3 minute read

Champion rider Luis Corrales and Breinell Yamzon shared riding honours at Taipa on June 18 with both jockeys kicking home a winning double on Saturdays all weather program.

Corrales who is currently facing the most serious challenge to his crown in three seasons from Brazilian Leo Salles, got off to a fine start for the day with River Bobo winning the feature event the University of Macau Alumni Association Cup over 1350 metres.

Prepared by leading trainer Sio Cheong, River Bobo remains undefeated in his seven runs at the 1350 metres distance and took his overall sand record to seven wins with two placed efforts from his 11 starts on the sand.

The son of Elusive City was sent straight to the front by Corrales, who then rated the gelding to perfection before kicking away at the two hundred for and easy win.

Pak Lok Angel ran on well for second under Wayne Smith, with Healthy Life (Peter Ho) back in third.

Corrales had to work a bit harder for his second winner the Kenny Seo trained Korean Dream in the Class 2 & 3 over 1350 metres.

In a great battle with arch rival Leo Salles who rode Jovial Brown, the two riders went head and head for the last two hundred metres before Jovial Brown got the stride in as they hit the line to win by a nose.

The drama didn’t end there though with Luis Corrales firing in a protest citing interference over the final one hundred metres of the race.

The stewards patrol footage clearly showed Jovial Brown coming out on two occasions and taking Korean Dream off his line of running. With the beaten margin of only a nose it was an easy decision for the MJC Stewards Panel chaired by Australian Heidi Lester and the placings were overturned.

Leo Salles had some joy earlier in the day when he led throughout on the Tony Fung trained True Brother in the Class 4 & 5 over 1050 metres.

Corrales at the moment has a seven win margin 49 to 42 over Salles with Peter Ho back in third on 38 winners.

No one is riding any better in recent weeks than Filipino rider Breinell Yamzon who added a double to his season’s tally on Saturday.

Yamzon had to wait until late in the day for his rewards and in a good tussle with favorite I Told You So punched Sharon Star home for a much deserved win in the Class 3 & 4 over 1050 metres

Sharon Star has been the proverbial bridesmaid throughout his career having only won four races in Macau, but has racked up 13 second placed efforts along with eight thirds, at times in the best of company. The son of Umatilla has picked up $2 million HKD in prize money for his connections

The Louis Ho trained Cali Fortune was the second winner for Yamzon when he gave him a lovely front running ride before kicking well over the last one hundred metres to win the last of the day the Class 4 over 1600 metres

Gem Fighter chased well for second under Luis Corrales with Vigorous Momentum (Wayne Smith) running in third.

The double comes on the heels on a winning treble a few weeks back and is a just reward for Yamzon who puts in plenty of effort at the track of a morning.

Cliffy Lai was back in the winner’s circle with a win on the 28/1 shot Delight Consul in the first of the day the Class 6 over 1350 metres.

The Patrick Lee trained galloper made it win number 13 in Macau all in the lower grade and has won close to $2 million dollars for connections.