Brett Crawford’s “fairy tale” start to his Hong Kong training career continued when Encountered flashed home to recapture the Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The Churchill galloper had been winless in 18 runs after winning the race in 2023 for David Hall and signs of a revival last year were limited, including a midfield finish in this race 12 months ago.
He switched stables into Crawford’s care ahead of this season and after a pair of promising runs in Class Two company to kick off the campaign, punters were keen to get stuck in as he shortened to $7.95.
That money proved spot on, though it was far from straightforward. His jockey, Karis Teetan, settled him with just a few behind him and turning into the straight, the Mauritian was screaming for room.
The door finally opened at the 300m pole and that proved to be just in the nick of time, as Encountered blasted down the middle of the track to overhaul Happy Together by a short-head.
It was a first Group winner in Hong Kong for Crawford at the first attempt and the 54-year-old, who already has plenty of reasons to celebrate after his brilliant start in the city, will continue his festivities long after the race.
“I could see him making up the ground and I knew he had a good chance, but there was a horse who got just ahead of us and I wasn’t sure if we were going to get him in time,” said Crawford.
“It really came down to the wire – it was a great race. I’ve really got to give credit to Karis – he rode a really good race and put a lot of hard work into the preparation.
“The guys at home have worked really hard on this horse and I can’t thank them enough. It’s a fairy tale start for me – to win a Group Three in Hong Kong within your first season is really amazing.
“We’ll go one race at a time – I’m pretty sure he will feel this race tomorrow, he’s a horse who takes his racing quite hard. We’ll enjoy the moment and reassess everything tomorrow.”
It was a third win in the race for jockey Teetan, who secured last year’s contest aboard Ensued and was also on board Horse Of Fortune when he struck in 2016 for Tony Millard.
His history with Crawford goes a long way back, including Group 1 victories in South Africa, and the top jockey was quick to praise the trainer, who has stuck with him through thick and thin.
“Myself and Brett, we go a long way back,” Teetan said. “He gave me a chance when I was still young and he taught me a lot, not just about being a jockey, but about being a human being and how to deal with life after you come out of your apprenticeship.
“He’s been a great part of my life and I’m glad that he’s here. He’s continuously giving me support and winning this race for him just means a lot.
"Encountered’s form has been good this season. Both of his runs were really good at the Valley. I worked him through the week and I thought it was the best I had felt him in a long time. The horse was happy, felt good – today, the last 50m, I needed him and the horse responded well.” - South China Morning Post