Azcarate Aims for Season Highs with Multiple Mounts at Happy Valley
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago5 MIN
Summary
Jockey Azcarate secured his fifth win of the 2026-27 racing season when he guided Ma Lik (馬力) to victory at Sha Tin on October 4, marking his second consecutive winning day and lifting his season tally to five wins . The achievement came after he had earlier described Ma Lik as a strong contender for a breakthrough win, praising the horse's closing performances . With Wednesday night's Happy Valley fixture approaching, Azcarate has secured a full book of nine rides—the only jockey to achieve this feat—putting him in an advantageous position to further his lead in the jockey standings . His mounts include several horses he has previously partnered, offering continuity that could prove decisive in close finishes.
Key Points
- Azcarate won his fifth race of the season riding Ma Lik (馬力) at Sha Tin on October 4, 2026
- He is the only jockey booked for all nine rides at Wednesday's Happy Valley night meeting
- Hang Wan Tong Hong (幸運同行) returns to the 1800m course where Azcarate previously finished third last season
- Lit Jin Gwong Mong (烈焰光芒) attempts a three-timer after consecutive wins and has dropped 10 pounds in weight from its last run
- Mei Lai Dang Zing (美麗登場) completed a trial with Azcarate and appears healthy after a recent defeat
- Prior to the October 4 win, Azcarate had identified Hang Fo Yoak Ding (幸福約定) and Gim Mo Ching (劍無情) as his best chances at Sha Tin
- San Deui (神鵰), transferred to trainer Gammins, finished third in a Valley 1200m trial under Azcarate
Why It Matters
This winning run positions Azcarate as a strong contender for the jockeys' championship, particularly as he enters Wednesday's fixture with the maximum number of mounts. The opportunity to ride nine horses at Happy Valley—the only jockey to achieve this—demonstrates trainer confidence in his abilities and provides multiple chances to add to his victory tally. A successful Wednesday could establish a significant lead early in the season, affecting future race planning and horse assignments across the colony's stables.
This winning run positions Azcarate as a strong contender for the jockeys' championship, particularly as he enters Wednesday's fixture with the maximum number of mounts. The opportunity to ride nine horses at Happy Valley—the only jockey to achieve this—demonstrates trainer confidence in his abilities and provides multiple chances to add to his victory tally. A successful Wednesday could establish a significant lead early in the season, affecting future race planning and horse assignments across the colony's stables.