Happy Valley's Tung Wah Centennial Challenge Cup, the premier race on Wednesday 13th December, was won in effortless fashion by the Tony Cruz trained King Encosta.  "The King", as he is affectionately known to by his owners Mr and Mrs Patrick Fung, who are amongst the keenest race goers in Hong Kong.  The reward to the Fung family in winning such a race is well deserved for the patience and affection they give to their horses.

 

Cruz ,who showed great judgement in placing King Encosta in this trophy race, said "the horse and owners deserve a trophy and I am happy for all concerned that we pulled it off".

 

Racing as Prince Encosta in Australia and trained by Oliver Koolman, he won first up at Canterbury almost 12 months ago to the day.  The win qualified this promising galloper to race in Hong Kong.  Oliver's basic education has proved to be extremely beneficial in his continued consisitant form and for that Cruz made no secret and for which he is extremely grateful.

 

In Hong Kong, King Encosta has now won 3 races from 6 starts, with one second and two fourths and Cruz, the champion trainer, is confident the horse will continue on to win good races in the future.