The Group III Lion Rock Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday produced an Aussie bred trifecta with five year-old Rubick gelding Light Years Charm claiming his first Black Type success when beating Beauty Joy (Sebring) and Copartner Prance (Epaulette).
Trained by David Eustace and ridden by Jerry Chau, Light Years Charm was a long shot at 40-1, but belied the lack of interest from punters to score a head win in a three way thriller.
David Eustace was thrilled to take the win with Light Years Charm, who has the overall record of seven wins and five placings from 20 starts with the first of those wins at Lismore in Australia before his purchase for Hong Kong.
“He’s just been a great horse and I’d say worked through his grades really well. We always felt a mile would suit him and it’s probably the first time we’ve really tried a mile where everything’s actually gone well going into the race, and he’s had a nice weight,” Eustace said.
“Of course, the draw (barrier one) helped him, and a relatively sedate tempo for a horse who’s got a good turn of foot, helped him. And he got a beautiful ride from Jerry. Everything went his way, which you need. (Jerry) rides very well and is sort of adaptable to the races, which you need here and its’s nice to share a partnership with him.
“Group races in Hong Kong are probably like winning Group 1s anywhere else. They’re hard to win and they don’t happen that often – but a Group 1 is on another level. It’s a big thrill.”
Light Years Charm was initially purchased for just $3,750 from the Amarina Farm draft at the Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale and is the best of three winners from four foals to race from Dancer’s Rose, a winning grand-daughter of Group III winner Hula Wonder.
The family has also produced Group winners Sugar Bella, Gumdrops and stakes-winner Willy Jimmy. Dancer’s Rose is no longer an active producer.
Light Years Charm is the 17th stakes-winner for Rubick, who was sold in 2025 to stand at stud in China and he has two studs remaining at stud in Australia in Yes Yes Yes and Jacquinot.
