Moore triumphs in Hong Kong jockey challenge

The three-time leading rider in Britain won two of the four challenge races at Happy Valley (Hong Kong Jockey Club)

Ryan Moore, who shared last year's International Jockeys'

Championship in a three-way tie, was crowned champion on his own with 24

points this year following two thrilling wins in the four-race competition on

Wednesday night at Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong.

Moore, a three-time champion in Britain and fresh from winning the World

Super Jockeys Series in Japan last month, was seen at his brilliant best

on both his winners. He got off to a dream start when producing the Tony

Millard-trained Something Special (Encosta de Lago) with a storming run under a

power-packed ride on the outside of the field, running down the Olivier Peslier-ridden Jolly Wongchoy

(Belong to Me) by three-quarters of a length.

Moore had to wait until the final leg to clinch the title on the well

named Fearless (Western Winter). Drawn in what looked a tough position in 12, the pair

came wide and late on the outsider to collar the Douglas Whyte-ridden

Ho Wongchoy (Cullen). In the process Moore snatched the title away from Whyte,

who was second with 18 points.

"It is really nice to win this event,

on my very own this time," a delighted Moore said. "Especially good as I

didn't think I held much chance coming into it. I was delighted to find

the trainer (Tony Millard) was confident when it came to the first race,

and the horse won well.