Admirably consistent across his 35-start career, Jumbo Legend (119lb) added another string to his bow this evening (Wednesday, 2 April) at Happy Valley with a stamina testing success in the Class 3 Hanshin Handicap (2200m).



Racing beyond 1800m for the first time after four wins at the city circuit – twice at 1200m and 1650m, trainer Caspar Fownes` six-year-old showcased ample staying power by producing a neck victory over Fallon (126lb) with jockey Harry Bentley.



Settled close to the rear throughout the contest, Bentley swung his mount into clear air with 300m left to run. Angling into the open, the bay overhauled Fallon tenaciously in 2m 14.18s with Charity Gain (121lb) grinding into third a further three lengths away.



“Stepping up in distance was a slight question mark. He always finishes his race out so well, so it looked to be suitable. I was happy with how he came into it and he relaxed beautifully,” Bentley said. “Fallon really stuck his head out and obviously the weight played a bit of a part but take nothing away from this lad`s victory.”



Jumbo Legend boasts HK$6.92 million earnings for Fownes, who said: “He`s a very honest horse. He ran a good race last start with good sectionals over 1800 metres. We felt that he could get any distance from a mile to 2000 and 2200 tonight.”



Concluding his six-week short-term Hong Kong contract this evening along with Declan McDonogh, Richard Kingscote exulted with his first Happy Valley win aboard Giant Leap in the second section of the Class 4 Nakayama Handicap (1200m) for trainer Ricky Yiu.



“I`m really happy. Obviously, tonight`s my last night, so it`s nice to get another one. I`m very grateful to Ricky and his team – they`ve supported me a lot since I`ve been here. It`s good,” Kingscote said.



Kingscote rode a treble last Wednesday (26 March) from three rides at Sha Tin`s all-dirt fixture, while McDonogh departs with the one win at Happy Valley on 5 March.



Following 10 wins through March, Andrea Atzeni extended his sparkling run as Crystal Powerful (121lb) landed the Class 4 Japan Racing Association Trophy Handicap (1000m) for trainer Cody Mo from gate two, edging past a hard Plentiful (126lb) by a short head.



Atzeni said: “It`s not a surprise to see him win. He won in Class 4 last year and dropping him back to 1000 (metres) is sort of the key to him – he`s showing more speed this year and he`s won both times but the draw has been a big help. Both times he`s had a good draw, good trip and he`s won but you can`t take anything away from him.”