Derek Leung ‘still positive' about a late comeback as Tony Cruz Award reaches its finale

South China Morning Post

14-07-2025

Derek Leung is right in the mix for the Tony Cruz Award. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Derek Leung Ka-chun is hoping to be the comeback king at Happy Valley on Wednesday with his sights firmly set on overhauling Matthew Poon Ming-fai in the Tony Cruz Award race.
Sitting on 34 winners for the campaign, the 36-year-old is two behind Poon in the local riders' premiership heading into the final meeting of the season, with fellow hopeful Matthew Chadwick sandwiched between them on 35 in what is set to be a photo finish.
Leung entered Sha Tin on Sunday down three to Poon, but with the championship leader drawing a blank, he took full advantage by driving Happy Universe to success in the Class Four Solar Hei Hei Handicap (1,600m).
Buoyed by that success, a typically optimistic Leung is hopeful of catching 'The Train' and winning his third Tony Cruz Award.
Chasing hard! 💪
Derek Leung closes the gap with a 34th win this season aboard Happy Universe, trailing Matthew Chadwick (35 wins) and Matthew Poon (36) in the Tony Cruz Award race... #SeasonFinale | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/QAoqV3PLu8 — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) July 13, 2025
'I'm still positive on catching him. I always think in a good way and I have good support on Wednesday,' said Leung. 'The draw isn't a help on some horses but I will try my best to catch 'The Train'. We will see what happens. It will be an exciting finish.'
Leung has eight rides at the city circuit and chief among his chances is the Pierre Ng Pang-chi-trained Prestige Always in the Class Three Sweet Orange Handicap (1,650m).
The Starspangledbanner galloper has gone close under Leung on his two most recent starts over course and distance, most recently finishing a neck second in the Class Three Sheung Shui Handicap last month.
The draw has not been kind to the Irish import and that theme continues on Wednesday from stall seven, but Leung is confident his mount can overcome it and run another big race.
'He's run very well on his last two starts. Of course, an inside draw would be helpful but he's a straightforward horse – he can lead or sit close,' said Leung.
'I will just try to be handy first of all and we'll work it out from there. I think he has a great chance.'
Leung also rides the in-form Sterling Wongchoy for trainer Douglas Whyte in the Class Four Super Oasis Handicap (1,650m).
He was a winner over course and distance two starts ago and after setting out to make all on his most recent start, he only succumbed to the late charge of Capital Legend in the dying strides.
Sterling Wongchoy sees out a strong mile at Happy Valley for his first win with @HugeBowman! 👌 @DJWhyteTrainer #HappyWednesday | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/Qkt6DwEmxL — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) May 21, 2025
It is another sticky draw for Leung in barrier 11, but he is hoping a light weight can make his mount tough to catch.
'He won in Class Five company two starts ago but he ran a really good race in this grade last start,' said Leung. 'I haven't been working him in the morning but I'm sure Douglas has done a good job with him.
'We have an outside draw this time but we have a light weight, so we'll try to go forward and see what happens from there.'
Of his remaining rides, Leung points to the chances of Vulcanus in the Class Four Let Me Fight Handicap (1,200m).
'He has gone close in his last three starts and this time he has a good draw again. Fingers crossed he can keep his good form going,' said Leung.