Le Zonda after the exciting galloper extended his winning streak to three with success in the Class 2 Shek O Handicap (1650m) for Pierre Ng and Vincent Ho at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

Ridden patiently by Ho, Le Zonda (119lb) claimed a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million plus the winner’s purse of HK$1.74 million after sweeping down the centre of the track to deny Sagacious Life (132lb) by a head in 1m 39.90s, with Helene Feeling (129lb) a further half length away in third place.

Ng plans to aim Le Zonda – who won twice in Ireland when known as Beckman for Ger Lyons – at a Class 2 contest over 1800m at Happy Valley on 14 October before possible tilts at the Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on November 8 and the Group 3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley on January 13.

“He’s very impressive for this 1650m race, although it was a little bit fast and sharp for him today, but Vincent managed to get him rolling early on,” Ng said.

Ng joins Danny Shum, Cody Mo and Caspar Fownes at the top of the Hong Kong trainers’ championships with four wins after four meetings.

Zac Purton maintained his quest for a 10th Hong Kong jockey’s championship with a brace in tandem with Douglas Whyte. 

The duo prevailed with Live Wire (131lb) in the Class 4 Community Chest Cup Handicap (1200m) and the HKJC Racing Club’s Young Arrow (131lb) in the second section of the Class 4 Lido Handicap (1200m).