Karis Teetan clinched the final berth in next month’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) after booting home Take Action at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

Locked in a tight battle with Matthew Poon Ming-fai for the fourth spot on Hong Kong’s team, Teetan had just three rides at the final meeting before the IJC line-up was confirmed.

But the Mauritian made the most of his opportunity on the John Size-trained Take Action in the Class Four Yuen Long Handicap (1,650m), extending his lead over Poon, who left the city circuit empty-handed.

Teetan, who won the IJC in 2019, joins Zac Purton, Vincent Ho Chak-yiu and Hugh Bowman from the Hong Kong roster in the prestigious contest on December 4.

“I’m thankful for all the support I get. Without the support of people of like Mr Size, you cannot have any success,” Teetan said after boosting his seasonal tally to 15 wins.

“The IJC, all the guys want to ride in it. It’s always a fantastic night organised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and you just want to be part of it. I’ve ridden in a few of them, so I know how it feels – it’s very exciting.”

Teetan took advantage of a soft run midfield on the fence, driving Take Action along the inside in the straight to beat Ninja Derby by nose in a thriller.

It was the Sacred Falls gelding’s first victory at start eight.

Bowman, who grabbed Hong Kong’s third spot with 19 victories this term, will also chase his second IJC title after his 2016 success.

“It’s a huge honour,” said Bowman, who is in the midst of a winless streak of 36 rides.

“This is my first time to represent Hong Kong. I was injured last year and couldn’t take my place. It’s a wonderful night.

“It’s a great showcase of international racing and it’s the benchmark of jockey challenges around the world, in my opinion. To be part of it once again is a huge privilege.”

Elsewhere, Tony Cruz dominated the nine-race card with a four-timer, including a somewhat controversial win with $34 chance Lovero after a stewards’ inquiry.

Lovero was beaten a shorthead by Super Unicorn in the Class Three Hung Shui Kiu Handicap (1,650m) but stewards sustained Angus Chung Yik-lai’s objection, alleging interference over the final 100m from Zac Purton, the rider of $2.8 favourite Super Unicorn.

Viva Graciousness ($10) delivered Cruz the first leg of his quartet when he made all under Matthew Chadwick in the Class Four Kwu Tung Handicap (1,650m), while Beauty Charge helped end Brenton Avdulla’s drought of 34 winless rides with an upset win at $26 in the Class Two Chek Lap Kok Handicap (1,200m).

Gustosisimo ($4.4 favourite) capped Cruz’s big night with a tough win over Poon’s mount Eason in the Class Three Fanling Handicap (1,200m), handing Chung a double on the night.

Superstar jockey James McDonald emulated his double from Sha Tin last Sunday, winning back-to-back races on the Jamie Richards-trained Storming Dragon and Danny Shum Chap-shing’s Yee Cheong Spirit.

Meanwhile, the Jockey Club announced on Wednesday that Ben Thompson’s licence has been extended from December 9 until the end of the season.

From limited opportunities, the lightweight Australian jockey has booted home nine winners since arriving in the city in February.