Fownes explodes into trainers’ premiership lead with Valley four-timer

Trainer Caspar Fownes (second from left) celebrates his Happy Valley four-timer with son Ronan (left), jockey Harry Bentley and connections of Lo Rider. Photos: Kenneth Chan

Caspar Fownes continued his brilliant start to the season, taking over at the top of the trainers’ premiership with a brilliant Happy Valley four-timer spearheaded by Lo Rider’s win in the feature Class Two Shek O Handicap (1,650m) on Wednesday night.

Fourth in last season’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m), Lo Rider had no problem with a drop with the extended Valley mile on his return to action, always sitting handy under Harry Bentley in the run.

Peeled into the centre of the track on the turn, the pair motored home and won cosily by three-quarters of a length.

“It’s pretty good, it’s half the card so very happy,” Fownes said after soaring to six winners for the season.

Fownes explodes into trainers’ premiership lead with Valley four-timer

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