Some of Hong Kong’s stars of the turf shone as Group racing returned in October, while there were plenty of memorable performances from jockeys and trainers.

The Post analyses those who had an October to savour or a month to forget, as well as the most outstanding victory and winning ride of the month.

Who’s hot?

Vincent Ho Chak-yiu stumbled out of the blocks with just two winners in September and a 43-ride drought that carried into the fourth meeting of October.

Galaxy Patch’s triumphant return in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) couldn’t have come at a better time for Ho, who certainly gained confidence from the breakthrough result and quickly struck top form.

The leading home-grown rider booted home another eight wins, including a treble at Happy Valley on October 16, to re-establish himself in the top three of the championship.

One jockey who is enjoying success while flying under the radar is Luke Ferraris. The 22-year-old added five wins to his seasonal tally in October, including a pair of Valley doubles, to sit seventh in the championship.

His success has come from more limited opportunities than his nearest rivals, with his winning strike rate of 13.6 per cent the third best behind only championship leader Zac Purton (26.2 per cent) and second-placed Hugh Bowman (17.3).

A $10 bet on all of the South African’s rides this season would have returned a tidy profit of $434 – the best of the 23 jockeys on the roster.

Purton continued his red-hot start to the season with 19 wins in October, while Pierre Ng Pang-chi (10), Caspar Fownes (nine) and David Hayes (eight) were the best of the trainers for the month.

Who’s not?

Angus Chung Yik-lai and Harry Bentley each managed just one win for the month. The former endured a winless streak of 67 rides before a timely breakthrough on Happy Tango at Happy Valley last Sunday. Bentley carries a 35-ride drought into November.

It’s no secret that Jamie Richards is struggling. The Kiwi handler landed a much-needed win with Gallant Valour at the Valley on October 9, but that has been his only success this term from 73 runners. He desperately needs a change of fortune.

Win of the month

Ka Ying Rising’s record-breaking win in the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) on opening day was the highlight of September, and his next performance was just as good, if not better.

Hayes’ emerging superstar made light work of a strong field in the Group Two Premier Bowl (1,200m), falling just 0.07 seconds short of Sacred Kingdom’s track record while being eased down late by Purton.

The performance made a splash overseas, prompting talk of a tilt at The Everest (1,200m) in Sydney next year. December’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) is at his mercy.

Ride of the month

Apprentice Ellis Wong Chi-wang produced a rails-hugging masterclass to lift Capital Legend to a sizzling win at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

Snagged back to last from the outside draw in the field of 12, Wong saved valuable ground on the inside and timed his run to perfection, guiding the Fownes-trained gelding to a neck triumph.

Ho’s effort to win on stablemate Capital Delight after he started slowly was also a noteworthy performance.