Grant scores Hong Kong double

SUPPORT: CALLAN MURRAY GETS OFF THE MARK WITH A SECOND PLACE AT SHA TIN

Dougie Whyte rounds off a great day for South Africa.

Grant van Niekerk made a sensational start to his new life in Hong Kong by opening and closing the first meeting of the new season at Sha Tin yesterday.

The richly talented youngster won with his very first ride, taking Race 1 by 0.75-lengths on eightyear-old stalwart Triumphant Jewel, who scored his seventh win in the process.

Defending champion jockey Zac Purton was the victim of the new kid in town, being beaten into second on Victory Power.

The race was the Class 4 Harcourt Handicap over 1000m worth HK$ 920,000 (just over R1.7 million).

It was also a dream result for trainer Jimmy Ting. The former jockey was putting out his first runner as a trainer, and it could hardly have gone any better.

Van Niekerk then popped up again in the tenth and last race this time for Tony Millard.

World Record was one of the outsiders in the Class 2 Albert Handicap over 1400m, but prevailed in a three-way photo finish, paying a healthy R17.10 on the tote.

This time Van Niekerk brilliantly produced his mount from stone last to get up in the final stride - a ride which is certain to have had local race goers sitting up and taking notice.

The race was worth HK$ 1,950,000 (about R3.6 million).

Speaking after his wins, Van Niekerk said: “I’m delighted, I’m very blessed to have been given the chance to be here so I’m making the most of the opportunities and I’ll do my best.”

Callan Murray made less of an incendiary debut, but did manage an encouraging runner-up berth in Race 7 over 1000m on Golden Dash.

Another South African jockey also made the number one box as multiple Hong Kong champion Douglas Whyte won Race 2 by four lengths on Le Panache.