Matthew Poon Ming-fai celebrated his 31st birthday in style with a double at Sha Tin on Saturday, highlighted by his Class Two Panasonic Cup (1,400m) triumph on Green N White.

Continuing his terrific form this season, Poon boosted his chances of contesting next month’s International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) by booting home Ka Ying Attack in the Class Four Panasonic Smaller Multi-Split Air Conditioner Handicap (1,200m) and then Green N White.

The brace helped him solidify fifth spot in the jockeys’ premiership with 13 wins – level with fourth-placed Karis Teetan and two in front of Matthew Chadwick in what shapes as an exciting battle for the final IJC spot.

“I’m very happy, I got some birthday luck today,” Poon said.

Green N White handled a strong field in the Panasonic Cup to notch his second victory from as many starts this campaign for trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai.

Taking advantage of an ideal draw in barrier two, Poon settled the five-year-old midfield on the fence before hooking him off the inside to launch his run in the straight.

The $6.8 chance sprinted powerfully to snatch the lead from Drombeg Banner inside the final 50m, drawing clear late to win by a length and a quarter.

Gun four-year-old Packing Hermod was a game second, losing no admirers in his first career defeat, while Drombeg Banner fought on for third after setting a strong tempo. The race time of 1:20.34 was just 0.02 seconds outside the class record.

“The barrier draw helped a lot because I reckon this field is a very strong field – most of the horses had a chance to win,” Poon said.

“Luckily, the pace was fast and from the draw, I was able to get a good spot and he was able to finish off the race.”

While Green N White chalked up his fifth win from 12 starts, he gave Yiu and connections cause for concern when playing up in the gates pre-race.

After being backed out of his stall and resisting a few attempts to be reloaded, the son of Smart Missile was eventually coaxed back in by barrier staff.

“I think he got a little bit upset somewhere and he wanted to jump and go,” Yiu said.

“He was anxious before the race, but they eventually loaded him in. He’s usually got a good temperament.”

Yiu will consider two upcoming options for Green N White – the Class Two Chevalier Cup (1,600m) on November 24 or the Class Two 1,400m on the international day undercard on December 8.

“He’s a lovely horse. I’m thinking we’ll step him up to a mile soon, maybe next start or a little later,” Yiu said.

“The horse is only lightly raced with 12 starts and he keeps performing.”

Yiu was also pleased with Sunlight Power’s fast-finishing fourth behind Green N White, while Francis Lui Kin-wai was satisfied with Packing Hermod’s performance.

“Good run. It was his first time at 1,400m and they ran fast time. He just needs more mileage,” Lui said.

Earlier, Poon praised Ka Ying Attack for overcoming a difficult run to chase down Juneau Pride by a shorthead.

“I was three deep the whole way on Ka Ying Attack, no cover, so I think it was pretty much the horse,” Poon said.

“He had improved mentally and physically since his first start. I think he will improve again from this run.”

Improving on his close fourth to Patch Of Cosmo on debut, Ka Ying Attack was Poon and trainer David Hall’s first triumph together since March last year.

“I’m very happy and I need to thank my former boss [Hall]. It’s been a long time since I have ridden a winner for him,” Poon said.