Ocean Park adds to trainer’s first Hong Kong double

You couldn’t wipe the smile off Brett Crawford’s face at Sha Tin on Sunday after the trainer snared his first Hong Kong success and then quickly helped himself to a double.

After a positive start to life in Hong Kong with three placings from five starters, Crawford headed to Sha Tin with just two runners and things could not have unfolded any better.

“Amazing day. I couldn’t be happier,” he said after Ninja Derby joined Speedy Smartie on the winners’ list.”

Ninja Derby provided an easy watch for Crawford, with the six-year-old finding the front from barrier 14 under Lyle Hewitson and dictating proceedings throughout.

“I thought today this horse would run a big race. Obviously, from gate 14 it was a bit of a concern but I must give full credit to Lyle. I thought he rode an absolutely perfect race and gave the horse every chance,” said Crawford after Ninja Derby’s two-and-three-quarter-length success.

“When he quickened at the top of the straight I thought he would be a hard horse to catch. I’m very pleased. He showed it in his trial – he trialled really well and for me that’s encouraging that the horses are running how they’ve been working at home.”

Ninja Derby (ex Pastrana) was bred by T Luke, Kim and Peter McKay and Waikato Stud.