Lucky Sweynesse capped a 48 hours to savour for Manfred Man Ka-leung at Sha Tin on Sunday, taking out the Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) to hand the veteran trainer his first Group One success just two days after the Jockey Club extended his licence by 12 months.

It was also a first elite-level success for the four-year-old speedster, who completed his rapid rise with a Group One victory at his 13th start.

“Each winner is special for me, but a Group One winner makes me feel powerful,” Man said. “I’m still excited. I was full of confidence he could win. Last run, he just had no luck. Everyone could see that. This race he drew [gate] eight, but he could still win. I think the horse can still improve.”

Sent out the $1.70 favourite, Lucky Sweynesse atoned for his luckless sixth behind Wellington in December’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) to deliver Man his third win in a race he won twice with Eagle Regiment before it was an international Group One.

Positioned outside leader Sight Success by Purton after jumping cleanly, Lucky Sweynesse travelled nicely throughout in a race run almost a length outside standard for the first 400m before the pace quickened.

A final 400m of 22.17 seconds was enough to see Lucky Sweynesse work his way past Sight Success and finish a length and a half clear of runner-up Wellington, who ran home in almost identical time after tracking the winner throughout.

“It was pretty painless. As soon as he began as well as he did, and I was able to get outside the leader, I was fairly confident from there,” Purton said.

“He still had to turn up and do it, and Sight Success gave him a good race – he gave a good kick – so I had to work to get past him and hold them off. He did a terrific job.”

Purton was pleased to deliver for Man after nothing went right on international day, with Lucky Sweynesse boxed in on the rail for a significant portion of the home straight when also sent off favourite.

“There was nothing I could do. We drew the wrong gate and just got locked away. I was just disappointed for Manfred. It was his big chance, and it doesn’t sit well with me not being able to deliver for him. Hopefully, today has gone some way to repaying him,” Purton said, before voicing his approval of the Jockey Club’s decision to give Man an extension.

“I think the club has done the right thing, and I look forward to riding a fair few more winners for him.”

Man will reach the Jockey Club’s compulsory retirement age at the end of the season and does not meet the official requirements for continuing past 65, but in the midst of a career-best season and with Lucky Sweynesse by his side, officials opted to give him a reprieve for the 2023-24 campaign.

Moreira to ride Senor Toba in Qatar after Fownes’ grey impresses in Centenary Vase

“It’s a relief. I can only say thank you to the Jockey Club for giving me the chance. I’ll try my best,” Man said, adding the confirmation came soon enough that it will be business as usual for his stable.

“Yes, no problems, I won’t lose any owners, and it’s all worked out OK. It’s good to have it sorted.”

Lucky Sweynesse’s victory came in the first leg of the Hong Kong speed series, which includes a HK$5 million bonus for a horse who can sweep the three races, and Man confirmed his focus will now be on the Group One Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m) and the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) rather than any overseas targets.