Derek Leung Ka-chun became the fourth home-grown jockey to reach 500 winners after a last-gasp win on Regal Gem in the Class Three Harbour View Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

The 37-year-old, who has claimed Group One victories on Beauty Generation and Victor The Winner, joined Vincent Ho Chak-yiu, Matthew Chadwick and Tony Cruz after an aptly stellar ride on Regal Gem.

Settled ahead of midfield, the three-year-old was forced to swing very wide into the straight, but was galvanised by Leung to lead 50m out and fend off a late challenge by Never Too Soon by a short head.

“First, thank you to the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Apprentice School for looking after me and helping me with everything,” said Leung. “I need to thank all the owners and trainers for their support of me.

“It’s great to get 500 winners and be the fourth local jockey [to achieve that]. I hope to keep it up and keep riding winners.

“Every winner’s very important for me – especially the first winner and first Group One. I hope to keep improving myself and keep doing great.”

Cruz also enjoyed a night to remember as the legendary trainer secured a treble in consecutive races, headlined by Viva Graciousness’ win in the Class Three HKEX Cup (1,650m).

A winner on return at the Valley, jockey Matthew Chadwick always exuded confidence in the son of Deep Field, who settled just behind midfield.

Rather than swinging wide into the straight, Chadwick chose to bide his time and took the inside route, weaving between horses to mow down Keen Molly in the closing stages and get off the mark in Class Three company.

“He had a light weight [116lb] and he loves this track. He’s become a healthier horse, he had some issues when he was younger – he had some problems in his joints – but we’ve got that under control and that’s why he’s much fitter,” said Cruz.

“He loves the Valley, so I will keep him here and see how high he can go.”

There was also a significant win for Angus Chung Yik-lai, who reached 100 Hong Kong wins and secured the second leg of Cruz’s treble when Parents’ Love sauntered to success in the Class Four Man Yiu Handicap (1,000m).

The 29-year-old had no issues steering the $3.55 favourite home, smashing out of the gates to lead from stall two and never looking back, winning by an easy one and three-quarter lengths from Super Sixty.

“Tony is my main support – probably half my winners have come from him. He has taught me quite a lot of things. If not for him, I cannot get in that race so I appreciate people who support me,” said Chung.

“Parents’ Love had an easy lead and finished very well. He gave me full confidence and I didn’t have to worry about a horse going past me.

“I’m very grateful to have such a good master and to stay with [Cruz]. It’s my fourth season and I’m glad that I can get 100 wins, but I’m trying to get more. I’ve got to keep going.”

Cruz got his treble when Flying Wrote defied a three-wide trip without cover from stall 11 to win the first section of the Class Four Li Yuen Handicap (1,200m) for jockey Jerry Chau Chun-lok.

Zac Purton also enjoyed a double on the night, with Lunar Dash seemingly destined for better things after his cosy win in the second section of the Li Yuen Handicap.

Purton doubled up in the next race when Mighty Steed got top honours in the Class Four Man Cheung Handicap (1,650m) for trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai.