Another double for Richards in Hong Kong

[Wandering Eyes]

Jamie Richards’ stable stocks continued to rise at Happy Valley on Wednesday night after the New Zealand trainer slotted his second double in two meetings as Storming Dragon (Star Turn) claimed joint leadership of the HK$1.5 million DBS x Manulife Million Challenge.

Fresh from a brace at the season-opening fixture at Sha Tin on Sunday, Richards struck with Storming Dragon and To Infinity (NZ) (Darci Brahma) to erase the memories of a challenging 2024/25 campaign when he saddled 21 winners.

“It’s incredible. We had 21 winners for the whole of last season and now we’ve had four winners in two meetings,” Richards said after Brenton Avdulla drove Storming Dragon to an emphatic victory in the Class 3 Wan Chai Handicap (1200m).

“I’m very, very happy. It’s quite hard to explain, really. To Infinity was a bit of a surprise but Storming Dragon had run consistently well all last season, and he trialled well behind Ka Ying Rising and My Wish and Brenton gave him a lovely ride.

“It’s a wonderful start to the season for the whole team and I must thank them for all the work they’ve done in the off-season.”

To Infinity won the second section of the Class 4 Kwun Tong Handicap (1650m) under Alexis Badel for Richards, securing his seventh course and distance success.

Bred by The Oaks Stud, To Infinity was purchased after a trial placing in New Zealand, while Storming Dragon is another graduate of the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, purchased for $330,000 by Richards and Andrew Williams from the draft of Kilgravin Lodge.

Earning a maximum 15 points for the win in the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, Storming Dragon shares early leadership with Danny Shum’s Wrote A New Page (NZ) (Wrote), who slotted his third win in a row with a typically gritty performance in the Class 3 Central Handicap (1650m) under Harry Bentley.

Having lost touch with leader Highland Rahy on the home turn after sitting second in the run, Wrote A New Page responded with trademark application to wear down the race favourite.

“It was a tough effort. I really liked him last season but was always conscious of the fact he grinds out his races and he’s got stamina in bags,” Bentley said. “At the top of the straight, Highland Rahy put a good bit of distance between the two of us and I thought it was a lot to claw back.

“But his stamina kicked in and saw him through and there should be more with this horse. He’s a bit unearthed. I feel he’s one of those horses where you are always scratching away at the surface and finding a little more each time.

“I’m not sure where his top is at the moment but, for me, he’s just going to be a better horse over long distance.”

Wrote A New Page was purchased by Sammy Ma for $75,000 from the Karaka yearling draft of Highview Stud.

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