David Eustace secured his first Group Three victory in Hong Kong with a gritty win from $43.8 longshot Light Years Charm in the Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The British handler recorded the milestone at just his second season training in the city, following six years as co-trainer alongside Ciaron Maher in Australia.
The pair trained 30 Group One winners together, including the 2022 Melbourne Cup victor Gold Trip, while achieving the title of Australian champion trainer in 2022–23 and Melbourne champion trainer for three consecutive years.
“Group races in Hong Kong are probably like winning Group Ones anywhere else. They’re hard to win and they don’t happen that often – but a Group One is on another level. It’s a big thrill,” Eustace said.
Eustace was able to breathe a sigh of relief when his fellow trainers confirmed the win from a blanket finish of three across the line.
