Two SA Jockey Academy graduates played a starring role in the FWD Champions Day action at Sha Tin on Sunday. ‘Mauritian Magician’ Karis Teetan registered a hat-trick of wins, including a Gr1 strike, while new trainer Dougie Whyte saddled a double on the big day.
Joy in the winner’s circle for Karis Teetan ( Pic-HKJC)
Karis’ mount Mr Stunning rolled back the years in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, the first of three Gr1’s on Champions Day.
The seven-year-old was sent off at long odds after failing to register a win since landing the Hong Kong Sprint in 2018 but proved he retained all his old ability when scoring for trainer Frankie Lor.
Mr Stunning, who finished second in this 1200m contest two years ago, capitalised on a bunched finish, powering through a gap and finishing clear of Big Time Baby by three-quarters of a length.
“This horse has been so good to me and I stuck with him,” said winning jockey Karis Teetan told the Racing Post , after winning his third race in a row on the day.
“He was beaten last time but still showed me he had the energy and I told the owner he felt like a youngster. I had to warm him up a little bit today but we found a great position and he shot through the gap.”
Thanks Forever narrowly missed out on second by a short head, while fourth was claimed by Hot King Prawn, a further three-quarters of a length behind under superstar jockey Joao Moreira.
The even-money favourite Aethero led for most of the race under Zac Purton but tailed off and was found to have bled from both nostrils.
Dougie Whyte saddled the winners of the second and tenth races – both were ridden by Alfred Chan.
