Great Britain and Ireland won the Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday, with Hong Kong putting up a valiant fight to finish joint second alongside Team Europe following a pair of race victories.
Jerry Chau Chun-lok and Luke Ferraris struck in the first two races respectively, while captain Vincent Ho Chak-yiu secured a second, which ultimately proved crucial in securing the runner-up spot.
It was a dream start for Hong Kong and Chau, who made his first ride at Ascot count by guiding Tuco Salamanca to a comfortable victory in the Shergar Cup Dash.
Settled towards the rear of the field, the pair made steady progress and burst to the front with a furlong to go, quickening clear by 1½ lengths to defeat Gold Star Hero, giving Hong Kong a 1-2 in the opener.
“He’s a very calm horse down to the gates and I was pretty confident with him because he saved a lot of energy before the race,” Chau said. “He jumped pretty good and I just let him follow – which they told me to do. After the 400m I knew he could win – he gave me a very good finish.
