Expat New Zealand trainer Jamie Richards was a happy man at Happy Valley on Wednesday after he recorded his first double since training in Hong Kong.
Richards, 33, arrived in Hong Kong in April after a record-breaking career in New Zealand but, after a quiet start, the measured Kiwi had only one win from his first 51 starters.
Victories in the space of five races on Wednesday night by Tronic Mighty and Rattan Kingdom changed all that – and the flush of success was even more enjoyable with Richards’ parents Paul and Leanne, his sister Libby and her partner Cameron watching on at Happy Valley.
“I’m thrilled to get the double tonight. It’s great to have the family here and I’m thrilled to get a winner while they’re here. They might have to stay a bit longer – they’ve brought the change of luck,” Richards said.
“The team have been working hard, putting in plenty of hours at the stables, so I’m thrilled for everybody concerned. The owners have been supportive, so hopefully we can start to build a little bit of momentum.
“I fully respect how difficult it is to win a race here in Hong Kong. We haven’t had a lot of runners yet and we lack a little bit of quality in the stable.
“It’s great to get a win with Rattan Kingdom. Obviously, he’s been a bit unlucky, he’s drawn a couple of bad barriers. He’s been consistent throughout the early part of the season and today he drew a gate and he was able to get the job done for us. Luke gave him a lovely ride, very pleased with the way Luke (Currie) rode him.”
