Action man Marwing takes rollercoaster ride to double success

Outstanding jockey Weichong Marwing was sunned and rested yesterday at Sha Tin but never too far from the action as he survived a protest, wrapped up his winning double with a rising star for the Fairy King Prawn connection and was then involved in a shock late withdrawal.

Marwing made his return from a careless riding ban and wasted no time putting himself back in the winners' list with Sir Timah but it was the victory of Halo King Prawn in the 1,400m fifth contest that caught all the attention. The colt came from Australia to Ivan Allan's yard with a good reputation and races in the famous colours of owners Philip Lau Sak-hong and his wife, who were buoyed by the win.

In the lead-up to the International races, Lau had the heartbreak of his world-class miler Fairy King Prawn being sidelined with a leg injury but his new son of Danehill turned on a show yesterday at his first run over a suitable course, winning by five lengths despite racing wide.

'That was a nice win and he's only going to be better over further, provided he continues to make progress,' Marwing said. 'The sprint distances are obviously short of his ideal trip. He has a turn of foot but he takes a bit of time to get wound up and he will definitely be suited by further. But he's just a baby and Ivan is taking his time with him, taking him race by race.'

Marwing said he had been concerned about a wide trip on Halo King Prawn but had few options going to the gates. 'I knew before the race that I would have a problem getting anywhere near them and with some cover from barrier 11,' he said. 'It's always a concern but I just put him there and hoped his class would be enough to carry him through today.'

Though Marwing's season has been dogged by suspensions, at least his most recent enforced spell allowed him time to relax with his family over Christmas, but New Year was a new day and he was thrown straight into the spotlight when Sir Timah had to survive an objection before landing the first race of 2002.

'Gee, it's hard here,' laughed Sir Timah's trainer, David Hill, when the result was finally set in stone. 'Even when you win you haven't won! Nevertheless, I was quite confident we would keep the race.'