https://www.scmp.com/rss/507123/feed Alexis Badel is a talented Frenchman with a rich racing background with his mother Myriam Bollack-Badel a trainer and his father Alain Badel a jockey. He first started coming to Hong Kong in 2016, having winter stints for four seasons before making the full-time move to Sha Tin in 2020-21. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Prominent Australian jockey Ethan Brown made a dream start to his short-term stint in Hong Kong when he guided Shooting To Top to victory at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. In his first meeting in the city, the 11-time Group One winner struck with his third ride when he lifted the heavily-backed Shooting To Top to a narrow win in the Class Four Geranium Handicap (1,650m). “It was great, it’s obviously something we all strive to do – to get the opportunity is one thing, but to get a winner... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351052/ethan-brown-makes-dream-start-hong-kong-stint-happy-valley-win-shooting-top?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351052/ethan-brown-makes-dream-start-hong-kong-stint-happy-valley-win-shooting-top?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:30:26 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Alexis Badel is optimistic Bunta Baby can overcome a wide draw when he vies for a Happy Valley hat-trick before the Frenchman partners Beauty Waves in Sunday’s Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m). The Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Waves last won at Happy Valley two starts ago by a neck over Young Champion but has a tough task ahead in Sunday’s feature against Ka Ying Rising. “I think his form is a touch stronger at Happy Valley recently. So at this level at Sha Tin, hopefully he can save... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350857/alexis-badel-seeks-another-valley-win-aboard-bunta-baby-group-one-ride-beauty-waves?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350857/alexis-badel-seeks-another-valley-win-aboard-bunta-baby-group-one-ride-beauty-waves?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:00:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Continuing a dream first week in the saddle in Hong Kong, apprentice Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu drew high praise from Douglas Whyte after booting home the former champion jockey’s sprinter Fast Responder at Sha Tin on Monday. Fresh from her successful Hong Kong debut when guiding PI Legend to victory on the Sha Tin dirt on Wednesday night, Yuen landed her first Sha Tin turf triumph when she lifted Fast Responder to a thrilling success in the Class Four Bluff Handicap (1,000m). Fired to the front from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349186/apprentice-nichola-yuen-draws-high-praise-douglas-whyte-after-first-sha-tin-turf-winner?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349186/apprentice-nichola-yuen-draws-high-praise-douglas-whyte-after-first-sha-tin-turf-winner?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:41:51 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Frankie Lor Fu-chuen has plenty of reason to be excited about the future with Salon S after the three-year-old extended his unblemished record in style at Sha Tin on Sunday. After opening his career with three front-running victories, the Zousain gelding went to another level when he overcame top weight of 134lb and a wide draw in gate 10 in the Class Three S.H. Ho Alumni Handicap (1,400m). Sent to the front again by Matthew Poon Ming-fai, Salon S justified $1.2 favouritism when he kept on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348305/boom-three-year-old-salon-s-lights-sha-tin-turf-again-extend-unbeaten-streak-four?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348305/boom-three-year-old-salon-s-lights-sha-tin-turf-again-extend-unbeaten-streak-four?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:26:17 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Mark Newham reclaimed the trainers’ championship lead from Caspar Fownes and went on to extend it by two wins after scoring a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday with Max Que, Ever Luck and Ace. Now sitting on 45 winners for the season, Newnham has carried on his super form after securing a five-timer at Happy Valley, followed by victory in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) with Invincible Ibis. Newnham’s treble was headlined by the consistent Max Que who proved his capability in Class Two company at his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348302/mark-newnham-maintains-super-form-sha-tin-treble-reclaim-trainers-championship-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348302/mark-newnham-maintains-super-form-sha-tin-treble-reclaim-trainers-championship-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 10:53:25 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Caspar Fownes extended his already significant lead in the trainers’ championship to five wins by replicating last weeks effort to score a treble at Happy Valley last night. The three-timer boosted Fownes’ tally to 42 for the season, with nearest rival David Hayes on 37, as he chases a fifth championship success. “I’m happy, all I can do is present my horse well and you need a lot of luck in this game. I know how to win a championship, that’s one thing I can tell you; I’ve got my game face on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346271/caspar-fownes-says-good-luck-championship-rivals-after-extending-lead-happy-valley-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346271/caspar-fownes-says-good-luck-championship-rivals-after-extending-lead-happy-valley-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:37:23 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Group targets are now firmly in the future of Tony Cruz’s Stunning Peach after he ran down his rivals to win the Class Two Devon Handicap (1,800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday as part of a brilliant three-timer for the stable. The Wottoon Bassett galloper recorded his first win since June 2024 when saluting at Sha Tin in February and was in no mood for another long wait for victory, with Angus Chung Lik-lai always looking confident on his mount. Turning out of the back straight with just one horse... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345887/stunning-peach-set-group-tests-tony-cruz-smashes-sha-tin-three-timer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345887/stunning-peach-set-group-tests-tony-cruz-smashes-sha-tin-three-timer?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 11:33:43 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney A pair of jockeys made significant moves up the championship table, a premiership-winning trainer continued his red-hot start to the year and Ka Ying Rising smashed more records in February. The SCMP 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? It was a rare month when Zac Purton didn’t return the biggest winning haul, with Jerry Chau Chun-lok and Andrea Atzeni sharing that honour with nine... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344799/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-february?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344799/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-february?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:55:18 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Little Paradise emerged from an almost impossible position to stamp himself as a rising star of Hong Kong racing with a breathtaking victory in Sunday’s Classic Mile at Sha Tin. Held up for clear running from the top of the straight until the 250m, the Jimmy Ting Koon-ho-trained gelding was hooked to the centre of the track by Vincent Ho Chak-yiu and unleashed a blistering turn of foot to soar past his rivals in the blink of an eye. In a testament to his class, Little Paradise romped in by two... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342001/little-paradise-stamps-himself-rising-star-breathtaking-classic-mile-romp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342001/little-paradise-stamps-himself-rising-star-breathtaking-classic-mile-romp?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:58:15 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham is four strong for Sunday’s Classic Mile at Sha Tin and hopes his squad of Invincible Ibis, Infinite Resolve, Crimson Flash and Winfield can get the job done as he goes for back-to-back wins. My Wish provided Newnham with his breakout Hong Kong victory 12 months ago and after a stellar campaign that has seen him rise through the grades, Invincible Ibis looks to be his biggest chance of repeating the dose. Beaten off a rating of 55 for his opening run of the campaign in September... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341663/mark-newnham-mob-handed-he-goes-back-back-classic-mile-wins-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341663/mark-newnham-mob-handed-he-goes-back-back-classic-mile-wins-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 07:45:15 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Matthew Chadwick’s wish to reunite with Patch Of Cosmo has come true and the four-time Group One-winning jockey is excited about his prospects in Sunday’s Classic Mile at Sha Tin. Chadwick regained the ride after Zac Purton picked Brazilian import Sagacious Life from a plethora of Classic Mile options just before he booted home Patch Of Cosmo in his stunning return from injury on January 18. Chadwick guided Manfred Man Ka-leung’s quality galloper to victory in two of his three rides on the son... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341237/matthew-chadwick-excited-reunite-classy-patch-cosmo-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341237/matthew-chadwick-excited-reunite-classy-patch-cosmo-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 07:30:25 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Alexis Badel is hoping to continue his flawless record on My Wish when he looks to cause an upset against Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble in Sunday’s Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin. The Mark Newnham-trained five-year-old put up some huge efforts last year, including wins in the Hong Kong Classic Mile and a close-up fourth in the Group One Champions Mile when only a length and a half behind Voyage Bubble. It has been mixed fortunes this season, however, with the Flying Artie... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341095/badel-and-guyon-aim-cause-upsets-my-wish-and-galaxy-patch-tackle-tricky-stewards-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341095/badel-and-guyon-aim-cause-upsets-my-wish-and-galaxy-patch-tackle-tricky-stewards-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Jan 2026 06:02:19 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney A strong performance against Ka Ying Rising in Sunday’s Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) is all Dennis Yip Chor-hong needs to see from Fast Network to confirm a trip to Dubai for the Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m). Third behind Ka Ying Rising in last month’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m), Fast Network is on track for his first overseas mission after another clash with the world’s best sprinter at Sha Tin. The five-year-old warmed up for the Centenary Sprint Cup with a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340385/james-mcdonald-booked-ride-fast-network-al-quoz-sprint-dubai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340385/james-mcdonald-booked-ride-fast-network-al-quoz-sprint-dubai?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:36:13 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding The decision to bench Luke Ferraris from My Wish ahead of his tilt at the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) later this month is one that I cannot wrap my head around, but once again highlights the brutal reality riders can face in Hong Kong. Ferraris has been on board My Wish for 13 of his 15 starts, winning on him five times, including a poignant success in the Classic Mile to give himself and trainer Mark Newnham their first feature wins in the city. The pair teamed up for Group Three glory on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339174/my-wish-jockey-swap-disappointing-decision-highlights-brutal-reality-riders-can-face?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339174/my-wish-jockey-swap-disappointing-decision-highlights-brutal-reality-riders-can-face?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:25:15 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding My Wish will be paired up with Alexis Badel when he takes on Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble in the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) after his owners decided to make a change from his regular jockey Luke Ferraris. The South African had ridden My Wish in 13 of his 15 runs so far in his career, including wins in the Classic Mile last season and Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) and Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) on return. It will be a bitter blow for Ferraris, who has been enjoying a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338876/alexis-badel-gets-my-wish-call-stewards-cup-owners-make-switch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338876/alexis-badel-gets-my-wish-call-stewards-cup-owners-make-switch?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:00:11 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The stars of racing took centre stage as the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship and Hong Kong International Races highlighted a huge month. 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? While big names like Zac Purton (nine wins), Hugh Bowman (seven) and James McDonald (seven) had productive months, there were a couple of mid-table jockeys who struck form despite limited... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338019/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-december?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338019/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-december?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:15:21 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Hollie Doyle is hoping to keep building momentum on the way to the International Jockeys’ Championship with a solid book of six rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The British rider has enjoyed a strong start to her Hong Kong stint, riding three winners and really hitting the ground running in terms of support. From seven meetings so far, Doyle’s leanest night has been five rides and she has already ridden in three Group races, such has been the support she has received in such a short... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334754/hollie-doyle-looks-continue-great-start-another-busy-night-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334754/hollie-doyle-looks-continue-great-start-another-busy-night-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:13:42 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Brett Crawford is optimistic Encountered will continue his top form in Sunday’s Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m), but the South African handler has one slight reservation for his first runner in a Hong Kong Group race. Fresh from bagging his first Happy Valley winner courtesy of Speedy Smartie on Wednesday night, Crawford hopes to celebrate a more significant first when Encountered takes on the likes of Group One performer Beauty Joy and Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) heroes Cap Ferrat and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331702/brett-crawford-has-one-slight-concern-ahead-hong-kong-group-race-debut-encountered?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331702/brett-crawford-has-one-slight-concern-ahead-hong-kong-group-race-debut-encountered?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Nov 2025 02:36:54 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Frankie Lor Fu-chuen is hopeful a light weight and another good gate will ensure Fun N Fun Together is right in the mix as he chases consecutive victories at the Sha Tin all-weather meeting on Thursday night. A last-start winner at the course and distance of Thursday’s Hebe Hill Handicap (1,200m), Fun N Fun Together enters Class Three company for the first time and will carry just 117lb as a result. “This time he is going up to Class Three and the good thing is he has the light weight,” said Lor... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330724/more-fun-frankie-lor-thursdays-sha-tin-all-weather-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330724/more-fun-frankie-lor-thursdays-sha-tin-all-weather-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:08:31 +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 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 Francis Lui Kin-wai has sprung a surprise by declaring Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero Cap Ferrat will be set for the Group One Hong Kong Mile in December. Set to resume in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) on October 26, the Australian import will be kept to the mile trip rather than a return to the distance of his upset Derby triumph in March. Lui also tested Cap Ferrat over 2,400m in the Group One Champions & Chater Cup in May and the son of Snitzel responded with a solid third behind... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3328317/francis-lui-springs-surprise-setting-derby-hero-cap-ferrat-hong-kong-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3328317/francis-lui-springs-surprise-setting-derby-hero-cap-ferrat-hong-kong-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:13:14 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars A record number of tourists converged on Sha Tin for Wednesday’s National Day meeting, with Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges declaring the “initiative we have is going viral”. Of the 32,357 people on track, 13,097 travelled from outside Hong Kong and the overall crowd figure was the biggest on National Day since 2018. There were also a record number of mainland visitors in attendance, with 12,060 crossing the border to soak in the action. “The news of the day is the attendance,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3327553/jockey-club-boss-hails-amazing-figure-record-number-tourist-turn-out-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3327553/jockey-club-boss-hails-amazing-figure-record-number-tourist-turn-out-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:37:05 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Mark Newnham will turn to Alexis Badel to keep the seat warm for Luke Ferraris aboard My Wish in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) on October 19. While Ferraris has been in the saddle for all five of My Wish’s wins and all but one of his 12 starts, he won’t be able to make the weight for the galloper’s expected showdown with Voyage Bubble in the Sha Tin Trophy. With Voyage Bubble rated 134 and My Wish sitting on a mark of 114, the latter will carry just 115lb should they meet as planned. “He... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327546/tourists-converge-national-day-races-record-numbers-initiative-going-viral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327546/tourists-converge-national-day-races-record-numbers-initiative-going-viral?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:40:57 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Fast Network is bound for a clash with the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising in December after unleashing a scintillating finishing burst to win Wednesday’s Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) at Sha Tin. Relishing a drop back from the 1,400m of his seasonal reappearance and a return to blinkers, the Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained gelding blasted home from second last to deliver jockey Alexis Badel a third National Day Cup victory in the past five years. Settling several lengths off... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327529/fast-network-set-group-one-clash-ka-ying-rising-after-national-day-cup-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327529/fast-network-set-group-one-clash-ka-ying-rising-after-national-day-cup-win?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:37:35 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Sunday’s meeting at Sha Tin was abandoned after eight races due to “unprecedented rainfall”, while Wednesday’s Happy Valley card has been cancelled as Hong Kong continues to brace for Typhoon Ragasa. The Heir and Inno Super lost their footing on the bend between the 600m and 500m point in the Class Four Kowloon Bay Handicap (1,400m), leading to an inspection by a Jockey Club delegation and leading jockeys Zac Purton, Hugh Bowman and Alexis Badel. It was ultimately decided racing could not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326307/racing-abandoned-sha-tin-jockey-club-also-cancels-wednesdays-happy-valley-card?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326307/racing-abandoned-sha-tin-jockey-club-also-cancels-wednesdays-happy-valley-card?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:59:09 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Alexis Badel will look to continue his rip-roaring start to the new season when he partners the likes of Brilliant Express and The Red Hare at Sha Tin on Sunday. The 35-year-old has racked up four wins to start the campaign, headlined by a treble last weekend that included a remarkable last-to-first victory aboard $66 chance Same To You. His hot start could be set to continue on Sunday, with a strong book of rides that includes the promising Brilliant Express in the Class Two Yi Tung Shan... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326236/alexis-badel-looks-follow-last-weekends-sha-tin-treble-another-brilliant-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326236/alexis-badel-looks-follow-last-weekends-sha-tin-treble-another-brilliant-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Sep 2025 04:15:13 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Tony Cruz is optimistic a “better and stronger” Californiatotality can make a big impact on his seasonal return in Wednesday night’s Class Two Shek O Handicap (1,650m) at Happy Valley. A shining light of Cruz’s stable last term, the son of Zoustar proved his toughness with four wins and a pair of placings while earning a crack at the final two legs of the Classic Series. Though he could only manage eighth in the Classic Cup (1,800m) and 11th in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m), Californiatotality... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325682/tony-cruz-fancies-improved-californiatotality-make-strong-return-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325682/tony-cruz-fancies-improved-californiatotality-make-strong-return-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:43:00 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney He’s feeling fitter and more confident than ever and for Alexis Badel, the results are showing. Fresh from his first success of the season at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, the French jockey made it a week to remember after dominating Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting with a treble. “I’ve been given good rides and everything went smooth. I feel fit and confident,” said Badel, who has hit the ground running after a successful riding stint in Japan during the off-season. Badel booted home Frankie Lor... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325500/alexis-badel-bags-upset-win-season-65-1-roughie-en-route-sha-tin-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325500/alexis-badel-bags-upset-win-season-65-1-roughie-en-route-sha-tin-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:51:16 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Chris So Wai-yin has high hopes that Lightness Of Music can make a winning return at Sha Tin on Sunday despite fearing the exciting debut winner might need further than 1,000m. One of several progressive youngsters unveiled by So last season, Lightness Of Music backed up his strong trial form to cruise to a two-length success up the straight in June. The performance left a lasting impression on So and champion jockey Zac Purton, who teams up again with the now four-year-old in Sunday’s Class... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325157/chris-so-hopes-straight-1000m-wont-prove-too-short-exciting-lightness-music?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325157/chris-so-hopes-straight-1000m-wont-prove-too-short-exciting-lightness-music?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:12:00 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Hugh Bowman and Douglas Whyte made flying starts to the new Happy Valley season with doubles and Jamie Richards added to his opening-day haul with another brace on Wednesday night. Bowman and Whyte teamed up to win the city circuit’s first race of the term, the Class Five Admiralty Handicap (1,200m), with Dan Attack and the former made it a race-to-race double when he lifted Caspar Fownes’ Super Sicario to victory in the Class Five Kowloon Tong Handicap (1,650m). Whyte joined the top Australian... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325094/hugh-bowman-douglas-whyte-and-jamie-richards-fire-doubles-happy-valley-opener?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325094/hugh-bowman-douglas-whyte-and-jamie-richards-fire-doubles-happy-valley-opener?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:30:32 +0000 Sam Agars,Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney Sam Agars,Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney The holidays are officially over, and the 2025-26 Hong Kong racing season is upon us. There are 88 meetings, 840-odd races and endless possibilities with fortunes to be won and lost. So let’s go fishing and get in the mood for the new term with some (educated) guesses about what might happen. My Wish to blossom The Classic Mile has been won by the likes of Romantic Warrior, Voyage Bubble and Helios Express in recent years – no pressure, My Wish. Classy as! 👏 My Wish staves off challengers to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324207/posts-predictions-2025-26-hong-kong-racing-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324207/posts-predictions-2025-26-hong-kong-racing-season?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:34:10 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Ka Ying Rising looked like his devastating self when he breezed effortlessly through a barrier trial at Sha Tin last Friday as he prepares for Australia’s richest turf race. The reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year powered 14 and a quarter lengths clear in a time of 59.26 seconds (1,050m) as he gets ready to kick off his campaign in the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin’s season opener on September 7. Following his local return, Ka Ying Rising will head to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3323069/hk-racing-season-update-ka-ying-rising-tunes-opener-lucky-sweynesse-set-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3323069/hk-racing-season-update-ka-ying-rising-tunes-opener-lucky-sweynesse-set-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:25:23 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Harry Bentley will press pause on his holiday to ride Spicy Marg in Friday’s Group One Nunthorpe Stakes (1,000m) at York. The 33-year-old was back in the UK after a 31-winner campaign in Hong Kong last season but has received an unexpected call-up for one of the feature races of this week’s Ebor Festival at York. The Nunthorpe commonly sees the younger horses take on their elders and Spicy Marg, just a two-year-old, will carry a tiny weight as she bids to become the first two-year-old since... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3322210/hk-racing-season-update-harry-bentley-gets-group-one-call-karis-teetan-heads-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3322210/hk-racing-season-update-harry-bentley-gets-group-one-call-karis-teetan-heads-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Aug 2025 08:22:09 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Alexis Badel rode a brilliant treble at Chukyo racecourse on Sunday to continue his great start to his summer stint in Japan. The French rider was granted a short-term licence by the JRA and has wasted little time in making his mark, riding a trio of winners on his first race weekend. Winning on outsider Saccarello on his first ride last Saturday, Badel then struck on Mediterranean for Northern Farm – who are sponsoring his licence – and Peaceful Night the next day. (L) Listed 1800m Meitetsu... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3320656/hk-racing-season-update-badel-flying-form-japan-while-chung-has-first-british-ride?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3320656/hk-racing-season-update-badel-flying-form-japan-while-chung-has-first-british-ride?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:27:56 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Talented sprinter Beauty Waves made the perfect start to life with new trainer Tony Cruz, banking a tough win in Saturday’s Class One Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup (1,000m) at Sha Tin. Recently transferred to Cruz after four wins for Pierre Ng Pang-chi, the Irish import enhanced his reputation as a straight-track specialist when he proved too slick for strong opposition in Saturday’s feature. Backed from $6.9 to $3.7 late, Beauty Waves was sent forward by Alexis Badel to race on the speed and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316234/beauty-waves-salutes-stable-debut-tony-cruz-im-so-happy-horse-came-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316234/beauty-waves-salutes-stable-debut-tony-cruz-im-so-happy-horse-came-over?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Jun 2025 13:43:18 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham is hoping his ultra-consistent Spicy Gold can collect another cheque in the Class Three Seine Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Alexis Badel has built up a brilliant partnership with Newnham’s So You Think galloper, who has won three of his nine starts this season. After ending last campaign with a Class Four course and distance win, Spicy Gold has gone from strength to strength this term, doubling up on return in the same grade. He completed a track and trip... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3311818/mark-newnham-confident-fantastic-spicy-gold-can-continue-consistent-happy-valley-streak?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3311818/mark-newnham-confident-fantastic-spicy-gold-can-continue-consistent-happy-valley-streak?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 May 2025 08:23:57 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hayes admits a late-season charge at the trainers’ title is a long shot, but the champion handler hasn’t given up all hope after reducing John Size’s lead to six wins with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday. Hayes reached a half-century of winners for the season after Oriental Smoke, Solid Shalaa and World Hero scored to potentially add some spice to the premiership battle. “It is a long shot but there is a glimmer of hope,” said Hayes, who won Hong Kong trainers’ championships in 1997-98 and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3310824/david-hayes-fires-treble-create-glimmer-hope-title-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3310824/david-hayes-fires-treble-create-glimmer-hope-title-race?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 May 2025 11:22:46 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding The impressive Californiatotality continued his march up the ratings with his fifth win of the campaign at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. In a well-run Class Two Choi Hung Handicap (1,650m), Tony Cruz’s improver sat midfield under Alexis Badel behind the pace set by Telecom Fighers and stalking $2 favourite Soleil Fighter. Badel was hard at work against the rail at the end of the back straight and Californiatotality looked in trouble, but the Zoustar gelding responded well to his urgings and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3310368/californiatotality-digs-deep-fifth-win-season-tony-cruz-hits-another-milestone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3310368/californiatotality-digs-deep-fifth-win-season-tony-cruz-hits-another-milestone?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 15:30:56 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Alexis Badel is hoping tough four-year-old Californiatotality can keep the good times rolling for him at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Frenchman rode a treble at the city circuit on April 23 and topped up his tally last week by winning on Day Day Victory to enhance his recent strike rate. And Wednesday could be another fruitful evening for Badel, who rides the improving Californiatotality in the feature Class Two Choi Hung Handicap (1,650m). The Zoustar gelding has won four times this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3310093/alexis-badel-hopes-californiatotality-can-carry-hot-sha-tin-form-over-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3310093/alexis-badel-hopes-californiatotality-can-carry-hot-sha-tin-form-over-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 May 2025 03:43:29 +0000 Alexis Badel struck top form ahead of his bid for Group One glory on Champions Day with his first treble in two and a half years at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Set to ride consistent galloper Happy Together in Sunday’s Champions Mile, the Frenchman tuned up for the city’s second biggest meeting of the year with wins on Winning Heart, Leather Master and Power Koepp. “It’s important, my form’s good,” Badel said after moving to 25 wins for the campaign. “I feel good. I’ve had decent support... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3307658/alexis-badel-tunes-champions-mile-bid-breakthrough-treble-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3307658/alexis-badel-tunes-champions-mile-bid-breakthrough-treble-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:14:52 +0000 Fresh from his most successful month of the season, Alexis Badel hopes to continue his strong form at Happy Valley on Wednesday night with the consistent Spicy Gold headlining his eight rides. After managing just nine wins from the first five months of the term, the Frenchman was one of several jockeys to capitalise on picking up stronger rides after four riders were injured in two separate falls on February 9. “I wasn’t expecting anything less. With many jockeys injured or suspended, it’s been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3300950/alexis-badel-bids-maintain-strong-form-happy-valley-im-looking-continue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3300950/alexis-badel-bids-maintain-strong-form-happy-valley-im-looking-continue?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:17:05 +0000 Alexis Badel hopes to capitalise on several pickup rides, headlined by Lucky Touch, after a jockey shortage forced the Jockey Club to lift his suspension for Wednesday night’s all-dirt meeting at Sha Tin. The Frenchman scored a much-needed winner on Sunday when he got the late call-up to replace Angus Chung Yik-lai on Righteous Arion, who held off the previously unbeaten Hong Lok Golf to claim a narrow victory. Chung, Zac Purton, Vincent Ho Chak-yiu and Keith Yeung Ming-lun were ruled out for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3298199/alexis-badel-aims-take-advantage-lucky-pickup-ride-sha-tin-dirt-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3298199/alexis-badel-aims-take-advantage-lucky-pickup-ride-sha-tin-dirt-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:25:40 +0000 Vincent Ho Chak-yiu shrugged off a slow start to the season with his first treble in just over a year at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, with Jumbo Legend’s miraculous victory the highlight. After just two wins from the first 10 meetings this term, Hong Kong’s top local jockey gained a much-needed confidence boost when booting home Galaxy Patch in last Sunday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) and carried that momentum into the city circuit’s midweek fixture. Ho started his night with victory... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3282650/vincent-ho-bounces-back-slow-start-breakthrough-treble-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3282650/vincent-ho-bounces-back-slow-start-breakthrough-treble-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:25:38 +0000 Alexis Badel is optimistic he can spice things up at Wednesday’s Happy Valley meeting when he bids for a hat-trick of wins aboard Mark Newnham’s “quality” five-year-old. The Frenchman teams up with the in-form Spicy Gold in the first section of the Class Four Speedy Handicap (1,200m) and hopes the galloper has more to offer after his first-up win on September 25. “He’s been progressive and he’s improving quite a lot,” Badel said. “I never had a doubt he was a quality horse so I’m just happy he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3282415/alexis-badel-hopes-strike-gold-hat-trick-seeking-spicy-hell-run-good-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3282415/alexis-badel-hopes-strike-gold-hat-trick-seeking-spicy-hell-run-good-race?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:04:36 +0000 Alexis Badel hopes Chiu Chow Spirit has what it takes to join the illustrious roll of honour of five-year-olds to have conquered Sunday’s Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin. The past five horses to win this weekend’s feature at the age of five all went on to become Group One winners, and while Badel isn’t setting his sights quite that high for Chiu Chow Spirit, the Frenchman believes the gelding is yet to find his ceiling. “He put in a great effort on the first day, he won the Class... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3279420/quality-chiu-chow-spirit-aims-join-impressive-roll-honour-celebration-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3279420/quality-chiu-chow-spirit-aims-join-impressive-roll-honour-celebration-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Sep 2024 05:16:10 +0000 Alexis Badel is confident Happy Together can successfully make the jump to Group Two level when the in-form galloper lines up in Sunday’s Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin. Badel has guided Happy Together to five victories from eight starts this term and the French rider believes the Frankie Lor Fu-chuen-trained gelding is poised for a bold showing stepping back to a mile. “He’s doing pretty well and I can’t fault him,” Badel said. “He’s been in great form and hopefully he can carry on this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3258072/happy-together-ready-thrive-group-two-test-i-cant-fault-him?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3258072/happy-together-ready-thrive-group-two-test-i-cant-fault-him?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Apr 2024 07:07:21 +0000 While it was a sore and sorry Alexis Badel who hobbled back to scale following his first victory in the Group Three January Cup (1,800m), the Frenchman was all smiles after repeating the dose at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Thrown to the ground when the victorious Simply Brilliant knuckled soon after the finish of the 2019 January Cup, Badel was pleased to snare the race in more traditional style aboard Happy Together. “A lot of memories, I remember it just like it was yesterday. I broke my... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3247991/alexis-badel-snares-january-cup-far-happier-circumstances-his-first-win-group-three?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3247991/alexis-badel-snares-january-cup-far-happier-circumstances-his-first-win-group-three?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:33:12 +0000 Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is confident Watch Buddy can “go very close again” when his galloper hunts for back-to-back Happy Valley wins in the Class Three High West Handicap (1,200m) on Friday night. Following his victory in the Class Four St Andrew’s Challenge Quaich (1,200m) on November 29, Watch Buddy will aim to reign supreme for a third time in four Happy Valley appearances when he contests the penultimate race of the calendar year under the city circuit’s bright lights. Watch Buddy will take his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3246552/ricky-yiu-warns-happy-valley-rivals-watch-out-buddy-i-think-hell-go-very-close?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3246552/ricky-yiu-warns-happy-valley-rivals-watch-out-buddy-i-think-hell-go-very-close?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:39:02 +0000 Alexis Badel will speak with Frankie Lor Fu-chuen about Happy Together contesting the Group Three January Cup (1,800m) after the four-year-old miler won the Class Two Saturn Handicap (1,650m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Sent off at $8.35 on his first outing at the city circuit, the former Richard Gibson-prepared gelding made it three wins from four starts for his new trainer and put a potential appearance in Happy Valley’s only Group race on his radar. Settling in midfield, Happy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3245801/happy-alexis-badel-get-together-frankie-lor-discuss-targeting-group-three-january-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3245801/happy-alexis-badel-get-together-frankie-lor-discuss-targeting-group-three-january-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:00:11 +0000