Ferraris praises retired Wong for handling of Syllabus

David Ferraris, trainer of last season's champion Hong Kong staying horse Vengeance Of Rain, yesterday paid tribute to retired veteran Alex Wong Siu-tan after landing an impressive first-up victory with Syllabus in the Tsuen Lok Handicap over 1,800 metres.

Wong, who retired due to ill-health in July after a quarter of a century training in Hong Kong, was renowned throughout his career for great skills with slow-maturing staying types and Ferraris summed up his handling of Syllabus succinctly.

'He certainly knew what he was doing, Alex,' the trainer observed after the four-year-old by Sillerent toyed with Class four rivals to win by a wide margin and complete Douglas Whyte's winning double.

'He didn't over-race this horse, he took his time and he's making a very nice horse with maturity. Syllabus is an entire but he's a lovely relaxed horse to train - he behaves like an old gelding around the stables.'

Syllabus is raced by former Jockey Club chairman, Sir John Swaine - the last man to own a female Hong Kong Derby winner before the appearance of Elegant Fashion in 2003 - and took his record to 10 starts for three wins, all in his last three starts.

Syllabus surprised many including Whyte with the speed he showed to be running second to the home turn then proved a class above the chasers when the serious work began.