With the NZB Ready to Run Sale to be held this week it was perfect timing to see one of the sale’s highest profile graduates Lucky Sweynesse back in form at Sha Tin winning the Group II BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) and his half-brother will be offered at this year’s sale as Lot 116.
The reigning champion sprinter of Hong Kong, Lucky Sweynesse was beaten at his first two runs this season, but produced a fighting finish to narrowly down Victor The Winner to claim successive victories in the G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint.
Lucky Sweynesse will now aim to land his first LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on 10 December.
It was Zac Purton’s tenth win on Lucky Sweynesse, who is the first horse since Hot King Prawn in 2018 and 2020 to win the race twice.
“He got the job done,” Purton said.
“He’s sort of getting back to his best. He’s not quite there yet but he took another step in the right direction today and he’s going to need to be better next time.”
After carrying 135lb in his first two races this campaign, the Manfred Man trained Lucky Sweynesse was much better off with the set weights and penalties scale in today’s race with 128 pounds.
Victor The Winner’s jockey Karis Teetan rode a bold race and made the heavily-supported Lucky Sweynesse earn his win, scoring by just a neck in 1m 08.42s.
A $90,000 purchase for J & I Bloodstock from the Woburn Farm draft at the NZB Ready to Run Sale, Lucky Sweynesse is a full brother to Group I placed Signora Nera and is from stakes-winning Red Clubs mare Madonna Mia.
His female family is all Australian speed with his fourth dam being brilliant Group winning filly Beach Gown, the dam of dual Group I winning sprinter Wrap Around with other family members including Champion 2YO Filly Fashions Afield and current season stakes-winners What You Need and Fashion Legend.
With 14 wins and five placings from 20 starts, Lucky Sweynesse is the best performer for Lonhro stallion Sweynesse, who stands at Novara Park.
Woburn Farm will present the half-brother by Contributer (IRE) to Lucky Sweynesse as Lot 116 and you can see him gallop below.