Bentley Cruises to First Sha Tin Triumph

If ever the phrase, ‘many feel called but few are chosen’, is true it’s applicable to the jockey cauldron that is Hong Kong. In the dog-eat-dog colosseum that has little respect for fresh blood, new jockeys who are deserted by lady luck find themselves thrown to the lions if they don’t quickly find winning form. Fortunately for UK rider Harry Bentley, he has managed the not inconsequential feat, for a newcomer, of riding a winner at each of Sha Tin and Happy Valley from his first seven meetings in the Territory. Following a winning ride on Vincy (Elzaam) for trainer Douglas Whyte at the latter track two weeks ago, Bentley got the best out of Red Elysees (Champs Elysees) over the weekend. After an easy victory aboard the older horse who last won in February over two years ago, an eleated Bentley told scmp.com, “You need winners to keep you going so it’s always a good feeling. It’s great to get on the board here at Sha Tin. Obviously, I was lucky enough to have a Happy Valley win so to have a winner at both tracks is very important.” The former multiple Qatar champion rider acknowledged how tough his new gig is and the importance of confidence – not just for himself but also for trainers to put him on horses. He added, “The tracks [in Hong Kong] are maintained incredibly well, everything is run very professionally, which I love. The lifestyle is good, I’m just getting into all of that, as well as the racing!”

Not a bad way to open your account at Sha Tin! 👏@HarryBentley_ and RED ELYSEES surge clear to give the jockey his first win at the track. #HKracing @AtTheRaces pic.twitter.com/2c2xurEcv1

— Hong Kong Racing (@HongKong_Racing) May 8, 2021