In-form apprentice Nichola Yuen searches for more success at Happy Valley

By Declan Schuster

Nichola Yuen has made a flying start to her first full-season of riding in Hong Kong, and the second-placed apprentice – currently riding a wave of confidence – is hunting more success on Wednesday night (7 October) when she takes five mounts at Happy Valley.

The 26-year-old’s eight victories from 45 rides at a 17.8% win-strike rate is bettered only by title leader Zac Purton after the campaign’s initial eight fixtures – a period for Yuen that includes her first treble in Hong Kong and six wins from the past four race meetings.

“Winning is the most enjoyable thing, especially for my boss (Ricky Yiu). Hopefully, there’s more to come,” Yuen said. “I learnt a lot (from being overseas), and it’s nice to have people over there who keep watching me and they’re very happy for me.

“Even though I’m now (claiming) seven pounds, the ball keeps rolling, and I am very happy about that. I’m grateful for all of the opportunities and support I have received.”

Yuen has a booking in each of tomorrow’s Class 3s – Flying Wrote (130lb), Run Run Smart (123lb) and Prestige Always (126lb) – and all carry seven pounds less than their assigned imposts with her allowance in play, including Ricky Yiu’s Hayday (129lb) in the second section of the Class 4 Cheung Fat Handicap (1200m).

“He’s (Hayday) very fit at the moment, and I am very happy with his work. He has a good draw,” Yuen said.

A three-time course and distance winner, the front-running Hayday breaks from barrier four as he seeks a fifth triumph in Class 4 and first under the apprentice.

Yuen reunites with Prestige Always in the card-closing Class 3 Yip Fat Handicap (1200m) aiming to secure a hat-trick of wins aboard Pierre Ng’s charge from gate three.

“He’s very honest. He was up in class last start, but he still won pretty easily. When I gave him the signal, he hit the line strongly.

“He’s a very easy horse to ride – you can just sit behind the pace. We have a good draw tomorrow, so I’m expecting him to run a good race,” Yuen said.

Before returning to Hong Kong, Yuen completed overseas training in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa as part of her apprenticeship with The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School.

Following a double last Sunday afternoon (4 October), Frankie Lor is hopeful Absolute Honour (126lb) can put his best foot forward when he returns in the first section of the Class 4 Fat Tseung Handicap (1650m) under Purton after two barrier trials.

“He’s trialled good,” Lor said. “He usually jumps fast and if he can be midfield or forward, it would be better, but I’ll leave it to the jockey because he has drawn 10. I think he still has a little bit of improvement.”

Golden Ace (128lb) made an immediate impact on debut, placing third for trainer Caspar Fownes in July at Sha Tin. The galloper steps from draw nine tomorrow in the Class 4 Chinese General Chamber Of Commerce Cup Handicap (1000m) with Brenton Avdulla.

“He did a good job on debut. The horse looked pretty lost for the first half of the race, but he closed off pretty well. Caspar’s decided to try him around the Valley and we know how effective his horses can be there,” Avdulla said.

“He trialled okay – he was wide and got a bit lost, but he’ll take good improvement off it, and I’m still trying to learn about him. He’s only had the one start and I am sure whatever he does on Wednesday night he will improve (on).”