https://www.scmp.com/rss/323284/feed Tom Biddington joined the Post in 2016 after a decade in Australia working for the Adelaide Advertiser, the NT News, Shepparton News, Cricket Victoria and Racing.com. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Three weeks in quarantine gives you plenty of time to think about things but even with all those hours in isolation Luke Currie couldn’t have dreamed of a better start to his Hong Kong career, tasting success with his very first ride. Leaving your family in Australia and travelling to the other side of the world to start a new job is daunting enough – let alone doing it in the middle of a pandemic – but the 40-year-old was instantly rewarded for his leap of faith after producing a textbook ride... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3165306/dream-start-luke-currie-tastes-success-his-first-ride-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3165306/dream-start-luke-currie-tastes-success-his-first-ride-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Jan 2022 07:56:39 +0000 Already the most decorated jockey in the history of Hong Kong racing, Douglas Whyte can add Group One-winning trainer to his resume after Stronger’s surprise victory in the Centenary Sprint Cup. The South African, who is into his third season as a handler after swapping his stirrups for a stopwatch in 2019, enjoyed the biggest moment of his new career at Sha Tin on Sunday when his honest speedster fought off a late challenge from Sky Field in the HK$12 million feature. Whyte won 23 Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3164431/douglas-whyte-secures-first-group-one-his-training-career-stronger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3164431/douglas-whyte-secures-first-group-one-his-training-career-stronger?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Jan 2022 09:41:38 +0000 David Hayes’ Classic Series hopes have been decimated after a horror 24 hours wiped Fantastic Treasure and Helene North Star from contention. Fantastic Treasure, who was one of the favourites for Sunday week’s HK$12 million Classic Mile, hurt his lower leg after a gallop on Wednesday morning, ruling him out of the lucrative four-year-old series. Things only got worse from there when Helene North Star, a British import who connections were hopeful of running in March’s Hong Kong Derby, got free... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3164049/david-hayes-endures-brutal-24-hours-leaves-his-classic-series-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3164049/david-hayes-endures-brutal-24-hours-leaves-his-classic-series-hopes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Jan 2022 05:42:15 +0000 Connections thought enough of C P Brave to throw in a couple of entries for last month’s Hong Kong International Races and while the five-year-old hasn’t reached those lofty heights just yet, he can take another step towards having ambition meet ability at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Tony Millard-trained gelding has raced well since arriving in Hong Kong from Britain, where he won two of his four starts when known as Piranesi under the care of William Haggas, but is yet to fulfil his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3163634/tony-millards-c-p-brave-heads-happy-valley-he-tries-fulfil-his?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3163634/tony-millards-c-p-brave-heads-happy-valley-he-tries-fulfil-his?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Jan 2022 04:26:17 +0000 Superstar jockey Joao Moreira will have a sleepless night before making a decision on who he will partner in the HK$12 million Classic Mile, mulling over a plethora of options after Romantic Warrior and Sight Spirit put themselves in the frame with stunning victories on Sunday. The Magic Man is riding in terrific form and he capitalised with a tremendous afternoon at Sha Tin, collecting a quartet of winners, but it was the efforts of those two four-year-olds that stood out. The Danny Shum... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3163595/joao-moreira-snares-stunning-quartet-faces-sleepless-night-classic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3163595/joao-moreira-snares-stunning-quartet-faces-sleepless-night-classic?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Jan 2022 11:59:38 +0000 Everyone is excited to see Lyle Hewitson back in the saddle – except, it seems, the barrier gods. The three-time champion jockey of South Africa has eight rides at Sha Tin on Sunday, his first meeting back after recovering from a fractured pelvis suffered in the horrific fall during last month’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint. Hewitson bore the brunt of the impact – his horse Amazing Star was the one who broke down, instigating the crash – so it is fantastic to see him make his return so... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3163227/lyle-hewitson-back-after-scary-fall-i-just-want-ride-all-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3163227/lyle-hewitson-back-after-scary-fall-i-just-want-ride-all-time?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Jan 2022 07:23:10 +0000 Zac Purton is excited to go racing again – exactly a month after the horror fall in the Hong Kong Sprint that saw him fracture his nose, his foot, his wrist and some ribs – but he had to laugh when he saw his first-up assignment. The four-time champion jockey is being thrown in the deep end of the pool when he partners Red Impact in the opening event on Wednesday night, the Class Four Tsz Wan Shan Handicap over 2,200m – the longest race held at Happy Valley. “I knew this was going to happen – my... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3162791/zac-purton-back-action-seven-rides-happy-valley-pain-never-hurt-anyone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3162791/zac-purton-back-action-seven-rides-happy-valley-pain-never-hurt-anyone?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Jan 2022 06:23:11 +0000 The David Hayes-trained Metro Warrior has found it difficult to cross the finishing line first in his Hong Kong career – before Sunday he had one win from 20 starts – but he found a unique way to taste success without actually having to solve that problem. The five-year-old was promoted to victory ahead of Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s Alcari after connections successfully lodged an objection following their battle in the Class Three Long Ke Handicap (1,000m). Alcari (Joao Moreira) had a short-head... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3162738/david-hayes-metro-warrior-finally-wins-stewards-room?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3162738/david-hayes-metro-warrior-finally-wins-stewards-room?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Jan 2022 14:40:39 +0000 The evolution of Alfred Chan Ka-hei continues as the local rider ticked off a couple of important milestones with a double at Sha Tin on Sunday. The 27-year-old’s victories aboard Team Spirit and Super Kin were the first with his lighter claim – recently reduced from seven pounds to five – while they also ensured his season tally of nine has already eclipsed his total of seven winners from 2020-21 with more than half the campaign remaining. It’s been a slow burn for Chan, who now has 47 winners... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3162731/alfred-chan-ticks-more-milestones-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3162731/alfred-chan-ticks-more-milestones-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Jan 2022 13:05:41 +0000 The likes of Fantastic Treasure and Packing Victory can sleep easy – the Classic Mile picture remains much the same after a handful of potential contenders were upstaged by Beluga in the Class Two Chek Keng Handicap (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Punters had focused in on four-year-old series hopefuls Master Delight ($2.2) and The Irishman ($4.4) pre-race, expecting the talented types to lay down a marker ahead of the Classic Mile in three weeks’ time, but they were no match for David Hall’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3162726/david-halls-beluga-takes-advantage-slow-pace-upstage-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3162726/david-halls-beluga-takes-advantage-slow-pace-upstage-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Jan 2022 11:50:29 +0000 Racing fans enjoyed a mini Classic Mile preview last week when Packing Victory, Fantastic Treasure and Blaze Warrior pressed their claims and on Sunday five more contenders, including intriguing prospect The Irishman, will flash their credentials in the Class Two Chek Keng Handicap (1,600m). Francis Lui Kin-wai’s gelding creates plenty of interest after an eye-catching Hong Kong debut last month, where he rattled home from the tail of the field to finish second to Beauty Joy over the 1,400m... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3162349/francis-luis-irishman-headlines-another-intriguing-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3162349/francis-luis-irishman-headlines-another-intriguing-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Jan 2022 07:28:54 +0000 The last time Ka Ying Star graced the hallowed turf at Happy Valley there was no such thing as Covid-19, the National Security Law didn’t exist and 15,640 racing fans – locals, expats and tourists – were able to enjoy the fun and frivolity of the band in the beer garden. That was April 17, 2019 – more than two and a half years ago – and clearly much has changed since then, on and off the track. Ka Ying Star lined up in a Class Two over 1,650m that night, finishing fifth to Turin Redstar, beaten... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3161895/ka-ying-star-graces-happy-valley-first-time-april-2019?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3161895/ka-ying-star-graces-happy-valley-first-time-april-2019?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Jan 2022 03:34:34 +0000 Group One races are in Master Eight’s future – there is no doubt about that after he extended his unbeaten streak to five in Saturday’s Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1,000m) – but just when that happens is still a point of discussion for trainer Frankie Lor Fu-chuen and jockey Joao Moreira. The talented four-year-old continued his remarkable rise with a strong effort in his first Group race, accounting for proven performers like Super Wealthy, Computer Patch and Voyage Warrior down the Sha... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3161802/group-ones-beckon-frankie-lors-undefeated-sprinter-master-eight-when?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3161802/group-ones-beckon-frankie-lors-undefeated-sprinter-master-eight-when?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jan 2022 10:43:25 +0000 In what we can only hope is an omen for 2022, Healthy Happy defied an interrupted preparation to kick off the new year with an impressive victory in the Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1,400m). Last season’s Classic Cup champion endured a tough second-half of 2021 – he was neither healthy nor happy – after suffering a heart irregularity and significant blood in his trachea when he dropped out to finish a long last in the Group Three Premier Cup (1,400m) in June. And then soon after... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3161793/frankie-lors-healthy-happy-overcomes-injuries-kick-2022-winning-note?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3161793/frankie-lors-healthy-happy-overcomes-injuries-kick-2022-winning-note?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jan 2022 09:03:19 +0000 Saturday’s Class Two Cherry Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin is a tasty entrée to next month’s Classic Mile with three leading hopes – Fantastic Treasure, Blaze Warrior and Packing Victory – continuing their build-ups to the four-year-old series. As well as being stand-out performers in their age group, the trio share something else in common – they are looking to bounce back from surprise last-start defeats. After four wins and a second from his first five runs, the John Size-trained Blaze Warrior... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3161494/early-classic-mile-teaser-talented-four-year-olds-go-head-head?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3161494/early-classic-mile-teaser-talented-four-year-olds-go-head-head?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Dec 2021 04:51:47 +0000 Caspar Fownes had one goal in mind for Senor Toba at Sha Tin on Monday – secure a spot in March’s BMW Hong Kong Derby – and it was mission accomplished as the talented young stayer ground his rivals into the turf. Senor Toba has acclimatised well to life in Hong Kong after beginning his career in Australia, winning the Group Three Frank Packer Plate at Randwick before finishing second in the Group One Queensland Derby in May – a well-worn path for owners chasing success in the city’s most... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3161182/caspar-fownes-senor-toba-secures-berth-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3161182/caspar-fownes-senor-toba-secures-berth-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Dec 2021 09:59:58 +0000 Is it possible to have good-looking produce? One Hong Kong racehorse owner seems to think so. In the latest edition of “strange names in Hong Kong racing” comes Handsome Veggie, who makes his debut in Monday’s Class Four Badminton Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin. The jurisdiction has a reputation for unique monikers – often including the themes of luck, money, dragons and stars – and some of that is because things can get lost in translation between their Chinese names and the English... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3160807/good-looking-produce-another-entry-strange-names-hong-kong-racing-file?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3160807/good-looking-produce-another-entry-strange-names-hong-kong-racing-file?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Dec 2021 07:20:52 +0000 Winners have been hard to come by for David Ferraris in recent years – a key reason for his impromptu departure – but the circumstances of Wednesday night’s meeting give him a chance to go out on a positive note. Since the start of 2019-20, the majority of the South African’s victories have come at Happy Valley – 32 of the 42 to be exact – and he gets one last opportunity to add to that tally before officially handing in his licence later this week. Ferraris will saddle up the final five runners... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3160404/two-key-chances-david-ferraris-he-looks-bow-out-winner?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3160404/two-key-chances-david-ferraris-he-looks-bow-out-winner?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Dec 2021 07:45:15 +0000 Next month’s Classic Mile continues to take shape and Romantic Warrior and Ima Single Man did more to press their claims with victories at Sha Tin on Saturday. The HK$12 million feature is the first leg of the four-year-old series – always the priority for connections of talented gallopers in that age group – and both Romantic Warrior and Ima Single Man look worthy of spots in the field off the back of their recent efforts. The former couldn’t have been more impressive in winning all three of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3160243/romantic-warrior-ima-single-man-press-claims-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3160243/romantic-warrior-ima-single-man-press-claims-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Dec 2021 10:45:08 +0000 Punters weren’t the only ones who had little faith Classic Moon would fire much of a shot on debut – trainer Chris So Wai-yin even telling the owner a midfield finish would be “acceptable” – so to say it was a surprise to see him salute at $81 is an understatement. Perhaps a lacklustre trial earlier this month put everyone off the scent, in combination with a wide gate, as Classic Moon had shown some promise in his four previous hit-outs. In any case, the four-year-old Tavistock gelding was at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3160241/classic-moon-stuns-chris-so-and-punters-debut-derek-leung-snares?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3160241/classic-moon-stuns-chris-so-and-punters-debut-derek-leung-snares?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Dec 2021 10:10:57 +0000 A couple of winning streaks will be put to the test at Sha Tin on Saturday when the undefeated Romantic Warrior and the in-form Seasons Bliss go head-to-head in the Class Three Lukfook Jewellery F-Style Pt In Style Collection Handicap (1,200m). There is a natural let-down after the Hong Kong International Races but the contest – headlined by two talented young horses chasing a hat-trick of wins – is a a stand-out as racing returns to Sha Tin for the first time since Sunday’s feature meeting. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159906/winning-streaks-put-test-talented-youngsters-go-head-head-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159906/winning-streaks-put-test-talented-youngsters-go-head-head-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Dec 2021 04:59:10 +0000 Douglas Whyte admits he got his hopes up when Russian Emperor dashed for home in Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong Cup, but the South African shouldn’t have to wait too much longer in the quest for his first Group One as a trainer. Putting Golden Sixty’s emphatic display to one side, the next best performance from the locals at the Hong Kong International Races probably came from Russian Emperor, his gallant third to star Japanese mare Loves Only You suggesting his day in the sun is not far away. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159631/douglas-whyte-inching-closer-elusive-group-one-russian-emperor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159631/douglas-whyte-inching-closer-elusive-group-one-russian-emperor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Dec 2021 06:26:07 +0000 Karis Teetan is hoping luck is finally on his side after he walked away from one of the nastiest falls seen in Hong Kong, incredibly dusting himself off and going on to ride a winner less than three hours later. Through absolutely no fault of his own, the Mauritian has hit the turf in four of his past 24 meetings – in each case there were circumstances beyond his control – but his ability to steel himself and get on with the task at hand is one to behold. Taking a break would be high on the list... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159553/how-karis-teetan-steeled-himself-ride-winner-after-sundays-nasty-fall?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159553/how-karis-teetan-steeled-himself-ride-winner-after-sundays-nasty-fall?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Dec 2021 12:03:25 +0000 Japanese globetrotter Loves Only You has capped off her sensational career with a fairy-tale victory in Sunday’s Group One Longines Hong Kong Cup (2,000m). Yoshito Yahagi’s five-year-old mare has enjoyed an exceptional 2021 travelling the globe and was all the rage for the HK$30 million contest – the city’s richest race – as she chased a third Group One success from her past four starts. With April’s QE II Cup and last month’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf already under her belt – plus a third... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159427/japanese-globetrotter-loves-only-you-caps-brilliant-career-gutsy-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159427/japanese-globetrotter-loves-only-you-caps-brilliant-career-gutsy-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Dec 2021 13:52:12 +0000 Call it destiny, call it a coincidence or call it luck but it is fitting Glory Vase shares a name with the race he will be best remembered for after securing his second victory in the Group One Longines Hong Kong Vase. The Japanese raider captured the 2,400m contest in 2019, skipped last year’s contest in favour of competing in the Japan Cup (he came fifth to Almond Eye) but returned to show his class on Sunday, collecting the second Group One of his career. It continues Glory Vase’s love affair... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159408/glory-japan-class-prevails-hong-kong-vase?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159408/glory-japan-class-prevails-hong-kong-vase?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Dec 2021 10:17:26 +0000 Pixie Knight is all the rage for Sunday’s Group One Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) with punters expecting the Japanese speedster to account for the local brigade and take home the HK$13.68 million first prize. The price for the talented three-year-old has been crunched into $2.45 with international fixed-odds bookmakers, making him a clear stand-out, ahead of compatriot Resistencia ($5.50) with Francis Lui Kin-wai’s Lucky Patch ($7) on the next line. There is an air of confidence around... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159311/pixie-knight-finds-his-calling-set-start-favourite-hong-kong-sprint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159311/pixie-knight-finds-his-calling-set-start-favourite-hong-kong-sprint?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Dec 2021 02:19:48 +0000 Tony Cruz is the most successful horseman in Longines Hong Kong International Races history and while he doesn’t have a really strong hand in this year’s features, he certainly looks capable of success with some likely types on the undercard. The legendary 64-year-old is the only person to have won HKIR features as both a jockey and a trainer, collecting the Hong Kong Invitation Cup in 1989 with Colonial Chief, before going on to collect a record 10 as a handler, two more than John Moore, who is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159143/tony-cruz-california-dreaming-hkir-undercard?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3159143/tony-cruz-california-dreaming-hkir-undercard?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Dec 2021 02:28:12 +0000 Kiyoshi Hagiwara captured Hong Kong’s richest race last season and now he will be trying to knock off the city’s best horse when Danon Kingly tackles the Group One Longines Hong Kong Mile (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The Japanese trainer enjoyed one of the biggest wins of his career when Normcore took out the Hong Kong Cup and now he’s got his sights set on ending Golden Sixty’s winning streak at 15. The 62-year-old has plenty of respect for the Hong Kong superstar but thinks the firm surface... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3158878/hkir-kiyoshi-hagiwara-has-danon-kingly-primed-knock-golden-sixty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3158878/hkir-kiyoshi-hagiwara-has-danon-kingly-primed-knock-golden-sixty?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Dec 2021 05:54:26 +0000 It’s been five years since Damian Lane celebrated a winner in Hong Kong but the Australian will be feeling good about his chances in Wednesday night’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship after landing the prized ride of California Cible. Of all the 48 mounts on offer across the four-race contest, Tony Cruz’s exciting four-year-old was the stand-out after an impressive victory at Happy Valley last month and he still looks to have plenty of upside. The biggest challenge will be overcoming... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3158699/damian-lane-lands-plum-ride-california-cible-international-jockeys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3158699/damian-lane-lands-plum-ride-california-cible-international-jockeys?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Dec 2021 22:55:48 +0000 Fans should be ready for anything at Wednesday night’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship, with the Hong Kong contingent unanimously declaring the competition wide open after the allocation of rides on Monday morning. After years of imbalance where luck was the primary factor in determining the winner, the Jockey Club won a lot of praise for changing the system last year by having the Jockey Challenge betting team help spread out the better hopes to ensure every rider has a chance. It... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3158605/international-jockeys-championship-wide-open-after-allocation-rides?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3158605/international-jockeys-championship-wide-open-after-allocation-rides?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Dec 2021 05:51:22 +0000 In stark contrast to his first stay in Hong Kong, luck seems to be on Lyle Hewitson’s side this time around with the three-time South African champion making the most of a late call-up to salute aboard Valiant Elegance and kick off his second stint in style. It’s been well documented how the ball didn’t bounce Hewitson’s way during a six-month stay at the start of the 2019-20 season – he had three winners from 251 rides – but his talent has never been in doubt and the early breakthrough suggests... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3158533/lady-luck-lyle-hewitsons-side-he-kicks-second-hong-kong-stint-style?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3158533/lady-luck-lyle-hewitsons-side-he-kicks-second-hong-kong-stint-style?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Dec 2021 09:52:47 +0000 Tony Millard has taken up the mantle as Hong Kong racing’s dirt specialist, building an exceptional strike-rate on the surface in the last season and a bit, and it bodes well for Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting. No one has had more winners on the all-weather track since the start of 2020-21, the South African tasting success on 10 occasions to share that mark with this season’s championship-leading handler Frankie Lor Fu-chuen. But while Lor is only slightly better on the dirt than the turf – 10 from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3158146/hong-kong-racings-dirt-specialist-tony-millard-out-maintain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3158146/hong-kong-racings-dirt-specialist-tony-millard-out-maintain?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Dec 2021 07:07:20 +0000 Legendary trainer Tony Cruz has quietly slipped into second place on the championship table after rattling off eight winners from the past seven meetings and he looks set to extend that terrific run at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The 64-year-old now has 18 winners for the campaign to sit six behind runaway leader Frankie Lor Fu-chuen, another handler in exceptional form after collecting 10 victories for the month. In fact, four of Sha Tin’s big guns separated themselves from the pack in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3157762/legendary-trainer-tony-cruz-looks-maintain-red-hot-form?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3157762/legendary-trainer-tony-cruz-looks-maintain-red-hot-form?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Nov 2021 08:59:51 +0000 Silver Express might have captured Sunday’s Chevalier Cup (1,600m) but the story of the Class One was stablemate Excellent Proposal, who was a tragedy beaten and showed he won’t just be making up the numbers in next month’s Hong Kong Mile. Everything went perfectly for Silver Express – the grey getting a peach of a ride from Vagner Borges, who took full advantage of barrier one to sit in the box seat before working off the heels of early leader Voyage Warrior at the top of the straight and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3157672/silver-express-snares-chevalier-cup-unlucky-excellent-proposal-flashes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3157672/silver-express-snares-chevalier-cup-unlucky-excellent-proposal-flashes?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Nov 2021 11:10:42 +0000 Mogul gave Aidan O’Brien his third victory in the Group One Longines Hong Kong Vase last year with an imperious display and the four-year-old is back to defend his title as part of a two-pronged attack on the race from the legendary trainer. The son of Galileo ran the 2019-20 Hong Kong Horse of the Year Exultant off his feet in the straight that day and while he hasn’t won in his four starts since, a return to familiar surroundings might bring the best out of the four-year-old. Coolmore’s other... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3157198/mogul-defend-his-hong-kong-vase-crown-taking-pyledriver-glory-vase-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3157198/mogul-defend-his-hong-kong-vase-crown-taking-pyledriver-glory-vase-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Nov 2021 08:12:57 +0000 Japanese stars Loves Only You and Lei Papale will take on some of Europe’s finest in what shapes as a fascinating edition of the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) next month. The two heroines come up against Aidan O’Brien’s duo of Japan and Bolshoi Ballet as well as the placegetters from the Group One British Champion Stakes in Dubai Honour and Mac Swiney, with Noriyuki Hori’s Hishi Iguazu rounding out the visiting brigade for the HK$30 million contest – Hong Kong’s richest race. It is the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3157184/loves-only-you-headlines-hong-kong-cup-21-raiders-descend-sha-tin-hkir?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3157184/loves-only-you-headlines-hong-kong-cup-21-raiders-descend-sha-tin-hkir?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Nov 2021 06:50:46 +0000 Romantic Warrior overcame plenty of obstacles to salute in impressive fashion on debut and star jockey Joao Moreira expects the talented youngster to continue his march up the ratings at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained three-year-old showed his class when accounting for A Smile Like Yours last month – a horse who has won since – despite jumping from barrier 12. Romantic Warrior’s luck seems to have turned for the Class Four Murrayfield Handicap (1,200m), coming... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3157050/joao-moreira-confident-romantic-warrior-can-continue-unbeaten-run?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3157050/joao-moreira-confident-romantic-warrior-can-continue-unbeaten-run?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Nov 2021 07:16:55 +0000 It is not an impossible task but Karis Teetan will need everything to go his way at Happy Valley on Wednesday night if he is to dislodge Alexis Badel from the final available slot for next month’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC). Technically there are still two spots up for grabs, but Matthew Chadwick would need five winners from six rides to unseat Vincent Ho Chak-yiu as the leading home-grown jockey and that’s not going to happen, so let’s focus on the one that is actually... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156922/karis-teetan-needs-pull-rabbit-out-his-hat-snatch-ijc-slot-alexis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156922/karis-teetan-needs-pull-rabbit-out-his-hat-snatch-ijc-slot-alexis?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Nov 2021 06:06:35 +0000 The undisputed king of Hong Kong racing is back and he looks better than ever. Golden Sixty extended his winning streak to 15 as he made his seasonal return in the Group Two BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday with an utterly breathtaking display. The six-year-old was a clear last at the halfway mark despite the leaders crawling early before picking up the pace from the 800m, so if his rivals were ever going to beat him – first-up off a seven-month break – this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156871/golden-sixty-back-his-brilliant-best-notch-15th-straight-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156871/golden-sixty-back-his-brilliant-best-notch-15th-straight-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Nov 2021 12:14:36 +0000 Rising star Jerry Chau Chun-lok collected the biggest victory of his fledgling career as Lucky Patch captured the Group Two BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m), but the celebrations were short-lived with Zac Purton poised to partner the five-year-old in the Group One Hong Kong Sprint next month. While delighted with the performance of the 21-year-old under pressure – Chau didn’t put a foot wrong – trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai confirmed the four-time champion can partner Lucky Patch... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156867/jerry-chau-secures-biggest-win-his-career-celebrations-are-short-lived?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156867/jerry-chau-secures-biggest-win-his-career-celebrations-are-short-lived?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Nov 2021 11:36:03 +0000 Ryan Moore and James McDonald headline a mix of superstar riders from around the globe assembled for the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley on December 8. The Jockey Club confirmed the line-up for the HK$800,000 event on Thursday, with Mickael Barzalona, Yuga Kawada, Damian Lane and British racing’s glamour couple Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand also jetting into Hong Kong for the contest. Lyle Hewitson, who is already in the city and will officially join the local... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156497/ryan-moore-and-james-mcdonald-headline-global-superstars-international?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156497/ryan-moore-and-james-mcdonald-headline-global-superstars-international?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:42:03 +0000 David Hayes is prepared to forgive his boom speedster Nervous Witness after a shock last-start defeat and is backing him in ahead of a mouth-watering clash with Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s electric sprinter Master Eight at Sha Tin on Sunday. On a day when the best horses in Hong Kong tune up for the Hong Kong International Races in the three Jockey Club Group Twos, the most intriguing head-to-head contest comes in the Class Two BOC Life Handicap (1,000m) as these two rising stars meet for the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156477/david-hayes-backs-nervous-witness-ahead-clash-master-eight-everyone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156477/david-hayes-backs-nervous-witness-ahead-clash-master-eight-everyone?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Nov 2021 04:47:18 +0000 Frankie Lor Fu-chuen believes his exciting four-year-old Fa Fa is a Class Two galloper “at least”, which is bad news for his rivals in Wednesday night’s Class Three Tokyo Handicap (1,650m) at Happy Valley. The son of He’s Remarkable has come into his own since stepping up to the extended mile at the iconic city circuit late last season, rattling off four wins and a second from his past five starts – all at the course and distance. It’s proven to be a winning formula – he’s already put in two... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156083/he-can-go-class-two-least-frankie-lor-thinks-fa-fa-can-go-far?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3156083/he-can-go-class-two-least-frankie-lor-thinks-fa-fa-can-go-far?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Nov 2021 07:18:34 +0000 Sha Tin was a graveyard for favourites on Saturday – only one of the 10 saluted – but it didn’t bother Tony Cruz as the legendary trainer upstaged some more fancied rivals to snare the final two races. The talented The Golden Scenery ($8) finally broke through for his first Hong Kong victory, unleashing a devastating finishing burst to edge out odds-on pop Packing Victory to claim the Class Three Panasonic 6-Door Refrigerator Handicap (1,200m). The four-year-old, who won two of his three races... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155966/relieved-tony-cruz-rectifies-mistakes-golden-scenery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155966/relieved-tony-cruz-rectifies-mistakes-golden-scenery?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Nov 2021 11:58:30 +0000 Lucky Express potentially thrust himself into Longines Hong Kong International Races calculations as the Classic Series aspirations of Fantastic Treasure suffered a hit in a consequential Panasonic Cup at Sha Tin on Saturday. While John Size’s talented five-year-old collected the trophy, the biggest talking point was the performance of David Hayes’ rising star, who jumped an even-money favourite but found nothing when jockey Chad Schofield asked for an effort in the straight and finished... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155962/lucky-express-makes-play-hkir-issue-hinders-fantastic-treasure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155962/lucky-express-makes-play-hkir-issue-hinders-fantastic-treasure?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Nov 2021 10:57:33 +0000 The Golden Scenery is yet to salute in Hong Kong but he clearly has talent and jockey Karis Teetan wouldn’t be shocked if he upsets the undefeated Packing Victory. Tony Cruz’s four-year-old has been around the mark in all of his five starts in Hong Kong – never beaten more than two and a half lengths – and he has finished second in three of those runs, including to Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s exciting sprinter Master Eight last month. He saluted in two of his three races in Australia when known as... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155828/karis-teetan-optimistic-golden-scenery-can-challenge-undefeated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155828/karis-teetan-optimistic-golden-scenery-can-challenge-undefeated?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Nov 2021 06:43:08 +0000 The Tony Cruz-trained Buddies will have to defy history if he is going to defend his Class One Panasonic Cup (1,400m) crown at Sha Tin on Saturday. Since the first running of the feature in 1997, there have been 24 individual winners with no one able to win twice. The other challenge for the six-year-old is that the handicap conditions make it tough for those who have to lug 133 pounds with just two horses – Electronic Unicorn (2001) and Real Specialist (2012), both trained by John Size – having... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155663/tony-cruzs-buddies-needs-defy-history-defend-panasonic-cup-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155663/tony-cruzs-buddies-needs-defy-history-defend-panasonic-cup-title?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:25:45 +0000 Vagner Borges believes Sight Success still has more upside and the talented sprinter gets a chance to test that theory in the Class Two High West Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The John Size-trained five-year-old was impressive when winning over 1,000m at the city circuit last start, jumping straight to the front and leading all the way. The victory was Sight Success’ fourth from 10 starts and he is generally around the mark – only once finishing further than two and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155269/vagner-borges-bullish-about-john-sizes-sight-success-hes-still?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155269/vagner-borges-bullish-about-john-sizes-sight-success-hes-still?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Nov 2021 07:30:51 +0000 The bubble surrounding boom sprinter Nervous Witness has well and truly burst after the galloper grabbed an unwanted piece of Hong Kong racing history, becoming just the second horse this century to go under as a $1.1 favourite. The David Hayes-trained four-year-old joins Sacred Kingdom as the only two runners in the last 20 years to fall short at that prohibitive quote with Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s champion finishing a narrow second to Absolute Champion in the Centenary Sprint Cup on January 27,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155197/bubble-bursts-nervous-witness-goes-under-creates-unwanted-history?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155197/bubble-bursts-nervous-witness-goes-under-creates-unwanted-history?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Nov 2021 12:51:45 +0000 After feeling the heat from taxi drivers, Paul O’Sullivan can hold his head high again after finally securing his first victory of the 2021-22 season with the promising Snowalot. The likeable New Zealander was the last trainer to get off the mark, having to wait until the 17th meeting of the term with his 66th runner, and while he was relieved, it’s not actually his worst start to a season in Hong Kong. That came in 2010-11, when his first winner came on November 14 and he had to wait until... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155181/paul-osullivan-gets-taxi-drivers-his-back-snowalots-breakthrough?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3155181/paul-osullivan-gets-taxi-drivers-his-back-snowalots-breakthrough?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:03:21 +0000