Four-time Brazilian champion jockey Vagner Borges has only been in Hong Kong for a week since his return but has landed the mount on the Frankie Lor-trained Super Oasis in Sunday's (22 March) HK$20 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m).
“I'm very happy to have a ride in the Hong Kong Derby – I didn't expect to get one but I'm very excited for it now,” Borges said.
The Derby was first run in 1873 and is Hong Kong racing's crown jewel, and the 26-year-old now has the chance to join a near 150-year honour roll of history as he takes over from Jamie Spencer, who was initially engaged to ride but is unable to fly due to travel restrictions.
“I gave him a trial last Friday – he trialled very good, so we booked the Brazilian, Vagner (Borges) to ride – it's very exciting for him,” Lor said.
Borges' short-term contract commenced last Sunday with nine rides, his best result being a second aboard Mongolian King for Me Tsui, who he links up with for three of his five rides this Wednesday (18 March) at Happy Valley in search of a first Hong Kong win.
“I'm trying very hard to get winners – it's not easy here in Hong Kong as it's very competitive but if I keep working hard hopefully the winners will come,” Borges said, through an interpreter.
Of Tsui's four entries for Wednesday, Borges has been tasked with three, highlighted by the mount on Very Sweet Orange in the Class 3 Cassia Handicap (1000m). The bold front-runner is looking for a hat-trick of wins at the Valley and has drawn gate one.
“Me Tsui has been supporting me a lot, we get on well together and the best rides I had last time were with him – I'm looking forward to Wednesday night,” Borges said.
Borges arrived last season on a short-term contract for only five meetings and returned three runner-up efforts across that time, all for Tsui, from a total of 31 rides. His contract this term concludes on 31 May, 2020.
“I'm enjoying being here very much, the first race day I had a second and I feel I will get there slowly as I am trying as hard as I can,” he said.
Also on the card for Borges is Magnificent, another front-runner, who tackles the Class 3 Magnolia Handicap (1650m) in search of his second course and distance success this term.