https://www.scmp.com/rss/508745/feed A jockey from 1975-82, Francis Lui Kin-wai received his training licence in 1996-97. He first tasted Group One success with Lucky Bubbles in the 2017 Chairman's Sprint Prize but is best known for his association with Golden Sixty, the Hong Kong superstar who swept the four-year-old series in 2020. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Andrea Atzeni’s massive month saw him surpass Zac Purton’s winning haul in March, while two trainers stood out from the rest of their peers and Invincible Ibis stormed to victory in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m). 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? Atzeni fired in 14 winners from 73 rides at a strong strike rate of just over 19 per cent, with the Sardinian notching his best... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348388/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-march?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348388/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-march?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:00:09 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Andrea Atzeni continued his brilliant patch of form with a double at Sha Tin on Sunday, headlined by Young Champion’s gutsy win in the Class Two CW Chu Alumni Handicap (1,200m). The John Size-trained sprinter went into the race on the back of 17 straight defeats, but he had put the writing on the wall with a trio of unlucky runs at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley. There were no hard-luck stories on this occasion, however, with the Zoustar galloper landing in the box seat from barrier one and after... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348312/andrea-atzeni-and-francis-lui-enjoy-doubles-satono-reve-stamps-champions-day-ticket-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348312/andrea-atzeni-and-francis-lui-enjoy-doubles-satono-reve-stamps-champions-day-ticket-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:09:59 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan The prodigious Hot Delight continued his unbeaten streak when taking out the Class Three Werther Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin, helping Francis Lui Kin-wai clinch another double on Sunday. Lui’s progressive galloper continued to impress when jumping as the $1.4 favourite and making it three consecutive wins over the course and distance, with Vincent Ho Chak-yiu on board once again. After sitting off Pakistan Legacy’s lead for most the trip, the son of Too Darn Hot showed sensational ability as he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347483/francis-luis-exciting-hot-delight-remains-unbeaten-trainer-scores-double-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347483/francis-luis-exciting-hot-delight-remains-unbeaten-trainer-scores-double-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:04:12 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney He is expected to be one of the outsiders in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) at Sha Tin, but Pope Cody should not be underestimated according to his jockey James Orman. The Me Tsui Yu-sak-trained gelding heads into the city’s biggest race off the back of an encouraging sixth to Stormy Grove in the Classic Cup (1,800m), having made up late ground from back in the field. Despite a modest record of one win and two placings from 15 local starts, Pope Cody rarely runs poorly or is beaten far... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347455/james-orman-makes-strong-case-likely-outsider-pope-cody-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347455/james-orman-makes-strong-case-likely-outsider-pope-cody-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:56:56 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Promising sprinter Turquoise Velocity’s exciting dead-heat victory helped trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai and jockey Keith Yeung Ming-lun secure a double in tandem at Sha Tin on Sunday. A dramatic finish saw Turquoise Velocity and We Are Hero hit the line locked together in the Class Three Lok Sin Tong Cup (1,000m) in only the second dead heat of the season. Four-year-old Turquoise Velocity stayed on strongly and looked to have the race won until the veteran We Are Hero flashed late to draw level,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346666/promising-sprinter-turquoise-velocitys-dead-heat-caps-doubles-francis-lui-and-keith-yeung?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346666/promising-sprinter-turquoise-velocitys-dead-heat-caps-doubles-francis-lui-and-keith-yeung?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:31:14 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Fast Network made a mockery of his rivals to win the Class One Essex Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, but his participation in the Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m) remains up in the air. The Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained five-year-old was well found in the market at $2.05 and delivered a clinical performance under Zac Purton, though his backers had a few anxious moments along the way. Parked against the fence in midfield for much of the journey, Fast Network tanked into the race and as... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345893/fast-network-stamps-class-sha-tin-james-orman-and-david-hall-celebrate-doubles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345893/fast-network-stamps-class-sha-tin-james-orman-and-david-hall-celebrate-doubles?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:54:27 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Lyle Hewitson has a strong line-up of rides at Sha Tin on Sunday that includes the progressive Supreme Sea stepping up grade in the Class Three Cornwall Handicap (1,200m) and Packing Angel in the Class Two Devon Handicap (1,800m). The lightly raced Supreme Sea has impressed in his two starts for trainer Mark Newnham, recording a win and a second placing by just half a length to Vulcanus on Sha Tin’s all-weather track. “I think he’s a very good horse. I’m really happy to have got aboard him, he’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345825/strong-line-sha-tin-lyle-hewitson-headlined-supreme-sea-and-packing-angel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345825/strong-line-sha-tin-lyle-hewitson-headlined-supreme-sea-and-packing-angel?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:15:37 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jerry Chau Chun-lok continued his incredible form and celebrated his 200th Hong Kong win in style with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday. Fresh from nine winners in February, Chau picked up where he left off to boot home Francis Lui Kin-wai’s pair Chill Partners and Galactic Voyage and the in-form Emblazon. “After I graduated in 2021, everything was more of a challenge and I had to fight for it and at this stage, I’m really happy with 200 winners,” Chau said. “I need to thank the trainers who have... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345046/form-jerry-chau-celebrates-200th-hong-kong-win-brilliant-treble-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345046/form-jerry-chau-celebrates-200th-hong-kong-win-brilliant-treble-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:56:28 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Romantic Warrior continued his march towards Triple Crown glory after leaving his rivals standing still in a jaw-dropping performance to win the Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. It was a 13th Group One success for the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained global superstar, who produced one of his most devastating displays yet under James McDonald to win by four lengths eased down. Sitting third behind long-time pacesetter Beauty Joy and second-running Ensued, Romantic Warrior was always... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345035/romantic-warrior-moves-one-step-closer-triple-crown-after-devastating-gold-cup-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345035/romantic-warrior-moves-one-step-closer-triple-crown-after-devastating-gold-cup-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:38:47 +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 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Francis Lui Kin-wai was left drawing comparisons to the mighty Golden Sixty after Hot Delight maintained his unbeaten record in sparkling fashion at Sha Tin’s Lunar New Year meeting on Thursday. A dominant winner on debut over course and distance last month, Lui was very upbeat about the Too Darn Hot galloper on the day and it seems that glowing report was more than warranted as he dazzled again in the first section of the Class Three Yue Yee Handicap (1,200m). The in-form 67-year-old is no... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344027/hot-delight-draws-golden-sixty-comparison-francis-lui-continues-dream-start-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344027/hot-delight-draws-golden-sixty-comparison-francis-lui-continues-dream-start-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:59:00 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Francis Lui Kin-wai is optimistic Hot Delight can repeat his outstanding debut victory when he steps up to Class Three company in Thursday’s first section of the Yue Yee Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin. The Too Darn Hot three-year-old backed up his strong trial form to create a big impression on his first race start, storming home from midfield to beat Conrad Patch by a length and three-quarters last month. Lui’s big opinion of Hot Delight was vindicated and the in-form handler hopes his emerging... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3343898/francis-lui-has-high-hopes-smart-debut-winner-hot-delight-lunar-new-year-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3343898/francis-lui-has-high-hopes-smart-debut-winner-hot-delight-lunar-new-year-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:04:34 +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 Owen Goulding Mark Newnham looks to have another smart one on his hands after Lucky Ranger made it second-time lucky with a dominant success in the first section of the Class Four On Ting Handicap (1,400m). The Vanbrugh galloper ran a big race on debut from a wide draw but with the benefit of the run under his belt, he was able to defy stall 14 on this occasion under an ice-cool Luke Ferraris. Able to settle midfield with cover from the widest stall, the pair ambled into contention and when let down in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342840/lucky-ranger-smart-one-mark-newnham-title-fight-david-hayes-heats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342840/lucky-ranger-smart-one-mark-newnham-title-fight-david-hayes-heats?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:45:39 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Francis Lui Kin-wai is looking for back-to-back wins in the Group Three Centenary Vase (1,800m) with Chancheng Glory at Sha Tin on Sunday, but Speed Dragon is another string to his bow in the handler’s search of a third win in the race. It has been a period to remember for Lui, who has rocketed up to sixth in the standings after training 10 winners at the last seven meetings. The run included a Group Three victory when Speed Dragon launched to January Cup (1,800m) glory at Happy Valley and he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342533/francis-lui-puts-faith-speed-dragon-and-chancheng-glory-continue-purple-patch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342533/francis-lui-puts-faith-speed-dragon-and-chancheng-glory-continue-purple-patch?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:29:49 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Half of the 2025-26 season will be in the books after Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting and it has been an intriguing five months of racing in Hong Kong. Some of the city’s stars – both equine and human – have dominated once again while the battle for the trainers’ championship looks set for an exciting finish. Peerless Purton It has been business as usual for Zac Purton, with the eight-time Hong Kong champion jockey building a huge lead in the title race after racking up 73 wins from the first 43... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342487/state-play-hong-kong-racing-season-approaches-halfway?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342487/state-play-hong-kong-racing-season-approaches-halfway?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 07:05:27 +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 Some of Hong Kong racing’s most powerful figures stole the show in January with champion jockey Zac Purton and a trio of top trainers striking elite form. 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 hit overdrive in January, racking up 20 wins from 77 rides at a phenomenal strike rate of 26 per cent to extend his championship lead to 40 over nearest rival Hugh Bowman. A... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341697/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-january?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341697/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-january?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:00:15 +0000 Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding It’s been a big couple of weeks for Francis Lui Kin-wai and the stable’s incredible form continued at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the veteran trainer bagging both Class Twos and unveiling a smart debutant. Lui, who celebrated his 1,000th Hong Kong win last week and 67th birthday on Thursday, backed up his Sha Tin treble seven days earlier to make it eight winners from the past four meetings. Winning Wing and Invincible Shield struck in the two strongest races on the Group One undercard, while Gold... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341171/francis-lui-bags-two-class-twos-and-unveils-smart-debutant-extend-stables-superb-form?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341171/francis-lui-bags-two-class-twos-and-unveils-smart-debutant-extend-stables-superb-form?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:00:04 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Four days after joining the elite club of training 1,000 winners in Hong Kong, Francis Lui Kin-wai capped a massive week with a treble in consecutive races at Sha Tin. Lui became just the sixth handler to reach the major milestone with a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night and the veteran’s outstanding form continued on Sunday courtesy of Lucky Twin Stars, Hot Delight and Amazing Partners. Hot Delight’s incredible performance on debut was the most exciting of Lui’s three winners, with the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340334/francis-lui-bags-brilliant-hat-trick-dylan-browne-mcmonagle-breaks-through-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340334/francis-lui-bags-brilliant-hat-trick-dylan-browne-mcmonagle-breaks-through-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jan 2026 11:41:31 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Francis Lui Kin-wai joined an elite group of trainers to reach 1,000 wins in Hong Kong when Speed Dragon stormed home from last for a stunning victory in Wednesday night’s Group Three January Cup (1,800m) at Happy Valley. Champion trainer in 2023-24 and the handler of champion galloper Golden Sixty, Lui joined John Moore (1,735 wins), John Size (1,629), Tony Cruz (1,583), Caspar Fownes (1,196) and Ricky Yiu Poon-fai (1,082) in reaching the major milestone when Winning Money and Speed Dragon won... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339923/francis-lui-joins-elite-group-trainers-1000-hong-kong-wins-after-speed-dragons-huge-valley-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339923/francis-lui-joins-elite-group-trainers-1000-hong-kong-wins-after-speed-dragons-huge-valley-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:50:49 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Francis Lui Kin-wai is leaving nothing to chance when he unleashes his classy trio of Chancheng Glory, Speed Dragon and Winning Wing on Wednesday’s Group Three January Cup (1,800m) at Happy Valley. Lui won the race back in 2020 with Doctor Geoff and his three-pronged assault on the Group Three prize gives him the best possible chance of doubling his tally. Chief among his chances is Chancheng Glory, who has drawn the ideal gate in stall one and has been plying his trade in much tougher races of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339723/francis-lui-leaving-nothing-chance-he-looks-january-cup-glory-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339723/francis-lui-leaving-nothing-chance-he-looks-january-cup-glory-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:51:50 +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 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Hollie Doyle will chase some extra Christmas presents in the form of winners to take back home with her to the UK as she finishes up her six-week Hong Kong stint at Happy Valley on Tuesday night. The 10-time Group One-winning rider has enjoyed a huge amount of support in her short time in the city, which is evidenced by her final night at the Valley seeing her engaged in all nine races. Heading into Tuesday, Doyle has ridden five winners and was just half a length away from Group Two glory when... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337261/hollie-doyle-looks-sign-high-happy-valley-her-stint-comes-close?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337261/hollie-doyle-looks-sign-high-happy-valley-her-stint-comes-close?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:21:49 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Caspar Fownes has made a renewed push for Joao Moreira to be brought back to Hong Kong after the pair combined for a running double to open Wednesday night’s card at Happy Valley. Fownes, who finished the night with a treble, had hoped to bring Moreira back as his stable jockey in October, but the Jockey Club knocked back the Brazilian, declaring the roster was full. “It’s up to the club and they’ll now have to answer the question [as to why Moreira was knocked back],” said Fownes after watching... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335960/caspar-fownes-makes-renewed-push-joao-moreiras-hong-kong-return-after-pairs-double-delight-happy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335960/caspar-fownes-makes-renewed-push-joao-moreiras-hong-kong-return-after-pairs-double-delight-happy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:06:54 +0000 Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney The status quo was maintained in the race to become the local rider at next month’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship after Vincent Ho Chak-yiu and Jerry Chau Chun-lok both struck at Sha Tin on Sunday. Heading into the meeting, Ho was one winner ahead of Chau but he wasted no time in extending the advantage when Mabubu made all the running on debut to win the Class Four BOC Cross-Border Services Handicap (1,200m). Chau managed to wrestle the lead back down to one when the impressive... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333860/vincent-ho-and-jerry-chau-continue-tight-battle-international-jockeys-championship-berth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333860/vincent-ho-and-jerry-chau-continue-tight-battle-international-jockeys-championship-berth?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:16:03 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Derek Leung Ka-chun is optimistic Lucky Sweynesse will bounce back from his Group One Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) defeat when he takes on superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising in Sunday’s Group Two BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) at Sha Tin. A strong second to Ka Ying Rising in the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) at the start of the season, Lucky Sweynesse travelled to Japan for his first overseas mission but could only manage 11th behind Win Carnelian in the Sprinters... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333103/derek-leung-expects-lucky-sweynesse-bounce-back-japan-defeat-jockey-club-sprint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333103/derek-leung-expects-lucky-sweynesse-bounce-back-japan-defeat-jockey-club-sprint?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:22:14 +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 Sam Agars Sam Agars It’s one of the more competitive editions in recent memory and Sunday’s Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) features a pair of former winners of the race, two Hong Kong Derby heroes and a host of other gallopers hoping to stake their claim for next month’s Longines Hong Kong International Races. The 2023 Ladies’ Purse victor, Encountered, and reigning champion Ensued chase repeat successes at Sha Tin this weekend, while the past two Derby winners, Massive Sovereign and Cap Ferrat, remain in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332021/former-winners-hong-kong-derby-heroes-do-battle-intriguing-ladies-purse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332021/former-winners-hong-kong-derby-heroes-do-battle-intriguing-ladies-purse?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Nov 2025 04:04:59 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Eight days after Bulb General’s “heartbreaking” blow which ruled him out of the Classic Series, Jamie Richards gained some compensation when Goldentronicmighty returned from throat surgery to score first up at Sha Tin on Sunday. A leading contender for the upcoming four-year-old series after three dominant wins in a row, Bulb General sustained a right fore ligament injury which will put him out of action until late this season. “He was the horse that I was hoping was going to fill the stable... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330384/goldentronicmighty-gives-jamie-richards-lift-after-heartbreaking-blow-bulb-general?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330384/goldentronicmighty-gives-jamie-richards-lift-after-heartbreaking-blow-bulb-general?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Oct 2025 11:14:27 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Armed with three runners in Sunday’s Premier Bowl (1,200m), Francis Lui Kin-wai hopes the brilliance of Zac Purton will help Packing Hermod and barrier one will boost Divano as they bid for Group Two glory. Purton hops back aboard Packing Hermod after his first-up fourth to My Wish in the Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) and will be out to add to his impeccable record on the consistent galloper. The champion jockey has booted home Packing Hermod in four of his six career wins, with his only... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330290/francis-lui-hopes-zac-purton-and-barrier-one-can-prove-difference-premier-bowl-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330290/francis-lui-hopes-zac-purton-and-barrier-one-can-prove-difference-premier-bowl-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:45:14 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Vincent Ho Chak-yiu got his season really rolling with a treble in consecutive races at Happy Valley on Wednesday evening, headlined by the remarkable win of Speed Dragon in the Class Two Lei Yue Mun Handicap (1,800m). The Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained six-year-old has been plagued by injury, with a right pelvis injury and more recently a ligament injury cutting short his last two Hong Kong seasons. Making his return, Speed Dragon was always travelling well in the last pair and when the gaps... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329164/vincent-ho-rattles-three-timer-consecutive-races-happy-valley-jump-start-his-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329164/vincent-ho-rattles-three-timer-consecutive-races-happy-valley-jump-start-his-season?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:32:14 +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 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Ka Ying Rising might not be in attendance on Wednesday, but the only horse to have beaten him, Wunderbar, will look to enhance his already stellar record when he lines up in the feature Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m). The son of Rich Enuff was a three-time winner last season, with his only run under Wednesday’s jockey Hugh Bowman being a cosy win in a 1,200m Class Two at Sha Tin in June. He followed that run up with a brilliant second to Beauty Waves in the Class One Pearce Memorial... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327347/hugh-bowman-hopes-very-powerful-finish-wunderbar-can-prove-too-strong-national-day-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327347/hugh-bowman-hopes-very-powerful-finish-wunderbar-can-prove-too-strong-national-day-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:01:52 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Still on a high after a breakthrough win on Sunday, Lyle Hewitson is eyeing a Class Two success aboard Steps Ahead at Happy Valley on Wednesday night in a bid to add to his momentum. The South African jockey booted home his first winner since returning from wrist and ankle fractures suffered in a nasty race fall in June when Metro Power bolted in at Sha Tin on the weekend. The David Hayes-trained gelding led all the way to notch his first Hong Kong triumph, clocking a slick 55.33 seconds up the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325556/lyle-hewitson-bids-add-momentum-class-two-ride-steps-ahead-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325556/lyle-hewitson-bids-add-momentum-class-two-ride-steps-ahead-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:18:56 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Feeling good after opening his account aboard Harmony Fire at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, Luke Ferraris hopes he can help trainer Michael Chang Chun-wai continue his strong start to the season by prevailing aboard the veteran handler’s only runner at Sha Tin on Sunday. Gummy Gummy, who is having his first start for Chang after coming across from the retired Benno Yung Tin-pang, impressed Ferraris when winning a trial earlier this month and the South African is eager to see the six-year-old... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325415/luke-ferraris-out-keep-ball-rolling-sha-tin-he-felt-nice-and-sharp-his-last-trial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325415/luke-ferraris-out-keep-ball-rolling-sha-tin-he-felt-nice-and-sharp-his-last-trial?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Sep 2025 06:30:09 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Self Improvement produced the performance of his life to win the Group Three Korea Sprint (1,200m) as Hong Kong fell agonisingly short of snaring a feature-race double on the Seoul sand on Sunday afternoon. One of the lowest-rated runners in the field, the Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained Self Improvement’s previous best was a Class Three victory in Hong Kong, but that mattered little for the six-year-old son of Deep Field. Given a peach of a ride outside the speed and out of the kickback by Jerry... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324662/self-improvement-reigns-supreme-korea-hong-kong-falls-agonisingly-short-feature-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324662/self-improvement-reigns-supreme-korea-hong-kong-falls-agonisingly-short-feature-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Sep 2025 11:07:29 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Excited by a rare opportunity to ride overseas, Jerry Chau Chun-lok has faith that Chancheng Glory and Self Improvement can handle Seoul’s unique sand track when the Hong Kong duo races in South Korea on Sunday. Chau will represent Hong Kong connections abroad for the second time after teaming up with Duke Wai to finish fifth in the Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m) at Meydan in 2023. The 25-year-old, who started his career as an apprentice in Australia, cut short his summer holiday to put his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324585/jerry-chau-backs-chancheng-glory-and-self-improvement-handle-unique-seoul-track?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324585/jerry-chau-backs-chancheng-glory-and-self-improvement-handle-unique-seoul-track?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Sep 2025 03:24:52 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Matthew Poon Ming-fai “can’t wait” for Wednesday night as he bids to hold off Matthew Chadwick and Derek Leung Ka-chun and win his first Tony Cruz Award at Happy Valley’s season closer. The 31-year-old sits on the 36-win mark for the campaign, one clear of Chadwick and a further victory ahead of Leung in pursuit of his maiden local riders’ premiership. After he fired a blank at Sha Tin on Sunday and both his rivals took advantage and drew one win closer, Poon sits in a precarious position... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3318150/matthew-poon-targets-maiden-tony-cruz-award-we-can-all-be-proud-our-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3318150/matthew-poon-targets-maiden-tony-cruz-award-we-can-all-be-proud-our-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:20:43 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars James Orman was left pinching himself after landing his first Hong Kong double at Sha Tin on Tuesday evening. Orman has chipped away since arriving in Hong Kong as injury cover in February, compiling 11 winners from 206 rides to earn himself a contract through to February next year. “First double – pinching myself really,” said Orman after booting home Wonderstar and Pakistan Legacy. “It’s a good thrill to build a bit of momentum. Hopefully I can keep it rolling.” Congratulations, @JimmyOrman!... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316552/james-orman-bags-first-hong-kong-double-manfred-man-snares-rare-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316552/james-orman-bags-first-hong-kong-double-manfred-man-snares-rare-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:59:48 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars It’s been a mere formality for months but Zac Purton officially secured his eighth title at Sha Tin on Saturday, banging in a treble to move 59 wins clear in the jockeys’ premiership with only 50 races left in the season. Purton moved to 126 winners for the campaign – four short of last season’s tally with five meetings remaining – and while he’s miles off his Hong Kong record tally of 179 victories, he’s striking at a ridiculous 23 per cent. “It’s really nice to win another one. Apart from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316236/zac-purton-officially-secures-eighth-premiership-while-ellis-wong-lands-maiden-hong-kong-treble-1002?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316236/zac-purton-officially-secures-eighth-premiership-while-ellis-wong-lands-maiden-hong-kong-treble-1002?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Jun 2025 13:59:31 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Keagan de Melo celebrated his first Hong Kong Group win when $26 outsider Copartner Prance led them a merry dance in the Group Three Premier Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday evening. The South African has not hit any great heights this season and his success aboard Francis Lui Kin-wai’s Copartner Prance, who also landed a Group-race breakthrough, was a much-needed tonic. Copartner Prance sat on the shoulder of Victor The Winner for the first part of the race, but De Melo took the outright lead... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3315406/keagan-de-melo-tastes-maiden-hong-kong-group-success-copartner-prance-runs-them-ragged?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3315406/keagan-de-melo-tastes-maiden-hong-kong-group-success-copartner-prance-runs-them-ragged?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Jun 2025 13:25:25 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Bidding to add to what has already been a fruitful campaign, Andrea Atzeni has declared he wouldn’t swap Patch Of Theta for any other ride in Sunday’s Group Three Premier Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin. The Sardinian jockey has legitimate claims in the final two features of the season, with Patch Of Theta and his Group Three Premier Plate (1,800m) mount Bundle Award shaping as strong contenders. Atzeni, who sits third in the jockeys’ championship with 54 wins, hops aboard Patch Of Theta for the first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3315320/andrea-atzeni-bullish-about-patch-theta-i-wouldnt-swap-horse-anything-else-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3315320/andrea-atzeni-bullish-about-patch-theta-i-wouldnt-swap-horse-anything-else-race?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Jun 2025 03:13:59 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Jockey Matthew Poon Ming-fai will get his chance aboard the in-form Packing Hermod in Sunday’s Group Three Premier Cup (1,400m) – something trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai has put down to the absence of the Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained Lucky Sweynesse. While Packing Hermod will carry 126lb in the Premier Cup, the presence of the 127-rated Lucky Sweynesse would have seen the four-year-old assigned the minimum weight of 115lb. “Everybody thought Manfred Man’s horse was going to run, so everybody... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3315042/matthew-poon-gets-chance-packing-hermod-everybody-thought-manfreds-horse-was-going-run?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3315042/matthew-poon-gets-chance-packing-hermod-everybody-thought-manfreds-horse-was-going-run?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:15:47 +0000 Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Technical issues with commingling pools wreaked havoc with Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting, forcing lengthy delays to the final two races and playing a big role in an estimated HK$350 million hit to turnover. Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said intermittent problems with a database used to take overseas bets was the cause of the delays, prompting all commingling bets to be refunded and odds for race nine to be recalculated. The issue arose five minutes before the start of race... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3311741/chaos-sha-tin-technical-issues-frustrate-punters-and-lead-hk350-million-hit-turnover?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3311741/chaos-sha-tin-technical-issues-frustrate-punters-and-lead-hk350-million-hit-turnover?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 May 2025 14:12:57 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars The final Group One of the Hong Kong season is not always the most thrilling of elite-level contests but the scene is certainly set for a bumper 2025 edition of the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m). With big-name globetrotter Dubai Honour in town and Voyage Bubble alive in the Triple Crown, fans are expecting fireworks at Sha Tin on Sunday. Here’s the race by the numbers: 1 – The number of horses to have started the Champions & Chater Cup alive in the Triple Crown since River... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3311350/champions-chater-cup-numbers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3311350/champions-chater-cup-numbers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 May 2025 07:10:43 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has unwavering faith in Voyage Bubble’s ability to answer a significant distance query as the trainer’s stable star bids for a historic win in Sunday’s Group One Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) at Sha Tin. Striving to become just the second galloper to claim Hong Kong’s Triple Crown, the four-time Group One winner will be tested beyond 2,000m for the first time in what shapes as mouth-watering clash with British raider Dubai Honour. However, Yiu believes a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3311311/ricky-yiu-adamant-voyage-bubble-can-absolutely-handle-trip-test-champions-chater-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3311311/ricky-yiu-adamant-voyage-bubble-can-absolutely-handle-trip-test-champions-chater-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 May 2025 03:40:45 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Armed with a strong team of seven runners at Sha Tin on Sunday, Chris So Wai-yin was left with mixed emotions after Pakistan Legacy drew ideally in barrier three but three of his other prominent chances copped wide gates. Closing in on his first Hong Kong success after two seconds from four local starts, Pakistan Legacy was dealt a sweet draw for the Class Three Beas River Country Club Handicap (1,200m) after jumping from 11 last start when fifth to the reopposing Moduleconstruction. While So... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3310399/chris-so-dealt-mixed-bag-barriers-seven-strong-team-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3310399/chris-so-dealt-mixed-bag-barriers-seven-strong-team-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 May 2025 02:49:12 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Lyle Hewitson is hoping Invincible Shield can continue his rapid rise up the ratings and notch a brilliant four-timer in the Class Two Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Saturday. Francis Lui Kin-wai’s galloper was a well-beaten 11th on his local debut but has done nothing but improve since, securing his first win in the form of a gutsy Class Three win over course and distance back in February. He followed that up by powering away late in another course and distance Class... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3309658/lyle-hewitson-hoping-awesome-foursome-improving-invincible-shield-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3309658/lyle-hewitson-hoping-awesome-foursome-improving-invincible-shield-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2025 03:25:06 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Dennis Yip Chor-hong is confident Fast Network can continue his hot form in Saturday’s Class Two Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin as a potential tilt at the Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m) looms for the exciting sprinter. A stunning four-length winner of the Class Two Barker Handicap (1,200m) last start, Fast Network headlines what is one of the best Class Two sprint fields assembled in Hong Kong in recent times. The Wrote four-year-old will lump top weight of 135lbs... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3309501/dennis-yip-backs-fast-network-overcome-big-weight-and-hot-field-class-two-sprint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3309501/dennis-yip-backs-fast-network-overcome-big-weight-and-hot-field-class-two-sprint?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 May 2025 02:48:54 +0000