Pierre Ng Pang-chi is hopeful Zac Purton’s return from injury will coincide with the return of Galaxy Patch to the winners’ list at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Last victorious in October’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m), Galaxy Patch will join forces with Purton for the first time in this weekend’s Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m).
While Ng has praised Blake Shinn in the past for his ability to relax known closer Galaxy Patch – the Australian rider partnered the five-year-old to second in January’s Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) – he thinks it could be Purton who can truly get the best out of his stable star.
“Zac trialled him really well. I’ve never seen the horse so relaxed in the early part of the trial, so I think we’ve found the right person for him,” said Ng in reference to Galaxy Patch’s fast-finishing second in a 1,200m dirt trial last week.
Zac Purton partners Galaxy Patch (left) to second in a trial last week.
“Hopefully, he can win the Group Two [this weekend] and we can look forward to the Group One next month.
“He’s the fifth top-rated horse in Hong Kong so I’m sure that he’ll manage to do [well] on Sunday.”
That Group One is the Champions Mile on April 27’s Champions Day, where Galaxy Patch is expected to meet leading local miler Voyage Bubble and Australian star Mr Brightside.
While the son of Wandjina would have to find another level to prevail in the Champions Mile, Ng remains confident Galaxy Patch’s time will come at the elite level.
Pierre Ng enjoys a winner.
“The Group One is in our minds, so hopefully not too long to wait,” he said.
“He’s still [only] five years old and he’ll be a lot more professional, more mature later on.”
Galaxy Patch could well start favourite this weekend in a race featuring Group One winner Beauty Eternal, who gives the field five pounds, Beauty Joy and the up-and-coming Sunlight Power.
Sunlight Power steps into Group company for the first time after an impressive season and trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is confident he can make a splash.
Class act! Sunlight Power wears down Voyage Samurai in the Kowloon Tong Club Trophy as @HugeBowman makes it a hat-trick at Sha Tin... 🔥#LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/1lNBNqqJqa
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 15, 2025
“He’s rated over 100 now, so he’s against the big boys. He’s a horse who always tries very hard and gives his best. I’d be very happy if he can finish in the first three,” Yiu said.
As for Ng, he will be hoping Galaxy Patch can help him continue his good form as he bids to stay in touch with premiership leader John Size.
After landing winners at three of the past four meetings to move to 35 successes for the campaign, Ng also saddles up Gale Saga, Robot Knight, Aurora Patch and Across Da Universe as he looks to close the 10-win gap to Size.
The returning Purton has nine rides on his first day at the races since he fractured his left big toe in a race fall on February 9, headlined by Ka Ying Rising in the afternoon’s other Group Two – the Sprint Cup (1,200m).
Purton also climbs aboard Volcanic Spark, Bottomuptogether, Ka Ying Glory, With A Smile, La Forza, Sunny Da Best and Another World.
