A sublime rails-hugging ride by James McDonald helped Galaxy Patch claim his first victory in 13 months as red-hot favourite My Wish could only manage fourth in a dramatic Group Two BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Winless since last year’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m), Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s stable star avenged his defeat in last year’s Jockey Club Mile as the $1.7 favourite with the breakthrough success.

McDonald made an impact on his first race ride on Galaxy Patch, sticking to the inside rail in the straight as the son of Wandjina stormed home to prevail at $6.35.

“We’ve waited for long – very long,” a relieved Ng said.

“This preparation he’s been really well. His last run was a bit unlucky – he ran sixth [behind My Wish in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy] and today, luckily it opened up well for him.

“For that period of time [since his last win], we just kept looking for the next one and he delivered that today.

“Obviously with the gear change with the blinkers on, he finished stronger to the line but still a little bit of improvement has to be made.”

Galaxy Patch relished his first start in blinkers since March last year and a frenetic early speed, with Pray For Mir’s lead time almost two seconds inside standard for the first 800m.

Galaxy Patch powered to the front at the 150m, snatching the lead from the $1.4 favourite My Wish and keeping on to deny fellow swooper Sunlight Power by half a length.

“He did really well. He got a bit of a check at the 800m, he regathered himself and came with a good surge,” McDonald said.

“Nice confidence-boosting sort of win heading into December and we’ll see how we go.”

Happy Together was pipped for second in a photo finish, while My Wish was a length behind the winner.

My Wish had a perfect run one-out and one-back and looked to be cruising when he took control passing the 250m, but he was run down by the three swoopers.

“It’s disappointing to lose but unless you’re Ka Ying Rising, you don’t win every time,” trainer Mark Newnham said of My Wish.

“He was five weeks between runs and I think he’ll be better in December with the three-week gap.

“He over-raced a little bit, Luke [Ferraris] said – a bit keen in the run and it told at the finish. They ran quick sections but they went quick the other day when he won [the Sha Tin Trophy].

“That’s never bothered him before, but he didn’t relax well enough. If they’re going to run quickly, you’ve got to save energy and he didn’t. I’d say with the three-week turnaround now, he’ll be much better.”

Sunday’s result sets up an intriguing Group One Hong Kong Mile on December 14, with Ng confirming McDonald will again ride Galaxy Patch in the big feature.

“We waited long for [McDonald] as well. He’s been busy with Voyage Bubble, so this season we waited for him,” Ng said.

“This is the first time he rode him in a race [and] he won it, so I’m looking forward to the next one.”