Francis Lui Kin-wai surpassed Pierre Ng Pang-chi at the top of the trainer’s championship on Saturday courtesy of a Sha Tin double that was sealed by a sublime victory from Call Me Glorious.

On a dull evening where racing was delayed for 35 minutes due to lightning and torrential rain, Ng lost his grip of the premiership lead for the first time since November 5 with Lui celebrating the victories of Call Me Glorious and Karate Express.

The veteran trainer crept one win ahead of Ng, with Call Me Glorious taking him to 63 for the season while recording the biggest winning margin of the 2023-24 campaign when ploughing through heavy rain in the Class Three Clear Water Bay Handicap (1,200m).

Call Me Glorious assumed the lead under Zac Purton and proceeded to leave his labouring rivals trailing in his wake, with the son of No Nay Never skipping through the testing conditions to finish six and a quarter lengths clear of the runner-up, Gracious Express.

Lui admitted he was somewhat shocked by the manner and margin of victory.

“I’m surprised, especially when he went to the lead and nobody tried to challenge him – he became very comfortable,” Lui said.

“I wasn’t sure about the ground, maybe it was a big help. Maybe the other horses couldn’t handle it. He was very happy there.

“At the moment we’ll keep him to 1,200m, but sure, he can be [a Classic Series contender] next season. Hopefully we can have some more winners coming.”

Lui struck first at the twilight meeting in the opening Yan Chau Plate (1,000m) for Griffins, with Karate Express getting off the mark at the first time of asking under Lyle Hewitson.

After settling in midfield, Hewitson speared Karate Express through a tight gap to overhaul Ka Ying Resilience in the closing stages.

“I think he’s got potential,” Lui said. “He’s only two years old and the gap was very narrow. When it opened he fought. It’s a good sign.

“I think the main thing is in the off season, hopefully he can grow up and he’ll have a good future.”

Ng momentarily drew back level with Lui, claiming his sole victory of the evening with Captain Win in the first section of the Class Four Kau Sai Chau Handicap (1,200m) under Karis Teetan.

The neck victory marked Captain Win’s first success since November 2021 and proved particularly satisfying for Ng after a relatively slow period.

“From our last 10 meetings we had three winners and nine seconds, which is not too ideal,” Ng said. “Luckily we got a winner today. I think we’ll fight to the end and hopefully won’t be far off Francis. Maybe it will take until the last day to decide.”