LUCKY MAGIC WINS PENANG GOLD

Up-and-coming trainer Cheng bags first Group 1 win in his home town, and 2 from 2 to boot

- Michael Lee

Winson Cheng Han Yong will forever remember the date Dec 29, 2024 for many reasons.

Fireworks indeed came early for the Kuala Lumpur-based trainer when he notched his first Group 1 win with Lucky Magic ($33) in the RM300,000 (S$91,000) Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Penang Gold Cup (2,000m) at Batu Gantong, but that was not the only cause to pop the champagne.

Fittingly, the milestone came in the 34-year-old's home town, a place he always tries to compete in whenever a meeting is on.

For good measure, the second horse who joined Lucky Magic on that four-hour road trip between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, also won - Shang Chi ($15).

"I feel very happy. It's my first Group 1 win," said the New Zealand-trained conditioner.

"I did it with two runners, two winners. To do it in my home town, it doesn't get any better than that."

However, one element he did not quite include in the build-up to the perfect conclusion was surprise.

He had picked Malaysia's last feature race for Lucky Magic for some time, while Shang Chi was not just a travelling buddy on the float.

"There's more to come from Lucky Magic," said Cheng.

"I think he can win more big races in the new season (2025). I plan to run him in that 4YO feature in July, the 4YO Mile Championship.