Ivy League, a dual winner in Ireland, had previously achieved Group 2 placings before his export to Hong Kong, where he demonstrated his potential and determination in the thrilling Hang Hau Handicap.
In other notable successes during the racing event, Diamond Soars, a Deep Field five-year-old, celebrated his maiden victory on his 20th attempt under the guidance of Ricky Yiu and jockey Angus Chung.
The combination of Cody Mo-trained Happy Fat Cat, piloted by Angus Chung, clinched another triumph. The duo of Vincent Ho and Jamie Richards tasted victory with Happy Day, and Jerry Chau steered Exuberant to an impressive finish for Danny Shum.
Danny Shum's exceptional training season continued to flourish as he secured a double, including the meeting finale where Zac Purton partnered Lightning Bolt to win the Class 3 Cha Kwo Ling Handicap (1200m).
This win propelled Lightning Bolt to the top of the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge with 30 points, leading Heroic Master (19), Dancing Code (15), Hameron (15), Harmony N Blessed (15), and Helene Feeling (15).
David Hayes attributed Lean Hero's victory in the Class 4 Tiu Keng Leng Handicap (1650m) to the outstanding ride of jockey Hugh Bowman. "I must say thank you to Hugh Bowman. He didn't go outside a horse, and his ride was the difference between winning and losing," Hayes acknowledged.
The thrilling action at Happy Valley sets the stage for the upcoming racing spectacle at Sha Tin on Sunday (October 15), featuring the prestigious HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m).
">