Luke Currie has found early success in Hong Kong, winning on his very first ride in the precinct when he kicked off the latest chapter of his career at Sha Tin on Sunday.
It was fellow Australian, trainer David Hayes who helped Currie to that success sending the Group 1 winning jockey out aboard the Astern gelding Miracle Victory, who secured his first win in his fourth career start.
Currie had to spend three weeks in quarantine before being cleared to race in Hong Kong and he wasted little time in not only blowing away any cobwebs but also grabbing the type of attention that a new rider on the scene needs to further his cause.
“It’s a great start, isn’t it? He (Currie) put the horse in a great spot,” said Hayes. “No matter what their reputation is, Hong Kong is a fresh start and they judge you on what you do. So, it’s really good for him to showcase his riding and win his first race.
Daniel Moor also had his first ride in Hong Kong in the race won by Miracle Victory. Moor came back in seventh place aboard Celestial Warrior and his mounts also finished unplaced in another three races. Currie had two other rides on the day … both for trainer David Hall but did not add to his tally.
Currie would have still been very happy with his opening outcome though in what would have been part of the ‘feeling out’ process for both riders.
Both riders will next be in action at the Chinese New Year’s Raceday at Sha Tin on Thursday where Moor again has the edge of number of rides having been booked to ride in nine races on the eleven-race card while Currie has picked up five rides.
