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posted on 12 September, 2022

Sweynesse Champion impressive on season return

Extending a startling career trajectory with HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (Class 1, 1200m) triumph at Sha Tin yesterday, Lucky Sweynesse (Sweynesse) crowned Silvestre de Sousa’s return to Hong Kong and left trainer Manfred Man to ponder a host of options.

Hong Kong Champion Griffin in 2021/2022 with five wins from seven starts, the New Zealand-bred resumed in superb fashion by trouncing his rivals in 1m.08.58s, with fellow four-year-old Campione three and a quarter lengths away in second, a neck clear of veteran Duke Wai.

The authoritative nature of Lucky Sweynesse’s latest performance prompted Man, 65, to contemplate a possible tilt at December’s lucrative LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.

“I’ll be looking towards all the big races. I think [he could be a horse for the Hong Kong International Races], I think he will get in no problem, but whether he could win or not is another question,” Man said, who previously claimed the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup with Supreme Win (Fastnet Rock) under Zac Purton in 2012.

“He [Lucky Sweynesse] has done better than I expected because he started [on a rating of 52] and now he’s won a Class 1 race. He won easily and made me feel a little bit surprised. I’m very happy, he’s a little bit more mature now.

“He can handle 1200m or 1400m, I need to look at the programme – everyone keeps asking me where I will go next but I need time to study the programme.”

Man immediately ruled out the Celebration Cup Handicap (Gr 3, 1400m) on 25 September and the National Day Cup Handicap (Gr 3, 1000m) on 1 October for the gelding, who had risen to a mark of 98 before Sunday’s triumph.

“Two weeks is too soon and the 1000 metres may be a little bit short. I need time to talk to the owner,” Man said, expressing his elation at having secured a richly-talented young star. “All the staff are happy, including myself and my whole family.”

Trapped three-wide in an eventful race, Lucky Sweynesse steamed to the front near the 200-metre mark, leaving his opposition in his wake, clocking 22.70s for his final 400-metre.

“It was pretty straight forward, but he’s just a big baby. No doubt, he’s an improving horse and he was just a bit awkward and he’s got a lot to learn,” said de Sousa, marking the first time he had competed in Hong Kong since 2019.

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