Apprentice jockey Britney Wong Po-ni waved goodbye to her 10lb claim in style at Sha Tin on Sunday, banging in a double with victories aboard Fight Time and Packing Bole.

After reaching 20 Hong Kong victories early in her second season, Wong’s claim will be reduced to 7lb and she confirmed she is growing in confidence.

“I think [my progress] has been good. It’s only two meetings [into the new season], but I think performance-wise I’m really satisfied with my progress,” she said.

“Last season I was not very able to be within the field or be confident being with [other horses], but late last season and these two race days I was able to find that rhythm within myself and I was confident to do so.”

Fight Time produced a gutsy victory after a three-wide trip in the first section of the Class Five Hong Tung Handicap (1,400m), surging down the outside from forward of midfield to salute by half a length.

It was Wong’s second victory for her boss David Hall and the Australian trainer praised the jockey.

“She did a great job. She was caught wide but obviously from barrier 13, it was always going to be a chance that that could happen,” said Hall after he and Wong opened their accounts for the new season.

“But she kept the horse’s balance, kept his rhythm and let him build his momentum up and he was quite strong through the line.

“It was great to have a winner with Britney and it would be great for her confidence.

“I think she’s very focused and she’s been very hard-working. I’ve seen a little bit more strength from her in the mornings actually, so I definitely think she’s improved.

“Race one we drew barrier one [with Windicator Family], she got locked away on the fence, she was fearless in there and she had to wait for a run and I think she’s made good improvement. I’m very happy with her progress.”

Wong found the rail aboard Packing Bole from barrier 10 in the Class Three Oi Tung Handicap (1,200m) on the dirt and the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained six-year-old was never headed after assuming the lead about 800m from home.

“Actually, before the race I did his last gallop and I thought the horse wasn’t as hard fit as he was [last season] but I think that’s another main factor of his win today because he was able to relax more early on,” said Wong of Packing Bole.

“Even though I got pressure on early, he wasn’t taking off with me. He was saving that for that last bit to kick off. I’m very happy with this win.

“It’s funny because when I studied this horse and especially his win with Jerry [Chau Chun-lok], he prefers hands and heels so I didn’t want to pull my whip early and today I was able to push him out for longer and let him be happier for longer.”

Wong, who hasn’t yet been cleared to ride at the tight-turning Happy Valley track, also had two placings on Sunday and she’s pleased with how she’s started the campaign after two winners from 11 rides.

“Everything is great. I was very positive about today because all the horses I was riding, I knew them pretty well and I knew what to do. I came here with a plan and the plan worked well,” she said.