Under a rail-skimming ride from Derek Leung, Flame Hero (117lb) nabbed a first pattern race win in the HKG3 January Cup (Handicap) at Happy Valley Racecourse tonight, Wednesday, 6 January.

“Previously, he has shown he was afraid of other horses,” said Leung, “but he is more mature now and showed no fear tonight.”

Romantic Touch (120lb) obtained an early lead and was stalked outside by Khaya (122lb) with Got Fly (119lb) in close attendance just behind. Drawn in gate two, Leung settled Flame Hero on the rail in the third flight and waited patiently for a gap. When coming under pressure, Romantic Touch shifted out and Flame Hero pounced, getting to the lead inside the final 50m and recording a half-length win. Romantic Touch held second while Kabayan (115lb), pinched back at the start, closed to be third with Got Fly fourth.

“The instruction was to let the horse run comfortably after the start. He did not show fast early speed as before, but traveled very smoothly on the rail,” Leung added. “When I pushed the button, he responded very well.” The local rider, who represented Hong Kong for the first time in December’s LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship, earned his second win at Group level, and is now tied for seventh in the premiership.

Flame Hero’s win also provided a welcome success for trainer Peter Ho, his first in a pattern contest since 2010. “He was second in the Happy Valley Vase at the end of last season over this trip,” said Peter Ho, “and I planned on this being one of his main targets for the season.”

The New Zealand-bred son of Savabeel earned his seventh win in Hong Kong from 28 starts, and the first over the tight city course, which was hosting its only Group-level event of the season.

“I would describe it as a breakthrough race as he has been an on-the-pace runner previously, but now can settle behind horses and come home strongly,” Ho said. “He is tough and consistent and after this, I hope there will be more to come.”

The final time of 1:48.52s was a record for the event in its sixteenth running over 1800m at Happy Valley.