Derek Leung Ka-chun shrugged off a string of recent suspensions to claim his first treble since February last year, capping a day to remember with victory on Patch Of Theta in the Class Two Chevalier Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin.

After copping careless riding charges at each of the previous three meetings, which will put him out of action for seven meetings, Leung teamed up with Cody Mo Wai-kit to win Sunday’s opening two races on Super Wise Dragon and Alluring Laos.

The 36-year-old later sealed his three-timer in style, booting home Francis Lui Kin-wai’s classy five-year-old Patch Of Theta in the feature.

“It’s good and I’m very happy,” Leung said after boosting his tally of wins this season to 10.

“I need to thank again the trainers and the owners for their support. Today is very lucky. I got three winners and a placing – I just need to keep it up.

“It hasn’t been smooth the past couple of meetings, but it’s in the past. You’ve just got to move on. Things are getting better and it turned out pretty well today.”

Capitalising on his first race ride on Patch Of Theta, Leung had the $4.8 favourite poised to strike on the back of pacesetter Voyage Samurai in running.

Leung angled off the fence to make his move at the top of the straight, with a perfect gap appearing between Voyage Samurai and Outgate.

The son of Zoustar sprinted past Voyage Samurai just before the 200m and drew clear, scoring by two and a quarter lengths in a slick 1:33.34 – well inside the standard time of 1:34.45.

Voyage Samurai held second ahead of Sunlight Power, who ran on strongly from just behind midfield despite being trapped three wide without cover.

Green N White’s bid for a third consecutive triumph fell short, with the Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained gelding beaten three lengths in fifth.

Breaking through for his first win this season after two placings, Patch Of Theta recorded his fifth victory and is yet to finish out of the top three from 13 starts.

“He’s a nice horse and I think he still has a little bit more improvement,” Lui said.

“I think he can [go higher than Class Two], but it all depends on the programme. There aren’t many races coming up for him. We’ll see.”

Patch Of Theta clinched a race-to-race double for last season’s champion trainer Lui, who caused a boilover in the Class Four Chevalier Lifts & Escalators Handicap (1,600m) with $45.15 roughie Matsu Victor.

Ridden by Keith Yeung Ming-lun, Matsu Victor prevailed by a shorthead after a thrilling battle with Flying Luck in the final 200m.

The four-year-old was a first-up winner over 1,650m at Happy Valley in September, but could only manage sixth at the city circuit and 10th at Sha Tin in the lead-up to Sunday’s race.

“It was a surprise because after his first win, he hasn’t been consistent,” Lui said.

“He’s still green and the jockeys have said he doesn’t concentrate. Now maybe he’s a bit more experienced.”

Lui welcomed Sunday’s double after failing to strike at the previous three meetings.

With 12 wins this term, the 65-year-old handler sits eighth in the premiership behind Pierre Ng Pang-chi, who leads with 19 victories.