It was a triumphant day for Hong Kong riders at the Asian Classic final yesterday, spearheaded by Kenneth Cheng Man-kit who took out the event on Jay Bee Schultz. Cheng led a Hong Kong domination of the top 10 with Jennifer Chang, on former racehorse Sport Seeker, in sixth place, Nicole Pearson, on another Hong Kong former racehorse Happy King, in seventh and the youngest competitor, Gaelle Tong, on Capital Star taking eighth. The 1-metre-40 class was followed by a five-rider jump-off which had spectators enthralled as each competitor tried to shave seconds off their timing. 'I knew that I had to really put my foot down,' said Cheng. 'If you want to win, you really have to go for it.' Cheng's horse has had some fitness problems this season but is now back on form and should be an impressive addition to the Hong Kong team for December's Asian Games in Dohar. For Cheng, yesterday's victory more than made up for Cheng's past disappointments. 'Last year I was watching others winning prizes, hoping that it would be me and it happened today,' he said. With the support of his parents and trainers Stuart Mitchell and Dermott Lennon, Kenneth has been able to move on and develop both his horses and riding. 'I'm lucky, we really work as a team and Dermott has been a great help preparing Jay Bee Schultz,' he said. Yesterday was the last day of the FEI World Cup jumping final and the Hong Kong squad will return home with the knowledge that they have made a great impression in Kuala Lumpur. Aside from Cheng's success, Magali Tong won the Young Riders Series while Charlotte Morse competed at the highest level in the KL Grand Pix.
