The return of James Tak at Happy Valley this Wednesday is a welcome one for Benno Yung Tin-pang’s assistant trainer Roy Cheung Hon-wai, who is holding the fort while his boss recovers from the serious illness that has kept him off the track and away from his stables for much of 2024.

While it’s been tough going for the Yung stable in 2024-25, with only one winner from 71 runners through the first 21 meetings of the campaign, Cheung is loving the added responsibility that has unexpectedly been thrust his way.

Cheung’s main concerns are, of course, Yung’s health – “He’s getting better and I think he will come back very soon” – and keeping the stable running as best possible, but the aspiring handler is also determined to make the most of his opportunity.

“I’m enjoying it. It’s a good experience for me and I want to [become a trainer], so I hope this helps me,” said Cheung.

“The stable is going very smoothly. Every single day [Yung] talks to me and organises everything – trackwork, everything, he doesn’t miss any jobs. He is still on duty.”

One thing Cheung would like is a few more winners, with the stable last tasting success on September 11, and having the yard’s highest-rated galloper back at the races is certainly cause for optimism.

Entered for Sunday’s Group Two BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) before being withdrawn, James Tak will make his seasonal return in Wednesday night’s Class Two Chek Lap Kok Handicap (1,200m).

The four-year-old hasn’t been done any favours ahead of his first run since July’s 2023-24 season finale at Sha Tin, being lumped with gate 12 for his Happy Valley debut.

Jerry Chau Chun-lok sticks with James Tak, with the two-pound claimer expecting to ride the galloper just one pound under his allotted 120.

“He was entered [for the Group Two] but we scratched him because he’s first up,” Cheung said.

“He’s good and I think he can run well. He had a long break spelling at Beas River and he’s just come back into work slowly.”

Chau is also looking to shake a nagging drought, with the 24-year-old rider’s last success coming on October 6, and he will be hoping to add to his fruitful union with James Tak.

All four of the galloper’s career victories have come under Chau, who has also delivered two seconds from eight rides aboard Yung’s charge.

James Tak’s only prior Class Two assignment ended in a last-start seventh behind the impressive Beauty Waves, while he will be negotiating the tight-turning city circuit for the first time after racing and trialling exclusively at Sha Tin.

Standing between the son of Headwater and a triumphant return is an even field boasting a host of winning chances, with Lucky Encounter among the leading hopes on the back of an impressive last-start second and Gorgeous Win and Raging Blizzard also in the mix.

James Tak is one of three gallopers Yung and Cheung will be cheering on at the midweek meeting, with Double Win and Tourbillon Prince also representing the stable.