https://www.scmp.com/rss/508746/feed Racing has been held in Hong Kong since the 1800s and it is unequivocally the number sport in town. There are 88 meetings a season hosted across two venues in Sha Tin and Happy Valley with billions of dollars bet every week. It is considered the toughest jurisdiction in the world. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Joao Moreira will kick off his three-month stint as retained rider for Caspar Fownes when the pair combine with a full card of nine runners at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Moreira is one of the city’s most decorated jockeys, having ridden over 1,200 winners and been crowned champion jockey four times in the jurisdiction, and will look to begin his latest campaign with a bang. Fownes will bid to reclaim the trainers’ championship lead where he currently sits second on 43 winners – four wins... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349229/caspar-fownes-and-joao-moreira-bid-begin-three-month-campaign-bang-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349229/caspar-fownes-and-joao-moreira-bid-begin-three-month-campaign-bang-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:49:02 +0000 Jay Rooney,Olivia O'Sullivan Jay Rooney,Olivia O'Sullivan Brett Crawford’s reputation for rejuvenating out-of-form gallopers from other stables went to another level when Mugen snapped a 652-day winning drought at Sha Tin on Monday. In arguably the best training feat of his first season in Hong Kong, Crawford helped the Australian import notch his first victory since the Group Three Premier Cup (1,400m) in 2024 for Pierre Ng Pang-chi when he stormed home to claim Monday’s Class Two Barker Handicap (1,400m). Mugen had lost form since his Group One... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349187/brett-crawford-keeps-stable-transfer-momentum-rolling-mugen-while-mark-newnham-bags-bittersweet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349187/brett-crawford-keeps-stable-transfer-momentum-rolling-mugen-while-mark-newnham-bags-bittersweet?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:58:42 +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 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding An inspired decision to step up in trip by the connections of Lucky Sweynesse paid off as the evergreen seven-year-old returned to the winner’s enclosure for the first time in two years in the Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Monday. It has been a long time between drinks for the four-time Group One-winning sprinter, who last saluted on this card two years ago when taking home the Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m). With Ka Ying Rising on the scene and his years starting to advance,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349181/bold-decision-pays-lucky-sweynesse-steps-out-shadows-group-two-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349181/bold-decision-pays-lucky-sweynesse-steps-out-shadows-group-two-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:53:06 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising surged to a record-extending 19th consecutive victory in Sunday’s Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m), obliterating his own Sha Tin track record in another barnstorming display. Zac Purton was aboard the world’s best sprinter once again as they knocked 0.08 seconds off the previous mark to record a time of 1:07.12. The David Hayes-trained superstar has remained undefeated for 784 days, and Purton believes the champion is now at the peak of his powers. “I think what... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349174/ka-ying-rising-peak-his-powers-super-sprinter-obliterates-sha-tin-track-record-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349174/ka-ying-rising-peak-his-powers-super-sprinter-obliterates-sha-tin-track-record-again?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:53:46 +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 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Having broken Silent Witness’ Hong Kong record of 17 consecutive wins, David Hayes has a more simple target up next for his champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising. “We’d just like to go two-and-a-half years undefeated,” Hayes said ahead of Ka Ying Rising’s bid for a 19th straight victory in Monday’s Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin. “Two undefeated seasons in a row – it’s a very special horse, isn’t it? If he can win two Speed Series and The Everest in between, that would be wonderful.” Fresh... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349075/another-undefeated-season-prime-aim-david-hayes-champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349075/another-undefeated-season-prime-aim-david-hayes-champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 07:00:21 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Lucky Sweynesse and Derek Leung Ka-chun won’t need to worry about two of the world’s best racehorses – Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior – when they contest the Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m) on Monday. At the same meeting two years ago, the four-time Group One winner was victorious in the Group Two Sprint Cup over 1,200m, but his last two efforts ­– both in Group One company – have seen him step up in trip. Manfred Man Ka-leung’s galloper ran a gallant second to Romantic Warrior in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349023/lucky-sweynesse-and-derek-leung-get-their-time-shine-group-two-chairmans-trophy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349023/lucky-sweynesse-and-derek-leung-get-their-time-shine-group-two-chairmans-trophy?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:00:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Leading trainer Mark Newnham has high hopes the drop back to 1,600m and Group Two level can propel My Wish to victory in Monday’s Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin. Touted as a Group One winner in waiting after a top four-year-old campaign, the pint-sized son of Flying Artie started his current season on fire with victories in the Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) and Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m). However, since rising to level weights and then Group One company again, he has found... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349022/mark-newnham-hopes-return-mile-and-group-two-level-propels-my-wish-chairmans-trophy-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349022/mark-newnham-hopes-return-mile-and-group-two-level-propels-my-wish-chairmans-trophy-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 05:17:41 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Could all three winners of this year’s Classic Series features add another layer of intrigue and excitement to the Group One Champions Mile on April 26? That could certainly be the case with connections of Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero Invincible Ibis, Classic Cup (1,800m) victor Stormy Grove and Classic Mile winner Little Paradise setting their sights on the HK$24 million feature. The four-year-old series is the most talked about group of races in Hong Kong every year and is the launching pad... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348814/classic-mile-winner-little-paradise-bound-champions-mile-while-sosie-confirmed-qe-ii-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348814/classic-mile-winner-little-paradise-bound-champions-mile-while-sosie-confirmed-qe-ii-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:58:07 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Zac Purton is gearing up for a big Easter weekend, with Group One rides in Australia being a brilliant prelude to partnering the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising in the Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Monday. Purton and Ka Ying Rising eclipsed Silent Witness’ Hong Kong record of 17 consecutive victories by winning the Group One Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m) in February and are now looking to extend that sequence to 19 when he takes on a familiar field. Now recognised as the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348776/zac-purton-gears-australian-group-ones-ahead-ka-ying-rising-easter-monday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348776/zac-purton-gears-australian-group-ones-ahead-ka-ying-rising-easter-monday?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:12:27 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Apprentice jockey Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu wrote a new page in the history books by soaring to her first Hong Kong victory on just her second ride at Sha Tin’s all-weather meeting on Wednesday night. The 25-year-old handled her first race meeting in Hong Kong like an ultimate professional, guiding Pi Legend to a maiden local victory with a beautifully-rated ride in section two of the Class Four Ma Tau Wai Handicap (1,200m) for trainer Dennis Yip Chor-hong. “I’m very excited. I can’t believe that at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348714/nichola-yuen-lights-sha-tin-debut-victory-her-second-ever-ride-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348714/nichola-yuen-lights-sha-tin-debut-victory-her-second-ever-ride-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:21:48 +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 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 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Angus Chung Yik-lai is excited about his prospects of claiming a maiden Group race victory when Tony Cruz’s import Stunning Peach bids for a hat-trick in Monday’s Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin. While the in-form five-year-old has taken longer than expected to hit his mark in Hong Kong, he has earned his chance as a Group Two contender after back-to-back victories in Class Two company with Chung on board at both starts. “I think in my career it might be the best horse I’ve... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348387/angus-chung-seeks-group-two-chairmans-trophy-glory-aboard-best-horse-ive-ridden-so-far?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348387/angus-chung-seeks-group-two-chairmans-trophy-glory-aboard-best-horse-ive-ridden-so-far?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:28:30 +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 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 James Orman is looking forward to partnering the exciting sprinter Magnifique once again when they line up in the Class Two CW Chu Alumni Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. David Hall’s talented son of Charm Spirit has secured five wins from seven starts and will look to extend his admirable record when he steps up in grade. The four-year-old returns to the Sha Tin turf track after a last-start win on the all-weather by half a length over Victory Sky. “He’s back to the turf, which will suit... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348244/james-orman-looking-forward-riding-boom-sprinter-magnifique-sha-tin-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348244/james-orman-looking-forward-riding-boom-sprinter-magnifique-sha-tin-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:02:46 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Touted as the “best four-year-old in town” earlier this season, Jamie Richards is excited to unleash Bulb General at Sha Tin on Sunday as he makes his first start since an injury that kept him out of the Classic Series. The Embellish galloper built on a promising third on debut to run riot over the 1,200m trip at Sha Tin last July, sprinting clear under Zac Purton by two and a half lengths to stamp himself as a clear contender for the four-year-old series. He backed up that performance twice... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348229/early-season-best-four-year-old-town-bulb-general-makes-long-awaited-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3348229/early-season-best-four-year-old-town-bulb-general-makes-long-awaited-return?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 04:01:36 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Pocketing and China Win may have run out of time to make the Hong Kong Derby, but trainer David Hayes is adamant both of the smart prospects will close out the season in style, starting at Sha Tin on Sunday. A five-time winner in Australia, Pocketing’s pre-import highlights include a Group Two victory at Rosehill before an eighth-place finish in the Group One Australian Derby (2,400m). He starts off his Hong Kong career in the Class Two Shaw Alumni Handicap (1,600m) following on from an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347979/david-hayes-relishing-chance-unleash-one-time-derby-hopefuls-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347979/david-hayes-relishing-chance-unleash-one-time-derby-hopefuls-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:01:28 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Romantic Warrior continued his preparation for next month’s much-anticipated Group One QE II Cup (2,000m) with an impressive trial win at Sha Tin on Thursday, while Hugh Bowman reserved special praise for My Wish after his victory in a separate heat. Headlining a strong contingent of Champions Day contenders trialling on the dirt, Romantic Warrior pleased trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing and Bowman when he tracked the speed and cruised to victory by a length in 1:10.70 over 1,200m. “I’m very happy;... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347950/romantic-warrior-warms-qe-ii-cup-trial-win-while-my-wish-impresses-hugh-bowman?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347950/romantic-warrior-warms-qe-ii-cup-trial-win-while-my-wish-impresses-hugh-bowman?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:25:13 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Danny Shum Chap-shing dominated Happy Valley with a four-timer on Wednesday night, while Hugh Bowman carried on his Hong Kong Derby-winning form with a treble. Shum cruised to 41 winners for the season to take third place in the trainers’ championship, just two wins behind leader Caspar Fownes and one behind Mark Newnham. Regaining second in the jockeys’ championship, Bowman boosted his winning tally to 44 for the season after a quiet period before victory in last Sunday’s Derby aboard... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347908/danny-shum-dominates-happy-valley-four-timer-hugh-bowman-continues-derby-winning-ways?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347908/danny-shum-dominates-happy-valley-four-timer-hugh-bowman-continues-derby-winning-ways?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:48:34 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Ka Ying Rising returned in superb style with a turf trial win at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning as he gears up to try to make it a record-extending 19 consecutive wins in the Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m) on April 6. Eight-time Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton is savouring every moment on the world’s best sprinter as he continues to write new chapters in the history books. “Obviously it’s been a great journey, so I do enjoy every time I get to spend on his back, which is not enough really, but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347720/ka-ying-rising-returns-style-first-outing-record-18th-straight-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347720/ka-ying-rising-returns-style-first-outing-record-18th-straight-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:22 +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 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Frankie Lor Fu-chuen is confident an ideal draw in barrier four has British import Symbol Of Strength well placed to make it back-to-back victories in Wednesday night’s Class Three Kwu Tong Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley. Lor’s promising four-year-old has kept improving since arriving in Hong Kong at the end of last season after striking at Group Three level over 1,200m at Kempton pre-import. The son of Kodiac broke through for his first Hong Kong victory at start nine when scoring by a neck... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347546/frankie-lor-confident-symbol-strength-can-capitalise-ideal-draw-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347546/frankie-lor-confident-symbol-strength-can-capitalise-ideal-draw-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:23:06 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Frankie Lor Fu-chuen was left with a feeling of what could have been after Numbers and Stormy Grove ran monster races to finish second and third respectively in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) on Sunday. Sent off the $5.3 second favourite, Numbers set a frenetic pace under Derek Leung Ka-chun, who was hamstrung from stall 13 over a distance with a very short run to the first turn. In what turned out to be the fastest Derby ever run, Numbers kept up a relentless gallop and was only grabbed by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347489/frankie-lor-upbeat-despite-derby-defeat-david-hayes-links-familiar-face?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347489/frankie-lor-upbeat-despite-derby-defeat-david-hayes-links-familiar-face?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:18:29 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Driven by the heartbreak of last year’s BMW Hong Kong Derby defeat, Mark Newnham savoured the sweetest redemption when Invincible Ibis stormed home to deliver the Australian handler his first victory in the city’s most coveted race on Sunday. Smashing Massive Sovereign’s race record by 0.42 seconds, Invincible Ibis capitalised on a dream run from barrier three and strong speed set by Numbers to swoop on his rivals as jockey Hugh Bowman celebrated his third success in the HK$26 million... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347487/invincible-ibis-delivers-mark-newnham-hong-kong-derby-redemption-record-breaking-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347487/invincible-ibis-delivers-mark-newnham-hong-kong-derby-redemption-record-breaking-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:33:18 +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 Owner Marc Chan will launch a two-pronged attack in his very first BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) attempt on Sunday at Sha Tin with Stormy Grove and Seraph Gabriel. While Chan has savoured significant success in his lilac and gold colours across Europe, including multiple Group One victories with flag-bearer Kinross, this is the first year that he has had any runner make the final Derby field. “I’ve never been in the Hong Kong Derby. I’ve been to the French Derby and ran second, I had Stanhope... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347421/marc-chan-launches-two-pronged-attack-first-derby-crack-stormy-grove-and-seraph-gabriel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347421/marc-chan-launches-two-pronged-attack-first-derby-crack-stormy-grove-and-seraph-gabriel?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:09:45 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding After being ‘an inch’ away from BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) glory 12 months ago, Mark Newnham is hoping to cap a memorable week in his career with victory in the city’s most coveted race with Invincible Ibis. Fresh off training his first ever five-timer after a remarkable night at Happy Valley on Wednesday, Newnham is now looking to Invincible Ibis to create another slice of history for a yard sharply on the rise. His star four-year-old came into the Classic Series as the horse to beat, winning... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347408/mark-newnham-hopes-invincible-ibis-can-take-his-one-chance-immortality-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347408/mark-newnham-hopes-invincible-ibis-can-take-his-one-chance-immortality-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 04:30:49 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Thirty-three years after falling agonisingly short of Hong Kong Derby glory, Nick Etches returns to the city’s biggest race with high hopes of realising every owner’s dream with Invincible Ibis on Sunday. A long-time member of the Jockey Club and still a voting member, Etches almost tasted the ultimate success when his galloper Red Ruffian ran half a length second to Helene Star in the 1993 Derby. “We were standing here in the paddock – the old paddock in those days – thinking how lucky it was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347147/owner-nick-etches-chases-hong-kong-derby-dream-invincible-ibis-after-close-second-33-years-ago?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347147/owner-nick-etches-chases-hong-kong-derby-dream-invincible-ibis-after-close-second-33-years-ago?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:00:23 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Trainers Frankie Lor Fu-chuen and Jimmy Ting Koon-ho will not be using the barrier draw as an excuse in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) despite Numbers and Little Paradise drawing stalls 13 and 10 respectively. On paper, likely front-runner Numbers has been given a very stiff task being drawn one from the outside, but Lor was relaxed at Thursday’s ceremony as he looks for a second win in the city’s most coveted race. His four-year-old was second in the Group One Queensland Derby (2,400m)... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347131/lor-and-ting-relaxed-despite-wide-draws-numbers-and-little-paradise-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347131/lor-and-ting-relaxed-despite-wide-draws-numbers-and-little-paradise-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:30:28 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Mark Newnham celebrated a career-best five winners at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, while Andrea Atzeni continued his red-hot form with his second four-timer in as many weeks. Newnham jumped back up to second in the trainers’ championship on 40 wins after falling just one win short of current title leader Caspar Fownes’ record of six winners at a Hong Kong meeting, which he achieved at the Valley in 2010. While Newnham trained four winners on a day in Australia across different tracks, it was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347079/mark-newnham-dominates-happy-valley-five-timer-while-andrea-atzeni-scores-four-timer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3347079/mark-newnham-dominates-happy-valley-five-timer-while-andrea-atzeni-scores-four-timer?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:45:17 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney French star Calandagan, Japan’s Masquerade Ball and Museum Mile headline a strong contingent of 63 international raiders entered for next month’s FWD Champions Day meeting at Sha Tin. Calandagan, last year’s Longines World’s Best Racehorse, and Group One winners Masquerade Ball and Museum Mile could be set for a blockbuster clash with Hong Kong’s 13-time Group One champion Romantic Warrior in the Group One QE II Cup (2,000m). Calandagan capped a massive year with victory in last November’s Group... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346985/champions-day-calandagan-masquerade-ball-museum-mile-headline-strong-overseas-entries?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346985/champions-day-calandagan-masquerade-ball-museum-mile-headline-strong-overseas-entries?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:52:18 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Karis Teetan has a quality book of rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, spearheaded by Young Champion in the feature Class Two Daisy Handicap (1,200m). A drop back in trip to 1,200m for his last two starts has seen a return to form for John Size’s Zoustar galloper, recording seconds both times – most recently by a nose to Group performer Beauty Waves with Teetan on board. “It’s pretty good to see him doing what he’s been doing lately because he was a bit disappointing, but it’s nice that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346848/karis-teetan-looking-forward-quality-book-rides-happy-valley-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346848/karis-teetan-looking-forward-quality-book-rides-happy-valley-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:01:42 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Still on a high after the birth of his first child and a purple patch in the saddle, Andrea Atzeni is dreaming of an upset win aboard Top Dragon in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) at Sha Tin. Victory in the city’s most prized race would cap a whirlwind couple of weeks for the Sardinian jockey, who became a father just hours after celebrating his best winning haul in Hong Kong – a four-timer at Sha Tin on March 8. Atzeni revealed he almost missed the Sha Tin meeting after his fiancée Emma’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346735/new-father-andrea-atzeni-dreams-hong-kong-derby-glory-consistent-top-dragon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346735/new-father-andrea-atzeni-dreams-hong-kong-derby-glory-consistent-top-dragon?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:00:15 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Mark Newnham will look to bounce back in the trainers’ championship with a strong hand at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, headlined by Crimson Flash in the Class Two Daisy Handicap (1,200m). Newnham has hit a quiet patch with just one winner from the past 10 meetings, but still sits third in the championship standings with 36 wins. Crimson Flash last stepped out in the Classic Mile (1,600m) at Sha Tin when he struggled at the trip, but he will be back to his ideal track and distance where he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346711/mark-newnham-bids-bounce-back-championship-battle-strong-happy-valley-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346711/mark-newnham-bids-bounce-back-championship-battle-strong-happy-valley-team?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:09:05 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald has been booked to ride Seraph Gabriel in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) after the superstar jockey chose to hop off Beauty Bolt in favour of David Eustace’s British import. McDonald was aboard Beauty Bolt in the first two legs of the Classic Series, finishing third in the Classic Mile and seventh in the Classic Cup (1,800m), but he was taken by Seraph Gabriel’s close second to Lucky Sam Gor when he rode him on the Classic Mile undercard. The son of Saxon Warrior... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346669/superstar-jockey-james-mcdonald-confirmed-ride-seraph-gabriel-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346669/superstar-jockey-james-mcdonald-confirmed-ride-seraph-gabriel-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:18:37 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding The sky seems to be the limit for Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s Smart Golf after the progressive galloper led from pillar to post in a smart performance to collect the Class Three Kowloon City Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. It was the perfect warm-up ahead of a huge week for the Lor stable, with Numbers set to start a huge chance in Sunday’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m), and this four-year-old could be another to rate highly with more time. Available at $3.5 30 minutes before the off, Smart Golf... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346668/smart-golf-excites-lor-bentley-so-size-and-teetan-double-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346668/smart-golf-excites-lor-bentley-so-size-and-teetan-double-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 11:54:07 +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 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan David Eustace and Dylan Browne McMonagle will combine at Sha Tin on Sunday with two solid chances in the form of Riding Together in the Class Three Carpenter Handicap (1,400m) and Helene Supafeeling in the Class Three Kowloon City Handicap (1,200m). Last-start winner Riding Together will maintain the services of McMonagle after the Irish rider helped the son of Profitable overcome barrier 13 to beat Super Express by half a length. Sunday will see him break from barrier nine with top weight of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346589/david-eustace-and-dylan-browne-mcmonagle-combine-solid-chances-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346589/david-eustace-and-dylan-browne-mcmonagle-combine-solid-chances-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 07:24:26 +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 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Hong Kong stars Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior have topped the latest edition of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, the first time the city has occupied both spots. The David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising headlines the rankings, remaining Hong Kong’s highest-rated racehorse in history on a mark of 128, while the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained Romantic Warrior was close behind with a rating of 124. Third place in the list, which was released on Thursday, went to Japanese... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346486/ka-ying-rising-tops-longines-worlds-best-racehorse-rankings-final-derby-field-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346486/ka-ying-rising-tops-longines-worlds-best-racehorse-rankings-final-derby-field-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The lure of the BMW Hong Kong Derby often makes owners and trainers do unconventional things and that will be the case again when Emblazon lines up in the city’s most coveted race next week. Cody Mo Wai-kit will embrace the unconventional when the in-form galloper steps out beyond 1,400m for the first time, jumping from seven furlongs to the 2,000m of the Derby on Sunday week. While it is certainly not the traditional path to the HK$26 million feature, it is not completely uncharted territory... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346381/cody-mo-embraces-unconventional-form-emblazon-set-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346381/cody-mo-embraces-unconventional-form-emblazon-set-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:44:59 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham will look to hit back in the trainers’ championship at Sha Tin on Sunday with a strong squad of seven, including the likes of All Out For Six, Talents Ambition and Super Unicorn. The Australian handler has led much of this season’s premiership, but a recent purple patch from Caspar Fownes has seen him surge five clear of David Hayes and six clear of Newnham. The race is by no means over, however, with three months and many opportunities left for Newnham to strike back in a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346324/all-out-six-talents-ambition-and-super-unicorn-headline-mark-newnhams-sha-tin-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346324/all-out-six-talents-ambition-and-super-unicorn-headline-mark-newnhams-sha-tin-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:17:11 +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 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan The Hong Kong Jockey Club will see two new names in the form guide next month when local apprentice Nichola Yuen Hang Yiu joins the riding roster from April 1, followed by Group One-winning Australian jockey Ethan Brown on April 26. Yuen will be just the second female jockey to ride full-time in Hong Kong since 2017, following Britney Wong Po-ni’s recruitment in 2025. Yuen entered the Jockey Club’s trainee programme in 2016 before moving to Australia in 2021 where she recorded 61 wins over three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346085/apprentice-nichola-yuen-and-group-one-winner-ethan-brown-get-set-hong-kong-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346085/apprentice-nichola-yuen-and-group-one-winner-ethan-brown-get-set-hong-kong-challenge?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:00:12 +0000