Jockey Karis Teetan landed a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday, which included the milestone of his 400th win in Hong Kong aboard Will Power in race seven.
The dirt specialist took the Class 3 Jordan Handicap (1200m) to record his fourth win from seven starts on the dirt and provide Teetan’s landmark.
Karis celebrates his 400 up! (Pic – HKJC)
“I couldn’t believe it, I didn’t even know to be honest but it’s something special and it takes a lot of hard work. I didn’t even know but it’s something that will encourage me now to work harder and look forward to more winners.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with all of the trainers, owners and everyone involved – I’m really enjoying it and I just hope it keeps rolling,” Teetan said.
The Mauritian enjoyed his best campaign last season, tallying a single-season personal high of 93 wins to finish third in the premiership and also bagged his second Sha Tin Group 1 on Mr Stunning in the 2020 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m).
“I’ve never sort of counted the winners. I just ride as many winners as I can but to get to this number, it’s big enough for me at this stage and I’m really looking forward to growing that number,” the 30-year-old said.
Will Power was a last-season sensation, rising 28 points through the handicap with three wins to his name and today returned in fine form, lugging top-weight to a first-up Class 3 success.
Watch the Clocking The Gallop interview with Karis Teetan
“He’s just a pleasure to ride. I’ve been doing a lot of work with him in the morning and, of course, Douglas (Whyte) has been good to me and putting me on a few horses in the morning,” Teetan said.
“He’s just grown into being a better horse this season. I know he’s dropped down in class but he had to carry a bit of weight and he did a good job, thanks to Douglas (Whyte) and his team for their support,” Teetan added.
Teetan got off to a flyer, winning the opener, the first division of the Class 4 Mong Kok Handicap (1200m) aboard the Me Tsui-trained Handsome Rebel.
“I had a good season last season. I just hope that I can improve from that and learn more from last season, learning what I did right and wrong and I think I can pick up a few more winners, so I just need to keep my head down and keep working hard,” Teetan said.
Teetan wasn’t on the 400 mark for long as he took the Sha Tin finale, the Class 3 King’s Park Handicap (1400m) aboard the Tony Cruz-trained Circuit Glory to bring up a treble.
