With Group Two trials day going some way to separating the contenders from the pretenders for the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) meeting, November is always a crucial month in Hong Kong racing. The Post analyses the jockeys and trainers who had a month to remember or one to forget, as well as the most outstanding victory and winning ride of November. James McDonald made an immediate impact on his return to the city for a short-term contract, booting home seven winners at a very tidy strike rate of 22.
6 per cent. Crowned the Longines World’s Best Jockey for 2024 last weekend, the Kiwi star bagged a double at each of his first three meetings back in Hong Kong and the winners should keep flowing until the end of his stint on December 22. With just three wins and a staggering 23 placings to his name heading into November, Derek Leung Ka-chun was desperate to convert some of his near-misses into victories.
He did mostly that, adding seven triumphs to his seasonal tally including a drought-breaking treble at Sha Tin last Sunday. Unfortunately for the 36-year-old, he was hit with careless riding suspensions at three consecutive meetings, which threatens to halt his momentum. From a trainer perspective, Tony Cruz and Cody Mo Wai-kit shot up the championship standings with each preparing eight winners for the month.
A four-timer at Happy Valley was the highlight for Cruz, who sits sixth in the premiership – one spot ahead of Mo, who landed the first treble of his ca.