(Source: Apple Daily)
It really was the race meeting heard around the world and even now, racing fans are talking about just what a fantastic finale it was at Happy Valley last night and the thunderous roar from everyone on track when Ben So exploded away from the pack on Flying Elite and won the Trainers Premiership for Dennis Yip, one of the truly nice guys of Hong Kong racing.
(Source: Apple Daily)
The exuberance of that win was infectious and whether a hardcore punter or a casual race-goer enjoying themselves at Adrenaline, The Gallery or The Beer Garden, for just those few meetings, everyone fortunate enough to be there, became one.
(Source: HKJC)
We knew we had seen something special which will be talked about for years to come.
(Source: HKJC)
While extremely happy for Dennis Yip who had his mentor- the colorful Brian Kan- present at the track, let’s spare a thought for Tony Cruz.
(Source: Apple Daily)
Tony Cruz gave it his all and it really was a question of so close, yet so far.
Cruzy is a champion- a former champion jockey who nearly lost his life in a horrific fall when riding in Europe and five-time champion trainer- who entrusted Terry CW Wong, a jockey fighting to have his license renewed, with the ride on Bullish Boy.
Wong rode the ride of his life and delivered in spades as did Matthew Chadwick on Cruz’s Super Goal Elite.
(Source: Apple Daily)
(Source: Apple Daily)
In Race 8, Chadwick was just beaten into third place on Regency King by a determined ride from Alvin Ng on John Moore’s Same World.
If this was the first time Moore had used Ng, it would be another twist to the plot.
A win by Regency King would have sealed the Trainers Championship for Tony Cruz. Would have, could have, but fate can be a surprising animal.
(Source: Apple Daily)
Still, the odds were that there would be no fairy tale ending for Dennis Yip. That would have been too perfect a script. But someone had other plans.
(Source: SOD Ahead)
What were the odds of Flying Elite winning the last race- and with Ben So aboard?
Probably higher than most originally thought as the horse was suddenly the 3 to 1 favorite in a race that looked to be extremely competitive and with tips galore making the rounds.
But those bit the dust and Ben So completed the fairy tale ending which had, strangely enough, starred a local cast including Terry Wong and Alvin Ng and without a Whyte or Purton or a Dr Good Habit in sight.
(Source: Apple Daily)
As Happy Valley erupted and Dennis Yip was mobbed and congratulated, we looked around for Tony Cruz.
(Source: HKJC)
With fireworks going off, awards being presented and everyone mentally drained and dizzy, but happy to have seen what had happened in the very last race of the season, I never saw Tony.
Tony Cruz needs a special round of applause for giving it his all and which is all we can ask of anyone in life, love, racing and the whole damn thing.
Thank you, Tony and Dennis and the great supporting cast for the memories of that incredible finale. It will live with many of us forever.
(Source: HKJC)
(Source: Wiki)
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