Lyle Hewitson is discovering first-hand that Hong Kong racing’s reputation as an ultra-competitive crucible is not just empty spin.
Six weeks into his first season, the two-time South African champion is winless after 44 rides, spanning only seven of the campaign’s 10 meetings so far thanks to an untimely early suspension. But the young rider, 21, heads into Happy Valley’s midweek fixture (Wednesday, 16 October) upbeat and confident that his ability and work ethic will win through.
“It is tough here,” he said. “The setback was the two weeks off, which was a kick in the teeth, but I’ve been working hard and been pretty optimistic and I remain hard-working and happy so I’m sure I’ll crack the ice soon.
“It’s always difficult, people start to doubt you a little bit but it’s all about remaining positive: have that optimism and get the ball rolling.”
Hewiston is hoping to start that roll in the night’s opener, the Class 5 Kam Shan Handicap (1800m), aboard Money Marshal (119lb) for the in-form Paul O’Sullivan stable.
The rider was in the plate for the 16-race maiden’s first two runs this season, the last of those being a solid second to Curling Luxury over the distance at Sha Tin 10 days ago. That followed a fair eighth over 1400m.
“He was luckless first time out and probably just a touch short so would have needed it, but he showed the improvement and came on nicely over the 1800 (metres). He hasn't shown much at Happy Valley thus far but this is his right sort of trip so hopefully there’ll be some improvement in that regard.”
The five-year-old faces 10 rivals, notably top-weight Sky Gem (133lb) for the Joao Moreira-Caspar Fownes combination which has produced a 21% wins strike rate this term.
Hewitson’s mount is not the most straightforward but he takes confidence from the fact that Money Marshal is showing good form.
“He’s a bit of a difficult ride, he can run around and he hangs but he’s third up after a good run and I’m expecting him to run a positive race again,” he said.
“I think he wants 1800 metres and he enjoys a good tempo too. It depends how the race unfolds but I don’t think he’s a one-dimensional horse either, we might have a few options but it is Class 5 and he’s in form at the moment so hopefully he can back that up.”
Hewitson, despite his blank, had nine rides at Sha Tin last Saturday and has seven on Wednesday’s eight-race card.
Lyle Hewitson is chasing a first Hong Kong win, picture Hong Kong Jockey Club
