Patrick Biancone captured his share of the Derby Day limelight with a winning treble, while stable apprentice Sheri Kong Pik-wing brought the holiday crowd to its feet with an historic double at Sha Tin yesterday. It has been a relatively quiet season for French trainer Biancone, but he had every reason to look pleased with the impressive performance of classy griffin Bumper Storm (8-5 favourite), who blitzed them in the opening event.
He was partnered by Eric Legrix, who followed up immediately by finally coaxing a win out of topweight and maiden So So (7-2 favourite), winless in 17 starts before yesterday's second event. The winsome Sheri then took over the stable fortunes on 30-1 outsider Charming Guest in the Classes One and Two fifth event, posting a one-length victory over 7-2 favourite Ready with a strong, front-running ride.
And then came her niche in local racing history. In the Class Three eighth event Sheri partnered 30-1 chance Jharna for trainer Lawrie Fownes, and darted through on the rails to edge out favourite Dance Control (5-2), ridden by Stanley K. M. Chin, and topweight Always Match (4-1). Neither Sheri nor weighing-room colleague Win Chung Lai-fong had ridden a double before, and the 900-1 combined odds probably reflected the public's idea of the likelihood of such a feat. 'It is a very special day for me, and in front of such a big crowd on Derby Day. But I have to thank my boss for helping me so much,' said Sheri.
Biancone, whose record with apprentices is little short of amazing, said: 'It is like mathematics. You find it very difficult until one day you discover just how it works, and then everything becomes easy. 'And then you think: why didn't I do that before? That is Sheri. She has worked hard and come through some difficult times, but now she knows what to do in a race and where to be. 'As long as they work hard and listen, most of them will be all right. She has much more confidence now and does things to make that happen.' While Biancone could be rightly pleased with his girl's superb effort, the win of Bumper Storm in the first was also cause for celebration. It could well be that the Frenchman has a really good one here - although he was inclined to play it down.
'He surprised me and I admit it. He has won very well today but what has he beaten? That is what we will have to wait and see. He ran a very good time but it was a fast track throughout the day. 'But do not get me wrong, I am delighted with the horse and I am certainly hopeful about his future.' Bumper Storm had three and a half lengths in hand over the useful Engineman, with a further six back to debutant Hunting Lad, backed in from 99-1 to 45-1. So So also won handily from Toy Baron (6-1), who came on the scene late but may not be one to rely on.
Jolly Good Winner (9-2), who had looked a good chance in a poor race, finished third without exciting.