Raced by Cheng Ming Leung, Cheng Yu Tung, Cheng Mei Mei and Cheng Yu Wai, Manfred Man-trained Lucky Sweynesse is an inspiring comeback story in world racing as the 2022/23 Hong Kong Champion Sprinter bids to write a new chapter in his remarkable racing career in the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 26 April.

Lucky Sweynesse was sidelined for more than a year due to injury, and resumed in last season’s G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) when the son of Sweynesse finished sixth. He made further improvement with a creditable fourth behind Helios Express, closing off his fourth season in Hong Kong.

After a string of fine efforts this season, including finishing fourth in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Lucky Sweynesse provided a pleasant surprise to the Cheng family when he finished second behind Romantic Warrior in the G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), his first time over a mile. The horse went on to run a gallant third behind Ka Ying Rising in the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m), and in his last start won the G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) on 6 April.

Cheng Ming Leung said: “It’s a family decision to step him up in trip, as he is bred to be a miler, but there’s no point in running him over a mile when he achieved good results in his younger age. However, after he fully recovered and as he grew older, we believed it was time for him to try the mile.”

Cheng Yu Wai, son of Cheng Ming Leung, said: “Full credit to trainer Manfred Man and his team. They have spent a great effort during the past two years and it is a great challenge to successfully turn things around. We knew that it was not easy, and now every one of us are glad that all the efforts could be fully paid now.”

The family was more than happy when Cheng Ming Leung drew gate four at the barrier draw ceremony this morning (Thursday, 23 April).

“It’s really a good draw, and hopefully our horse can jump well and take a leading or striking position near the fence. Derek (Leung) rides him well and our horse should be competitive in the race,” Cheng said.

Cheng Yu Wai added that Jantar Mantar looks to be the main danger in the race.

Regardless of the result, they are proud to be part of FWD Champions Day.

“We are glad to have the support from everybody, including The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and we are grateful to have a runner on this great day of racing, where champions meet in races of the highest level,” Cheng Ming Leung said.

The 11-race FWD Champions Day card on Sunday (26 April) at Sha Tin starts with the Class 4 FWD Insurance Act Private Handicap (1200m) at 12.30pm.

Photo: HKJC