Lerena ‘hopeful’ of retaining international Hong Kong title

– Defending champion Gavin Lerena says he is “hoping for the best” in today’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley, while local guns Joao Moreira and Zac Purton are guarded about their prospects of a 2016 win.

They, of course, are just three of the all-star cast of 12 competing in the celebrated challenge and will face stiff competition from accomplished rivals including Australia’s Hugh Bowman and Ireland’s Pat Smullen who believe their chances, in theory at least, are better than in previous years.

Last year’s runner-up and two time winner Ryan Moore, soon to be crowned the Longines World’s Best Jockey for the second time, is sure to be prominent again and 2015 third place-getter, Japan’s Keita Tosaki, is keen to improve his performance this year.

Lerena took the top honours last year when making his first appearance. He finished with gusto to take the last two legs of the four-leg series and pocket the HK$500,000 winner’s cheque and he’s delighted to be back.

“It’s fantastic to be here and to test yourself against the very best. You wouldn’t pass it up for anything. I’m not too sure about the strength of my rides but I’ll just go out there and enjoy it, do my best and hope for the best,” Lerena said.

Australian ace Bowman, the regular rider of champion mare Winx and a frequently successful visitor to Hong Kong believes his chances are brighter than in 2015.“My rides appear to be better, on paper, than last year so that’s the good news. You need some luck around the (Happy) Valley,” Bowman said. – Sky Sports