'I did it for the fans, it's good for them to have some memories when I retire'

Brian Kan Ping-chee came in from the cold to put his season back on track with a fabulous four-timer on Happy Valley's Christmas card. The champion trainer, whose stable has been in the doldrums following last season's triumphant march to the title, hit a hot streak with wins for Speedy Forward, Star Of Tai Po, Diamond And Gold and French Connection - the first three for stable jockey Gerald Mosse and the latter for Jimmy Ting.

Kan's tally moved him on to the 14-winner mark and put him up six places in the trainer standings to sixth place, but the veteran was typically dismissive of his feat. 'It's nothing special,' he said. 'I did it for the fans, it's good for them to have some memories when I retire.'

Mosse, who now has nine winners since linking up with Kan in early October, was delighted the stable was starting to hit top gear but said he always knew it was just a matter of time.

'That's the way it works here,' he said. 'The stable did so well last season the horses moved up the handicap and it became harder to win. But you just have to be patient and keep working hard because eventually they drop down the ratings again. I am very happy for the boss, he's a good man to ride for, and I'm sure he will be in a good mood tonight.'

The Frenchman, whose narrow wins on Star Of Tai Po and Diamond And Gold showed him at his best, added: 'I went back to France last week to see my father, who is ill, and it's good to come back with three winners. Obviously, I ride well fresh. It's a nice way to start Christmas.'

Mosse opened the stable four-timer aboard Speedy Forward, who swooped from the rear to land the 1,650-metre Class Five event from favourite Mega-Fighter. The six-year-old, having only his second start since joining Kan from John Moore, benefited from the pace set by stablemate Golden Bell to pick off the leaders and score by 1.75 lengths.