https://www.scmp.com/rss/33262/feed Ricky Yiu is a famous racehorse trainer in Hong Kong. Born in 1957, he is the first Chinese trainer to have won at Group One level on foreign soil, taking out the Sprinters Stakes in Japan with Ultra Fantasy and the KrisFlyer Sprint in Singapore with Sacred Kingdom. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Dennis Yip Chor-hong has opted to spell Fast Network rather than set him for the Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m), with connections weighing up a tilt at the Group One Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) in Japan later this year. After a brilliant campaign highlighted by a Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) victory and two Group One placings, Fast Network will be given a break before potentially making his overseas debut in September’s Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama racecourse. “I think he needs a rest... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353086/japan-likely-option-fast-network-cap-ferrat-confirmed-champions-chater-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353086/japan-likely-option-fast-network-cap-ferrat-confirmed-champions-chater-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2026 03:16:28 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai rates Voyage Bubble “doubtful” to defend his crown in the Group One Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) at Sha Tin on May 24. Yiu was keen to give the six-time Group One winner one more run this season, but the capped elbow he sustained in the lead-up to last month’s Group One Champions Mile has needed further treatment. “He went up to Conghua [on Wednesday morning] and they opened up the capped elbow, but doubtful to run him,” Yiu said. “We’ll see in a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3352721/ricky-yiu-rates-voyage-bubble-doubtful-defend-champions-chater-cup-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3352721/ricky-yiu-rates-voyage-bubble-doubtful-defend-champions-chater-cup-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 May 2026 07:22:46 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Matthew Poon Ming-fai and Romantic Thor stole the show when leading all the way to win the Group Three Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained galloper surged forward in the seven-horse field after jumping from barrier two with the bottom weight of 116lb. The five-year-old led from barrier to box with a perfectly-rated ride from Poon in rain-affected conditions, and couldn’t be caught by his rivals after being green-lamped into $5.4 and sent out... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3352280/matthew-poon-and-romantic-thor-steal-show-breakthrough-group-three-victory-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3352280/matthew-poon-and-romantic-thor-steal-show-breakthrough-group-three-victory-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 May 2026 11:57:15 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Voyage Bubble and Sunlight Power have both been cleared to run in Sunday’s Group One Champions Mile at Sha Tin subject to a final inspection, and Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is confident they will put in peak performances. Yiu is eagerly anticipating the run of Voyage Bubble with blinkers on for the first time, while Sunlight Power will benefit from a favourable draw in gate three following a series of wide barriers. Yiu’s pair were in doubt to run after pre-declaration veterinary inspections found they... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351109/voyage-bubble-and-sunlight-power-back-track-run-sundays-champions-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351109/voyage-bubble-and-sunlight-power-back-track-run-sundays-champions-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:33:22 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Six-time Group One winner Voyage Bubble and Sunlight Power must pass two veterinary inspections this week to be cleared to run in Sunday’s Group One Champions Mile at Sha Tin. The Jockey Club’s head of veterinary regulation, welfare and biosecurity policy, Dr Bronte Forbes, reported on Tuesday that routine pre-race inspections revealed Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s gallopers both developed a capped elbow in one of their front legs. “Dr Forbes advised that both horses are currently subject to veterinary... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350848/six-time-group-one-winner-voyage-bubble-and-sunlight-power-under-cloud-champions-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350848/six-time-group-one-winner-voyage-bubble-and-sunlight-power-under-cloud-champions-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:27:38 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham reestablished command at the top of the trainers’ championship at Sha Tin on Sunday with Crimson Flash’s feature win, but is adamant the title race will go down to the final races of the season. The Australian headed into the meeting level on wins with Caspar Fownes and ahead on seconds, but Crimson Flash’s last-gasp success in the Class Two Pilkem Handicap (1,200m) saw him take outright control on 48 winners. The win was potentially foreshadowing the end of the title fight, with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349809/newnham-takes-back-outright-lead-see-sawing-title-race-itll-come-down-last-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349809/newnham-takes-back-outright-lead-see-sawing-title-race-itll-come-down-last-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:11:10 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Hong Kong’s latest addition to the jockey ranks, Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu, scored a sensational double for her master Ricky Yiu Poon-fai at Sha Tin on Sunday. Flashing Fighter gave Yuen the first leg of her brace in the first section of the Class Four Hart Handicap (1,200m) before the apprentice struck on Fortune Link in the Class Three Jordan Handicap (1,400m). Continuing on her sensational run at Sha Tin, Yuen has now secured four wins within her first 12 days on the Hong Kong roster. “First of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349804/apprentice-jockey-nichola-yuen-scores-sensational-double-master-ricky-yiu-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349804/apprentice-jockey-nichola-yuen-scores-sensational-double-master-ricky-yiu-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:08:30 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Buoyed by three winners at the past four meetings, Richard Kingscote hopes his commitment to ride Rising Force at a light weight on Sunday will be vindicated with a Class Two victory. The British jockey lifted his seasonal tally to 12 winners after a dirt double last week and a Class Three triumph on Rising Force, who steps up in grade in Sunday’s Class Two Pilkem Handicap (1,200m). “It’s not easy but I think I’ve done OK, I’m keeping a few of my supporters happy,” Kingscote, who has also ridden... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349737/richard-kingscote-hopes-lightweight-ride-will-be-force-again-im-happy-squeeze-lemon-bit-horse-him?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349737/richard-kingscote-hopes-lightweight-ride-will-be-force-again-im-happy-squeeze-lemon-bit-horse-him?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:10:03 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is hoping in-form jockey Jerry Chau Chun-lok can “inject some new ideas” into Voyage Bubble as last season’s Triple Crown hero looks to bounce back in Monday’s Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin. The six-time Group One winner became the first horse since River Verdon in 1994 to land the Triple Crown and showed he was better than ever this campaign with a sparkling win the Group One Hong Kong Mile in December. Subsequent runs have been slightly below his best,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349111/ricky-yiu-looking-new-ideas-jerry-chau-voyage-bubble-goes-group-two-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349111/ricky-yiu-looking-new-ideas-jerry-chau-voyage-bubble-goes-group-two-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:22:43 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu is looking to hit the ground running as she makes her long-awaited Hong Kong debut at Sha Tin on Wednesday with a book of five rides, including a trio for her boss Ricky Yiu Poon-fai. The 25-year-old has spent the last five years honing her craft overseas, riding 61 winners in Australia, 10 in New Zealand and a further seven in South Africa, but all of that has just been a prelude to her rides in Hong Kong. There will undoubtedly be some nerves as she has her first races... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348530/apprentice-nichola-yuen-really-excited-hong-kong-debut-she-gears-five-rides?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348530/apprentice-nichola-yuen-really-excited-hong-kong-debut-she-gears-five-rides?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:09:46 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Dylan Browne McMonagle will sign off his three-month stint in Hong Kong with four chances at Happy Valley on Wednesday, after a successful effort that has seen him secure 10 wins so far. The Irish champion jockey has drawn praise from plenty of top trainers, including Ricky Yiu Poon-fai and John Size, and is hoping to make a return to Hong Kong in the future following a productive stint. “It’s been a good experience – I’ve made a lot of good contacts and I’ve learned plenty, so I’ll be looking... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347691/dylan-browne-mcmonagle-grateful-support-he-looks-sign-his-stint-style?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347691/dylan-browne-mcmonagle-grateful-support-he-looks-sign-his-stint-style?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:35:48 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jerry Chau Chun-lok has picked up the ride on Voyage Bubble in the Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m) as the Triple Crown hero bids to bounce back from an uncharacteristic flop last start. In hot form with 13 winners since the start of February, Chau will replace champion jockey Zac Purton, who has ridden Voyage Bubble in his past four starts. Chau, 25, is excited to ride the six-time Group One winner for the first time in the Chairman’s Trophy on April 6. “Ricky told me last week. I will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347573/jerry-chau-excited-pick-ride-triple-crown-hero-voyage-bubble-chairmans-trophy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347573/jerry-chau-excited-pick-ride-triple-crown-hero-voyage-bubble-chairmans-trophy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:00:17 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Hugh Bowman is looking forward to a string of strong chances at Sha Tin on Sunday, including smart debut winner Papaya Brose in section two of the Class Four Lung Kong Handicap (1,400m). The Caspar Fownes-trained three-year-old was sent off an unconsidered $21.5 chance for his debut last month, but he belied his big odds with a devastating performance under Bowman to win by one and a half lengths. Settled towards the rear, the Zousain galloper copped a check when fanning out into the clear in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346577/hugh-bowman-looks-forward-sha-tin-trio-he-bids-continue-strong-run-form?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346577/hugh-bowman-looks-forward-sha-tin-trio-he-bids-continue-strong-run-form?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 03:50:27 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has Voyage Bubble “full of beans” after a strong trial win over Romantic Warrior, but he doubts his stable star can turn the tables on his arch rival in Sunday’s Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin. The two prolific Group One winners clash once again, with Romantic Warrior bidding to keep his Triple Crown hopes alive after claiming the first leg – the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) last month. Voyage Bubble ran third in that race after slipping behind on jumping and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344964/voyage-bubble-full-beans-ricky-yiu-doubts-he-can-topple-romantic-warrior-gold-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344964/voyage-bubble-full-beans-ricky-yiu-doubts-he-can-topple-romantic-warrior-gold-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 07:27:10 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Andrea Atzeni is focusing on quality over quantity when he rides four strong chances at Happy Valley on Wednesday evening, including Awesome Fluke in the feature Class Two Magazine Gap Handicap (1,800m). Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s galloper is a staying specialist at Happy Valley, winning a pair of 2,000m races at the venue in May and June 2024, before adding to his tally with an 1,800m success on his second start this season. He showed he was not short of speed, however, when smashing the track record... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344444/quality-over-quantity-andrea-atzeni-he-looks-forward-strong-happy-valley-rides?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344444/quality-over-quantity-andrea-atzeni-he-looks-forward-strong-happy-valley-rides?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:01:26 +0000 Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney Francis Lui Kin-wai continued his remarkable 2026 with another double at Sha Tin on Saturday, spearheaded by the impressive success of Turquoise Velocity in the Class Three TVB Midlife, Sing & Shine Handicap (1,000m). The 2023-24 champion trainer topped the charts in January in tandem with David Hayes, securing 10 winners, and February has seen him continue his rampant period. Lui raced to five winners in February thanks to a pair of smart winners, with Turquoise Velocity looking a very smart... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3343591/francis-lui-continues-great-2026-tony-cruz-and-andrea-atzeni-also-secure-doubles-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3343591/francis-lui-continues-great-2026-tony-cruz-and-andrea-atzeni-also-secure-doubles-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:27:39 +0000 Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney Classy galloper Patch Of Theta returned to winning ways with a game performance to defy joint top weight of 135lb in the Class One Mirs Bay Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Last seen in a winning mood when landing the Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1,400m) 13 months ago, the Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained galloper made good on a gilt-edged opportunity despite the weight burden. Travelling midfield in the six-runner affair under Hugh Bowman, Patch Of Theta travelled up well and was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342007/patch-theta-bound-group-one-company-again-after-tough-class-one-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342007/patch-theta-bound-group-one-company-again-after-tough-class-one-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Feb 2026 11:59:32 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton and many others thought Silent Witness’ record would never be matched but at Sha Tin on Sunday, superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising did just that with a 17th straight victory after dominating the Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m). Extending his phenomenal streak to match the great Silent Witness’ feat from 21 years ago, Ka Ying Rising was eased down by Purton when blitzing his rivals by a length and a quarter. “What can I say. We’ve said it all with the horse,” the champion jockey... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341162/champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising-blitzes-rivals-again-match-silent-witness-record-17-straight-wins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341162/champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising-blitzes-rivals-again-match-silent-witness-record-17-straight-wins?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:13:30 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Ka Ying Rising’s bid to equal Silent Witness’ Hong Kong record of 17 consecutive victories is “just another race” for a composed Zac Purton, who is just focusing on getting the job done in Sunday’s Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m). The David Hayes-trained superstar, who was crowned Timeform’s Horse of the Year and the joint second-best horse in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings earlier this week, will level the record that has stood since 2005 if he manages to defeat a field of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341079/no-extra-pressure-zac-purton-ka-ying-rising-bids-history-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341079/no-extra-pressure-zac-purton-ka-ying-rising-bids-history-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Jan 2026 03:00:30 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton bagged his biggest haul since the season opener with a five-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday, but the champion jockey’s crucial call on a Classic Mile ride remains up in the air. Purton was at his brilliant best when booting home Snowthorn, Majestic Valour, Robot Star, China Win and Little Paradise, who was the headline act after claiming the feature Class Two Racing Club Cup (1,400m). However, the brilliant display arguably made his decision on a Classic Mile ride more difficult, with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339502/zac-purton-bags-brilliant-five-timer-sha-tin-classic-mile-call-remains-air?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339502/zac-purton-bags-brilliant-five-timer-sha-tin-classic-mile-call-remains-air?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jan 2026 11:19:54 +0000 Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding French star Maxime Guyon kept up his stellar form on his short-term stint in Hong Kong with another Sha Tin double courtesy of The Concentration and Gallant Epoch on Sunday. Since starting a three-month contract at the end of November, Guyon broke through with a Group One success on Sosie in the Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) and Sunday’s brace boosted his haul to nine winners. The Concentration overcame a wide trip without cover in the second half of the field to snare the opening Class Five Tai Lam... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338675/maxime-guyon-extends-hot-form-double-mark-newnham-unveils-smart-debut-winner?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338675/maxime-guyon-extends-hot-form-double-mark-newnham-unveils-smart-debut-winner?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:34:21 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Brazilian import Sagacious Life leapt into contention for Zac Purton’s Classic Mile ride of choice after continuing a strong start to his Hong Kong career with a fighting victory at Sha Tin on Sunday. After Sagacious Life proved too strong for several Classic Mile hopefuls in the Class Two Leighton Handicap (1,600m), trainer Pierre Ng Pang-chi revealed the son of Put It Back had surged into Purton’s consideration for the first leg of the four-year-old series on February 1. “Everyone’s chasing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338672/sagacious-life-one-two-classic-mile-options-zac-purton-after-fighting-sha-tin-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338672/sagacious-life-one-two-classic-mile-options-zac-purton-after-fighting-sha-tin-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:47:19 +0000 Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney Rising Force landed one of the plunges of the season so far when he defied stall 14 to win the Class Three Cha Kwo Ling Handicap (1,200m) on his seasonal reappearance at Sha Tin on Thursday. Sensationally backed from $16 into $3.35 favourite, the Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained galloper made light work of the widest barrier when Richard Kingscote managed to land on the leader's shoulder. Breezing past Matters Most as he pleased at the 400m pole, the race was settled in a matter of strides as Rising... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338422/rising-force-lands-massive-betting-plunge-smart-golf-lights-turf-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338422/rising-force-lands-massive-betting-plunge-smart-golf-lights-turf-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:38:31 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney It took 31 years for Hong Kong’s Triple Crown to be won again, but it might only be 12 months until history repeats if Voyage Bubble continues his winning ways. Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai said it was a case of “dreams come true” when his stable star famously completed the rare treble of the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m), Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) and Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) earlier this year. And after his defiant success in last Sunday’s Group One Hong Kong Mile, snaring... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336922/more-history-awaits-voyage-bubble-triple-crown-repeat-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336922/more-history-awaits-voyage-bubble-triple-crown-repeat-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:06:48 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Andrea Atzeni is hoping Super Unicorn is up to the task when he goes for a brilliant hat-trick in the Class Three Sea Eagle Handicap (1,650m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday evening. The Sardinian is fresh off a brilliant second on Giavellotto in Sunday’s Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m), finding just Sosie too strong when trying to defend his title. “It was a brilliant run – we had a nice trip following the winner but it was a bit of a messy race,” said Atzeni. “We didn’t go much of a gallop,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336484/andrea-atzeni-hoping-super-unicorn-can-get-job-done-happy-valley-hat-trick-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336484/andrea-atzeni-hoping-super-unicorn-can-get-job-done-happy-valley-hat-trick-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:07:25 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Voyage Bubble showed the heart of a champion to defend his Group One Longines Hong Kong Mile crown in another ding-dong scrap with Japan’s Soul Rush at Sha Tin on Sunday. The Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained Triple Crown hero won the race 12 months ago when defeating Soul Rush by a length and a quarter and there was a sense of deja vu with a mirror result – though it did not always look likely. Sent off the $3.6 second favourite behind My Wish, Voyage Bubble gradually made ground down the back... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336399/voyage-bubble-defeats-soul-rush-second-year-bounce-defend-hong-kong-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336399/voyage-bubble-defeats-soul-rush-second-year-bounce-defend-hong-kong-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:17:00 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Perhaps the two best horses ever trained in Hong Kong will headline what promises to be an action-packed Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The highest-earning racehorse of all time with north of HK$217 million to his name, Romantic Warrior will attempt to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m). Victory in the first seven-runner Cup since 2007 would make Romantic Warrior the only four-time HKIR winner and the market suggests only... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336346/hong-kong-heavyweights-headline-action-packed-international-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336346/hong-kong-heavyweights-headline-action-packed-international-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:17 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald and Zac Purton are optimistic they will have a big say in a wide-open Group One Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday when they ride Galaxy Patch and Voyage Bubble, respectively. In what looms as the most open contest of the four Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) features, the Mile could become a blockbuster showdown between the two champion jockeys. Galaxy Patch and Voyage Bubble are two of the headline acts in the HK$36 million race, with the former coming off a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336212/james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-confident-hong-kong-mile-chances-wide-open-contest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336212/james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-confident-hong-kong-mile-chances-wide-open-contest?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:14:40 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Connections of local superstars Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior walked away from the Sha Tin parade ring happy after the pair drew inside gates for Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong International Races. While it was never going to matter too much which gate Romantic Warrior landed for the seven-runner Group One Hong Kong Cup, barrier two was just about perfect for the champion and should ensure him a smooth passage around the first bend from the tricky Sha Tin 2,000m start. Trainer David Hayes was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336032/romantic-warrior-set-smooth-hong-kong-cup-passage-ka-ying-rising-draws-one-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336032/romantic-warrior-set-smooth-hong-kong-cup-passage-ka-ying-rising-draws-one-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:18:30 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald and Hugh Bowman are confident Galaxy Patch and Helios Express are primed to produce peak performances at the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) after competing in a star-studded trial at Sha Tin on Thursday. Set for the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) on Sunday week, Helios Express under Bowman vied for the lead with Packing Hermod in Thursday’s dirt hit-out over 1,200m and kept on solidly to run second to that galloper. Fellow Hong Kong Sprint contender Raging... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335151/galaxy-patch-and-helios-express-track-peak-hong-kong-international-races-after-dirt-trial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335151/galaxy-patch-and-helios-express-track-peak-hong-kong-international-races-after-dirt-trial?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2025 04:36:35 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney November is always an important month in Hong Kong racing and this year was no exception, with the city’s two best gallopers Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising making big statements ahead of the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR). The Post analyses the jockeys and trainers who had a month to remember or one to forget, as well as the most outstanding victory and winning ride. Who’s hot? Zac Purton continued his winning ways, matching his October haul with 16 wins at an incredible... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334738/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-november?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334738/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-november?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:40:25 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Voyage Bubble will defend his Group One Hong Kong Mile crown in a capacity field that also features Japan’s Soul Rush and Embroidery, Aidan O’Brien’s The Lion In Winter and French colt Beauvatier. Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai and Voyage Bubble’s owners opted to drop the Triple Crown hero back to a mile rather than tackle the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) after he ran second to Romantic Warrior in last Sunday’s Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m). Zac Purton is expected to again take the ride... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334218/voyage-bubble-confirmed-defend-hong-kong-mile-crown-against-five-international-raiders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334218/voyage-bubble-confirmed-defend-hong-kong-mile-crown-against-five-international-raiders?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:50:59 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars The Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) lead-up meeting is in the bag and after the mouthwatering events of Sunday, we’re faced with the very real prospect that all four of December 14’s Group Ones could feature the defending champion. We know for certain that, all being equal, we will see at least two local superstars defending their respective crowns after Ka Ying Rising carried on his merry way with a commanding success in the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) and Romantic... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333947/ricky-yiu-mulls-voyage-bubble-distance-every-hkir-feature-could-boast-its-defending-champ?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333947/ricky-yiu-mulls-voyage-bubble-distance-every-hkir-feature-could-boast-its-defending-champ?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:17:45 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Voyage Bubble may get his best chance to topple the mighty Romantic Warrior in Sunday’s Group Two BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2,000m), with trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai confirming his star’s first-up 12th was a complete forgive run. After being asked to work early under top weight and finding trouble in the run, Voyage Bubble never looked comfortable and faded in the straight. “You can just forget about his run with Matthew Poon [Ming-fai] on him. It was rough, very rough,” said Yiu. “Since then I have... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333615/ricky-yiu-confident-voyage-bubble-can-lift-romantic-warrior-clash-it-was-rough-very-rough?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333615/ricky-yiu-confident-voyage-bubble-can-lift-romantic-warrior-clash-it-was-rough-very-rough?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:49:13 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Danny Shum Chap-shing is bullish Romantic Warrior will once again showcase his champion qualities when he makes his long-awaited return from injury in Sunday’s Group Two BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin. The world’s highest-earning racehorse with a staggering HK$214.7 million in prize money, Romantic Warrior will race for the first time since his close second to Soul Rush in the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m) at Meydan in March. The 10-time Group One hero had a screw inserted into an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333531/danny-shum-expects-romantic-warrior-return-bang-jockey-club-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333531/danny-shum-expects-romantic-warrior-return-bang-jockey-club-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:42:23 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars After making a fast start to her short-term stint in the city with a winner with just her fourth ride, Hollie Doyle has picked up a couple of Group Two mounts at next weekend’s Longines Hong Kong International Races lead-up meeting. Doyle will ride Divano in the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) and Sunlight Power in the Group Two Jockey Club Mile, two gallopers she is familiar with. Doyle partnered Divano in a loaded Sha Tin all-weather trial on Friday morning, with Francis Lui Kin-wai’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332760/hollie-doyle-bags-group-two-rides-she-continues-settle-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332760/hollie-doyle-bags-group-two-rides-she-continues-settle-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:20:09 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding It only took Hollie Doyle four rides to get back in the Hong Kong groove as Run Run Smart got her short-term stint in the city off to the perfect start in the Class Four Japan Racing Association Trophy (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. It was a sense of deja vu for the British rider, who rode Run Run Smart – named Asktheboss at the time – to victory in a Chester novice race in June 2024 for Adrian Keatley. Paired up with him for the first time since, Doyle wasted no time in letting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331680/hollie-doyle-shows-her-smarts-get-perfect-start-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331680/hollie-doyle-shows-her-smarts-get-perfect-start-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:24:39 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding After successful stints in Japan for the past three years, Hollie Doyle is hoping a new off-season mission in Hong Kong can be just as fruitful when she saddles up on seven rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The 11-time Group One winner, who has ridden at the International Jockeys’ Challenge (IJC) every year since 2020, begins her first short-term stint in Hong Kong with a busy night at the city circuit. That can be of little surprise – given her track record internationally and the fact... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3331428/hollie-doyle-relishing-early-support-she-begins-her-first-hong-kong-stint-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3331428/hollie-doyle-relishing-early-support-she-begins-her-first-hong-kong-stint-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Nov 2025 04:51:00 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton has been booked to ride Voyage Bubble as the champion jockey and five-time Group One winner prepare for another stoush with Romantic Warrior in the Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) on November 23. Purton will ride Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s stable star for the first time since last year’s Group One Yasuda Kinen (1,600m) in Japan after connections opted to step Voyage Bubble up in trip rather than stay at 1,600m in the Group Two Jockey Club Mile. That move made the prized ride available,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330996/zac-purton-ride-voyage-bubble-latest-clash-romantic-warrior-jockey-club-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330996/zac-purton-ride-voyage-bubble-latest-clash-romantic-warrior-jockey-club-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:13:40 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding It has been a season of near misses for Richard Kingscote so far, but the British jockey hopes that reuniting with a familiar face can finally get him over the line and in the winners’ enclosure at Sha Tin on Thursday. A four-time winner in a short stint in Hong Kong last season, Kingscote has not enjoyed the rub of the green this campaign, going winless in 72 rides. It has not been for a lack of trying, however, with the 39-year-old placing in the top three on 11 occasions and finishing fourth... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330758/richard-kingscote-looking-get-board-familiar-face-sha-tin-dirt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330758/richard-kingscote-looking-get-board-familiar-face-sha-tin-dirt?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Oct 2025 08:33:02 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars It’s been a big week of firsts for Zac Purton – a maiden The Everest win, an unprecedented 1,900th Hong Kong victory and now, for surely the first time in his career, a spray labelling the eight-time champion “a big sissy”. Speaking from Kempton late on Wednesday night Hong Kong time, Maureen Haggas – wife of top trainer William – called Purton’s steer on their galloper, Lake Forest, in Saturday’s King Charles III Stakes at Randwick in Sydney “about the worst ride I think I’ve ever seen in my... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330050/zac-purtons-big-few-days-everest-1900-wins-and-now-almighty-spray?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330050/zac-purtons-big-few-days-everest-1900-wins-and-now-almighty-spray?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Oct 2025 08:27:12 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Relief was the overwhelming emotion for Matthew Poon Ming-fai after he ended an exasperating drought of 141 rides with a breakthrough win at Sha Tin on Sunday. Winless since booting home Keefy at Happy Valley on June 4, Poon finally got the monkey off his back when Gracious Express overcame barrier 14 to score a gutsy win in the Class Three Wo Che Handicap (1,400m). “I’ve been looking for this win for quite a long time,” Poon said. “I didn’t expect that today, so now I’ve got a winner, I hope... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329585/matthew-poon-ends-massive-drought-gracious-express-ive-been-looking-quite-long-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329585/matthew-poon-ends-massive-drought-gracious-express-ive-been-looking-quite-long-time?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:29:02 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding My Wish continued his scintillating march towards the Group One Hong Kong Mile with a comfortable success in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The Mark Newnham-trained rising star was sent off the raging $1.4 favourite and his backers never had a moment's worry, even with Alexis Badel drawn out in stall 11. Landing a handy second outside the leader Copartner Prance, Badel always exuded confidence on the five-year-old, who loomed up at the 200m pole and once given an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329584/my-wish-continues-march-hong-kong-mile-comfortable-sha-tin-trophy-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329584/my-wish-continues-march-hong-kong-mile-comfortable-sha-tin-trophy-success?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:00:22 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney For Matthew Poon Ming-fai, the prized ride on Voyage Bubble couldn’t have come at a better time as he bids to end a long winning drought in Sunday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m). It has been more than four months and a staggering 135 rides since Poon last visited the winners’ enclosure, but the reigning Tony Cruz Award winner isn’t letting the drought get him down. “The only thing I can do is just stay positive and the winner will come, but hopefully it won’t be too long,” Poon said. While... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329490/matthew-poon-bids-end-long-winning-drought-voyage-bubble-hopefully-it-wont-be-too-long?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329490/matthew-poon-bids-end-long-winning-drought-voyage-bubble-hopefully-it-wont-be-too-long?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Oct 2025 02:11:19 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney A wide draw has failed to dampen Alexis Badel’s excitement about riding My Wish in Sunday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m), with the Frenchman backing the rising star’s versatility for his much-anticipated clash with Voyage Bubble. In what shapes as one of the highlights of the season so far, last season’s Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble and My Wish face off with the former conceding his younger rival a massive 20lb. While the handicap conditions certainly favour Mark Newnham’s stable star,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329488/wide-draw-no-concern-alexis-badel-my-wishs-much-anticipated-clash-voyage-bubble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329488/wide-draw-no-concern-alexis-badel-my-wishs-much-anticipated-clash-voyage-bubble?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:57:56 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Exciting four-year-old Bulb General continued to stamp his Classic Series credentials after notching an electrifying third consecutive victory at Sha Tin on Saturday. Sent off the raging $1.5 favourite in the Class Three Tung Lung Chau Handicap (1,200m), the Jamie Richards-trained gelding made light work of gate 12 when storming home under Zac Purton to bolt in by two and three-quarter lengths. Despite being labelled “a shocking mover” by Purton and lazy trackworker by Richards, Bulb General... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327883/excitement-machine-bulb-general-lights-sha-tin-turf-while-manfred-man-celebrates-700th-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327883/excitement-machine-bulb-general-lights-sha-tin-turf-while-manfred-man-celebrates-700th-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 11:22:20 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Last season’s Hong Kong Triple Crown winner Voyage Bubble eased his way through a barrier trial on Tuesday as he tunes up for his return in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) on October 19. The Hong Kong Champion Miler and Hong Kong Champion Stayer finished fourth behind Invincible Shield – who broke the tape at 1:10.62 – after settling towards the rear before making steady ground in the straight under Matthew Poon Ming-fai. Last seen running riot to win the Group One Champions & Chater Cup... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327335/voyage-bubble-tunes-sha-tin-trophy-barrier-trial-he-felt-good-sharp-and-fresh?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327335/voyage-bubble-tunes-sha-tin-trophy-barrier-trial-he-felt-good-sharp-and-fresh?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:53:48 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Andrea Atzeni is looking forward to hopping back on promising pair Johannes Brahms and Blazing Wukong as he eyes another fruitful afternoon at Sha Tin on Sunday. The 34-year-old has enjoyed a good start to the campaign, slamming in a double at Sha Tin on the third meeting of the season and partnering Mojave Desert to success at last weekend’s rain-shortened meeting. Sunday is set to be another big day for the Sardinian, who has a strong book of eight rides that includes the Pierre Ng... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326824/johannes-brahms-and-blazing-wukong-headliners-super-sha-tin-sunday-andrea-atzeni?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326824/johannes-brahms-and-blazing-wukong-headliners-super-sha-tin-sunday-andrea-atzeni?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:22:49 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Hugh Bowman produced a pair of outstanding rides to bag his first Sha Tin victories of the new season on Sunday, making light work of wide draws aboard Hakka Radiance and Solid Win. The top Australian jockey got off to a perfect start in Sunday’s opener, helping Danny Shum Chap-shing’s Hakka Radiance break through for a maiden local win at start 25 in the Class Five Kowloon Tsai Handicap (1,800m). Set a task from barrier eight in the field of 10, Bowman sent the British import forward to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326304/hugh-bowman-makes-light-work-wide-barriers-bag-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326304/hugh-bowman-makes-light-work-wide-barriers-bag-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:17:59 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton is hopeful Chill Kaka can bounce back from a disappointing defeat to end last season when he returns in Sunday’s Class Three Pat Sin Leng Handicap (1,650m) at Sha Tin. An impressive winner of back-to-back dirt races last term, the Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained gelding finished his campaign with a well-beaten 12th behind Ariel in June. Purton told stewards that Chill Kaka didn’t handle the wet slow track and might have come to the end of his preparation, while a post-race vet examination... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326244/zac-purton-hopes-chill-kaka-can-bounce-back-disappointing-defeat-and-throat-surgery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326244/zac-purton-hopes-chill-kaka-can-bounce-back-disappointing-defeat-and-throat-surgery?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Sep 2025 07:20:06 +0000