Frankie Lor loads up as apprentice Nichola Yuen debuts at Sha Tin
Frankie Lor led last season’s dirt course standings with 10 wins and, on Wednesday night at Sha Tin, the trainer is represented by a formidable outfit in seven of the nine races as apprentice Nichola Yuen makes her debut in Hong Kong with five rides.
Two wins last Sunday lifted Lor’s tally this term to 31. Yuen, who experiences Hong Kong racing for the first time after overseas training, rides Fun N Fun Together (NZ) (Charm Spirit) for Lor in the third section of the Class 4 Ma Tau Wai Handicap (1200m).
Yuen said: “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to ride on the biggest stage in the world. It’s really huge for me to be riding with all of the best jockeys in the world. There’s got to be some pressure, but I’ve just got to learn to deal with it.”
Indentured to trainer Ricky Yiu, Yuen’s 10lb claim reduces Fun N Fun Together’s impost to 122lb for Lor, who said: “I put Nichola Yuen on to take 10 pounds off – it makes it a lot easier for the horse.”
Yuen’s training abroad saw the 25-year-old ride 61 winners in Australia, 10 in New Zealand and seven in South Africa. She’s also booked for Double Bingo, Pi Legend, Tourbillon Golfer and Dragon Air Force.
“The special thing is that my position is different. I’ve gone from trainee to now being an apprentice, so it’s nice,” Yuen said. “Hopefully, I can ride many winners for the local and overseas trainers – I’m looking forward to it.”
Speedy Smartie (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) has three wins for trainer Brett Crawford and takes on the second section of the Class 4 Ma Tau Wai Handicap (1200m) tomorrow night.
Crawford said: “He’s been a model of consistency, and he’s been flying the flag for the stable at any track and any surface. He hasn’t got a bad gate (eight), so once again we can expect a good run.”
