https://www.scmp.com/rss/511709/feed Ross has spent the last 20 years in the industry working for some of the largest publications in the UK, including the Racing Post, Britain's daily national newspaper devoted to horse racing, and the Telegraph. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Andrea Atzeni continues to make himself noticed on Hong Kong’s biggest racedays. A double at Sha Tin on Sunday ensured Atzeni moved to 29 victories for the campaign and leapfrogged Angus Chung Yik-lai into the top four in the jockeys’ championship, with only Zac Purton, Karis Teetan and Hugh Bowman visiting the winner’s enclosure more this season. And it was easy to see why Atzeni finds himself in such company after he produced a superb ride to win the Class Two Citi Private Bank Handicap... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3253150/andrea-atzeni-breaks-top-four-jockeys-premiership-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3253150/andrea-atzeni-breaks-top-four-jockeys-premiership-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Feb 2024 11:51:06 +0000 With current leader Chill Chibi watching on from his barn at Sha Tin after suffering lameness and five gallopers capable of catching him, the HK$1.5 million DBS x Manulife Million Challenge is set for a thrilling conclusion at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. With three wins and a third, Chill Chibi sits on 49 points heading into the final meeting of the competition, which sees points awarded to horses who finish in the first four in Class Three races or above at the Valley between September 13... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3252374/five-gallopers-take-aim-sidelined-chill-chibi-thrilling-million-challenge-finale?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3252374/five-gallopers-take-aim-sidelined-chill-chibi-thrilling-million-challenge-finale?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Feb 2024 03:23:09 +0000 It’s fair to say Brenton Avdulla is back in the groove after a frustrating time in the saddle. After tasting success just once between November 29 and Monday’s Lunar New Year meeting, Avdulla has punched home five winners from his past 14 rides including a Sunday double at Sha Tin. “Today’s a nice result to get two and hopefully we can keep building,” Avdulla said after saluting aboard Atullibigeal in the Class Two TVB Cup (1,400m) and Fast Buck in the Class Four TVB Tung Wah Charity Show... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3252341/brenton-avdulla-caps-big-week-another-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3252341/brenton-avdulla-caps-big-week-another-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Feb 2024 11:22:56 +0000 There will be no more nervous trainer at Sha Tin on Sunday than David Hayes. After he puts a saddle on Global Harmony in the build-up to the Class Two TVB Cup (1,400m), Hayes will be racing to get a vantage point to see his five-year-old make his way to the start. It was less than a month ago that the heavily fancied Global Harmony was expected to go close to picking up his third win of the season, but while he walked into the stalls, he never came out of them, standing dead still as his rivals... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3252168/global-harmony-makes-return-four-weeks-after-refusing-jump-ill-be-nervous?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3252168/global-harmony-makes-return-four-weeks-after-refusing-jump-ill-be-nervous?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Feb 2024 07:01:01 +0000 The King of the Valley heads to his happiest of hunting grounds with a string of in-form runners on Thursday night. Caspar Fownes has had six winners across the past four Happy Valley meetings and some of his recent scorers are making quick returns to the racecourse in an attempt to grab some more chocolates. Noble Pursuit was an easy winner over 1,650m on his first try at Happy Valley a fortnight ago, with the victory his second of the season under Hugh Bowman. With the Australian out of action... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3251939/caspar-fownes-takes-form-team-happy-valley-hes-horse-has-quite-bit-upside?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3251939/caspar-fownes-takes-form-team-happy-valley-hes-horse-has-quite-bit-upside?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Feb 2024 07:42:59 +0000 The formidable John Size-Zac Purton combination snared more feature-race success at Sha Tin on Monday, taking out the Class One Chinese New Year Cup (1,400m) with Red Lion. Cast in the unfamiliar role of underdogs when the stalls opened for the Chinese New Year Cup as Red Lion played second fiddle in the betting to $1.2 favourite Mugen, the pair found themselves in the winner’s enclosure regardless after their game five-year-old produced a gutsy display to fight off the market leader after an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3251771/zac-purton-and-john-size-reign-supreme-chinese-new-year-cup-he-fought-lion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3251771/zac-purton-and-john-size-reign-supreme-chinese-new-year-cup-he-fought-lion?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Feb 2024 10:53:31 +0000 David Hayes has regained some momentum this season on the back of a host of progressive gallopers and the Australian trainer hopes to kick things up a notch at Monday’s Lunar New Year meeting. With 21 winners on the board and Star Mac the latest of his horses to turn heads when finishing third behind Helios Express in last weekend’s Classic Mile, Hayes is pleased with the way things are going and is excited about what might await at Sha Tin on Monday. “It’s probably one of the nicer teams of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3251345/david-hayes-saddles-one-his-nicer-teams-progressive-horses-hong-kong-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3251345/david-hayes-saddles-one-his-nicer-teams-progressive-horses-hong-kong-return?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Feb 2024 03:37:59 +0000 Fresh from a Group Three victory at the weekend, Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is hoping to extend his fine recent form at Happy Valley when he sends an improving galloper to the city circuit on Wednesday night. Yiu, whose Sha Tin double included success in the Group Three Centenary Vase (1,800m) with Nimble Nimbus, has had winners at the past four Valley meetings and will put a saddle on six runners as he attempts to return to the winner’s enclosure. Watch Buddy has been improving fast of late and is set... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3250958/red-hot-ricky-yiu-looks-extend-purple-patch-happy-valley-specialist?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3250958/red-hot-ricky-yiu-looks-extend-purple-patch-happy-valley-specialist?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:44:23 +0000 Andrea Atzeni left Sha Tin on Sunday with a second Group Three win of the season and in pole position for the ride on a leading Hong Kong Derby contender. The Italian rider is making a big impact in his first season in the city and his double courtesy of Nimble Nimbus in the Group Three Centenary Vase (1,800m) and Ka Ying Generation in the Class Three Daffodil Handicap (2,000m) moved him to 27 winners, with only Zac Purton, Karis Teetan and Hugh Bowman sitting above him in the jockeys’... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3250894/andrea-atzeni-bags-more-group-three-success-and-delivers-aboard-hong-kong-derby-hopeful?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3250894/andrea-atzeni-bags-more-group-three-success-and-delivers-aboard-hong-kong-derby-hopeful?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Feb 2024 11:41:42 +0000 Tony Cruz is pinning his hopes on a pair of progressive runners as he attempts to win the Classic Mile for the first time in nearly a decade at Sha Tin on Sunday. Cruz was last successful in the race with Beauty Only in 2015 and has come close on a couple of occasions since, most notably when California Spangle finished second to Romantic Warrior in 2022. This year the trainer is represented by Fallon and Beauty Crescent and in the smallest Classic Mile field since Golden Sixty was victorious in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3250535/tony-cruz-hopes-fallon-can-come-flying-again-he-launches-two-pronged-classic-mile-assault?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3250535/tony-cruz-hopes-fallon-can-come-flying-again-he-launches-two-pronged-classic-mile-assault?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:23:01 +0000 He couldn’t deliver aboard Lucky Sweynesse in the Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) but Zac Purton made the undercard his own with a sparkling six-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday. While missing the elite-level cream that would have made it one of his very best days in the saddle, the brilliant Purton marched to his biggest haul since his remarkable seven winners in October 2022. “It’s good – it’s been a bit of a grind through the season so far,” Purton said. “There have been a number of factors... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3250071/zac-purtons-sparkling-sha-tin-six-timer-just-tonic-after-lucky-sweynesse-flop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3250071/zac-purtons-sparkling-sha-tin-six-timer-just-tonic-after-lucky-sweynesse-flop?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jan 2024 12:15:31 +0000 First-season trainer Mark Newnham will send out his first Group One runner in Hong Kong in Sunday’s Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin and he is in the enviable position of going into battle with a horse who has proved his mettle with a string of consistent efforts at the highest level. Courier Wonder has finished outside the first four just once in his six races in Group One company, with his best result coming when runner-up to superstar Lucky Sweynesse – the red-hot favourite for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3249714/mark-newnham-saddles-first-group-one-runner-hong-kong-have-horse-his-calibre-so-early-exciting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3249714/mark-newnham-saddles-first-group-one-runner-hong-kong-have-horse-his-calibre-so-early-exciting?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:46:26 +0000 This week is shaping up as a big one for trainer Manfred Man Ka-leung, with the highlight being Lucky Sweynesse’s pursuit of a fifth Group One success in Sunday’s Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin. It was in this race last year that Lucky Sweynesse broke through at the highest level, beating Wellington by a length and a half, and his latest win in the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) last month suggests he’ll again prove hard to beat. Man may well be searching for a boost in confidence... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3249429/manfred-man-eyes-midweek-dirt-feature-lucky-sweynesses-return-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3249429/manfred-man-eyes-midweek-dirt-feature-lucky-sweynesses-return-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:21:48 +0000 It’s not very often a trainer describes himself as devastated after saddling a double on a Group One day at Sha Tin. But that’s exactly how David Hayes felt after a roller-coaster afternoon that featured two trips to the winner’s enclosure, Fantastic Treasure overachieving with fifth in the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m), Ka Ying Rising getting pipped again and one of his favourite horses taking no part in a race. It was Global Harmony who let the side down when refusing to come out of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3249252/david-hayes-weathers-storm-end-bumpy-day-high?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3249252/david-hayes-weathers-storm-end-bumpy-day-high?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Jan 2024 11:49:08 +0000 The Hong Kong Derby is little more than two months away and some of the city’s burgeoning talent will put their big-race credentials on the line this weekend. While the Classic Mile, the first leg of the four-year-old series, takes place in just two weeks, rising young stars who perhaps possess more stamina than speed will line up in the Class Two Keung Shan Handicap (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. At this stage Ensued appears to be the stand-out runner among the four-year-olds in action with a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3249162/ensued-tackles-hong-kong-derby-distance-again-hes-got-everything-you-want?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3249162/ensued-tackles-hong-kong-derby-distance-again-hes-got-everything-you-want?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jan 2024 01:41:19 +0000 Jamie Richards heads to Happy Valley on Wednesday night hoping a trio of last-start winners can continue to defy the handicapper. Three of Richards’ seven runners on the card will be attempting to follow up recent victories, but the trainer is unsure whether they have enough points in hand to immediately deliver again. Ernest Feeling has won three of his last four starts, two with Richards this season and the other when trained by Richard Gibson last term, and the six-year-old benefited from a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3248636/jamie-richards-hopes-form-trio-have-more-give-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3248636/jamie-richards-hopes-form-trio-have-more-give-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Jan 2024 09:12:00 +0000 Jockey Keith Yeung Ming-lun is dreaming big after Fallon produced another power-packed finish to win the Class Three Tin Shui Wai Handicap (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Saturday. In a race restricted to four-year-olds and billed as an unofficial Classic Mile trial, the Tony Cruz-trained Fallon swooped fast and late down the outside of the field to prove his last-start win at $69 was no flash in the pan. While Fallon delivered at $15, the Zac Purton-John Size combination had to settle for second with $4... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3248333/keith-yeung-already-derby-dreaming-after-fallon-dazzles-again-i-him-lot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3248333/keith-yeung-already-derby-dreaming-after-fallon-dazzles-again-i-him-lot?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Jan 2024 11:25:32 +0000 Do not be surprised if trainer Benno Yung Tin-pang and his merry band of owners turn up in tuxedos at Sha Tin on Saturday. But for the Jockey Club’s aversion to the name, Yung could have been accompanying James Bond to the racecourse this weekend but instead he embarks on a not-so-secret mission to secure another win with James Tak in the Class Four Lau Fau Shan Handicap (1,000m). Bond, Ian Fleming’s famous fictional spy, was originally the chosen moniker for Yung’s three-year-old but plans were... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3248036/names-tak-james-tak-benno-yungs-007-chases-more-success-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3248036/names-tak-james-tak-benno-yungs-007-chases-more-success-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Jan 2024 04:55:56 +0000 Frankie Lor Fu-chuen will send out a quarter of the field as he attempts to retain the Group Three January Cup (1,800m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Lor is responsible for three of the 12-strong field, with last season’s winner Money Catcher spearheading the trainer’s assault on the Valley’s only Group contest. Placed twice at Group One level, in the 2022 Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) and last year’s Gold Cup (2,000m), Money Catcher is the class act as he bids to repeat his win of 12 months ago,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3247644/frankie-lor-saddles-quarter-january-cup-field-money-catcher-looks-go-back-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3247644/frankie-lor-saddles-quarter-january-cup-field-money-catcher-looks-go-back-back?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Jan 2024 07:17:44 +0000 Helios Express looks certain to be the one to beat in next month’s Classic Mile after producing a scintillating performance to win the Class Two Butterfly Handicap (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. With the first leg of the four-year-old series less than a month away, John Size’s runner rocketed to the top of the list of contenders by shooting clear of his rivals in the straight under Hugh Bowman and winning by an easy two and three-quarter lengths over outsider Spirited Express. Bowman had high... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3247581/helios-express-flashes-classic-mile-credentials-scintillating-sha-tin-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3247581/helios-express-flashes-classic-mile-credentials-scintillating-sha-tin-success?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Jan 2024 11:41:26 +0000 Pierre Ng Pang-chi made his breakthrough at Group level when Taj Dragon won the Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin on New Year’s Day and another second-season trainer, Jamie Richards, is hoping it will be his turn to taste pattern-race success in Hong Kong on Sunday. Richards has fired only two arrows at Group level since arriving in Hong Kong in 2022 and both were with Wellington, who finished third in the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint and the Group One Hong Kong Sprint... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3247374/jamie-richards-has-throw-stumps-he-chases-his-first-hong-kong-group-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3247374/jamie-richards-has-throw-stumps-he-chases-his-first-hong-kong-group-success?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jan 2024 05:17:54 +0000 Trainer Benno Yung Tin-pang will head to Happy Valley on Thursday night hopeful his best horse can continue to surprise him. Son Pak Fu has rocketed up the ratings in the past year, winning six of his 10 starts since February 15 to rise from Class Four and a mark of 43 to a rating of 96 in advance of the Class Two Albatross Handicap (1,200m). Yung’s five-year-old is chasing his latest hat-trick this week under Jerry Chau Chun-lok, who is the only rider to have partnered Son Pak Fu in a race, but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3247100/son-pak-fu-continues-surprise-benno-yung-hes-not-smart-looking-horse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3247100/son-pak-fu-continues-surprise-benno-yung-hes-not-smart-looking-horse?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Jan 2024 04:15:32 +0000 Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s rise to the top of the city’s training ranks continues apace after he picked up the first Group win of his career at Sha Tin on Monday. Well clear at the head of the trainers’ championship in just his second season, Ng was thrilled with the victory of Taj Dragon in the Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1,400m) as he provided the quality to go alongside his huge quantity of winners this term. “It’s a dream come true,” Ng said. “I think the whole stable was thinking we... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3246905/pierre-ng-continues-winning-spree-maiden-group-success-its-dream-come-true?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3246905/pierre-ng-continues-winning-spree-maiden-group-success-its-dream-come-true?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jan 2024 11:56:14 +0000 Frankie Lor Fu-chuen may only have one more week until he officially loses the title of Hong Kong’s champion trainer to his good friend and former boss, John Size, but he is determined to continue churning out wins. Lor was on the mark with classy sprinter Adios at Sha Tin on Sunday to record his 65th victory this season, and he heads to Happy Valley on Wednesday with a host of chances to add to his tally. A Pal will chase his third triumph for Lor this term in Wednesday’s Class Two Sun... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3227161/frankie-lor-wants-win-more-races-and-bonuses-losing-trainers-title-pal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3227161/frankie-lor-wants-win-more-races-and-bonuses-losing-trainers-title-pal?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:36:46 +0000 Nordic Dragon, the star graduate of the 2022 Hong Kong International Sale, could give a timely boost to the Jockey Club’s promotion of this year’s catalogue by completing a Happy Valley hat-trick on Wednesday. With permit holders soon able to inspect the 18 lots ahead of the June 30 sale at Sha Tin, Nordic Dragon lines up in Wednesday’s Class Two The Cricket Club Valley Stakes (1,200m) at the city circuit, seeking his first win in the grade, third victory on the bounce and fifth success in eight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3223776/last-years-star-graduate-seeks-happy-valley-hat-trick-ahead-years-hong-kong-international-sale?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3223776/last-years-star-graduate-seeks-happy-valley-hat-trick-ahead-years-hong-kong-international-sale?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jun 2023 07:26:36 +0000 Lady’s Choice was a significant winner for high-flying rider Zac Purton and struggling trainer Michael Chang Chun-wai at Sha Tin on Saturday. The three-year-old galloper, well backed and sent off the $2.90 favourite, had to fight hard to beat Call Me Dandy by a head in the Class Four Hong Kong Riding Association For The Disabled Cup (1,200m). Lady’s Choice was Purton’s landmark 150th winner this term as the perennial champion jockey fast approaches Joao Moreira’s single-season record of 170... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3223667/ladys-choice-posts-zac-purtons-150th-win-and-moves-michael-chang-closer-avoiding-strike?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3223667/ladys-choice-posts-zac-purtons-150th-win-and-moves-michael-chang-closer-avoiding-strike?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Jun 2023 15:21:12 +0000 Three last-start winners and two gallopers who placed second last time out comprise five of Jamie Richards’ six-strong squad heading to Happy Valley on Wednesday night as the Kiwi handler hopes to achieve his goals and help Zac Purton realise his record-breaking dream. To Infinity, Magniac and Rattan Kingdom go for back-to-back victories and Tronic Mighty and Seasons Wit bid to go one better than their last-start runner-up results, with Happy For All rounding out Richards’ roster for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3221410/jamie-richards-climbing-trainers-ladder-and-pushing-zac-purton-towards-joao-moreiras-mark?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3221410/jamie-richards-climbing-trainers-ladder-and-pushing-zac-purton-towards-joao-moreiras-mark?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 May 2023 09:46:37 +0000 Debutant Dream Winner recorded the fastest time over Sha Tin’s 1,000m straight course this season when he showed tremendous speed to salute in the Class Four Hong Kong Sports Association For The Physically Disabled 50th Anniversary Cup (1,000m). Well backed and sent off at $3.6, Dream Winner made light work of his unfavourable draw in barrier one, taking control of the race at the halfway mark and running out a clear winner by five and a quarter lengths under Vincent Ho Chak-yiu. The son of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3221319/dream-debut-winner-records-fastest-1000m-time-sha-tin-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3221319/dream-debut-winner-records-fastest-1000m-time-sha-tin-season?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 May 2023 12:35:32 +0000 There are many ways to bring a losing streak to an end, but Matthew Poon Ming-fai chose divine intervention before riding a magnificent treble at Sha Tin on Sunday. Poon headed into the meeting on a run of 38 consecutive losses and a seemingly forlorn hope of matching last season’s total of 34 wins, but a trip to the temple on Saturday after receiving advice from trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing reversed his fortunes. “Maybe that’s why I got lucky,” Poon said. “I need to thank Danny. I always go... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3221315/divine-intervention-puts-poon-trains-derailed-season-back-track-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3221315/divine-intervention-puts-poon-trains-derailed-season-back-track-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 May 2023 11:26:01 +0000 Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is clinging to the coattails of the leaders in this season’s trainers’ championship following his treble at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. With 11 victories since January 21, Yiu is churning out winners with regularity and his excellent night puts him on 31 triumphs for the campaign, just four behind competition leader John Size and two off Frankie Lor Fu-chuen. Yiu’s good form was again highlighted by the most impressive winner under the lights as Splendid Living got off... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3210351/ricky-yiu-savours-splendid-night-happy-valley-and-soars-premiership-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3210351/ricky-yiu-savours-splendid-night-happy-valley-and-soars-premiership-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:29:47 +0000 He’s had winners at three consecutive meetings and trainer Jamie Richards is confident he is in for plenty more success across the remainder of the 2022-23 Hong Kong season after working out “how the place ticks”. Richards’ patience in his maiden Hong Kong campaign has been well documented – he didn’t have a runner until the eighth meeting of the season – and the New Zealander is pleased to see his approach paying dividends after the winners took time to start flowing in his new home. “It took a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206937/jamie-richards-enjoying-winning-streak-after-working-out-how-hong-kong-ticks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206937/jamie-richards-enjoying-winning-streak-after-working-out-how-hong-kong-ticks?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Jan 2023 04:27:12 +0000 Voyage Bubble will enter the Classic Series full of momentum after making all the running in the Class Three Ping Shan Handicap (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. With just two weeks to go until the Classic Mile, Voyage Bubble needed to win to give himself a shot at running in the first leg of the four-year-old series and he gave his connections a late fright after looking a clear-cut winner with 200m to run. With Derek Leung Ka-chun urging him on, Voyage Bubble’s lead was cut into with every stride... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206894/voyage-bubble-sets-sights-classic-mile-after-leading-all-way-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206894/voyage-bubble-sets-sights-classic-mile-after-leading-all-way-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Jan 2023 11:04:40 +0000 Never mind the members bar, trainers of some of Hong Kong’s most promising four-year-olds will be drinking in the last-chance saloon at Sha Tin on Sunday. With just two weeks to go until the Classic Mile, time is running out for some of those bubbling under the very best to secure the win necessary to book their spot in the first leg of the four-year-old series. It appears a rating of around 80 will be required to earn a spot in the Classic Mile this year, which means probably nothing less than... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206810/voyage-bubble-straight-arron-chase-ratings-boost-ahead-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206810/voyage-bubble-straight-arron-chase-ratings-boost-ahead-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Jan 2023 01:00:27 +0000 Hong Kong’s newest local trainer is itching to get the winning feeling back after he suffered a rare blank at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Pierre Ng Pang-chi had tasted success at six straight meetings going into the midweek fixture but the closest he came to another victory was with Astrologer, who finished fourth behind Handsome Bo Bo in the Class Two Cannon Handicap (1,000m). With six runners at Sha Tin on Sunday, Ng is relying on a mix of youth and experience to regain the winning thread... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206518/form-trainer-pierre-ng-hopes-captain-can-lead-way-he-looks-keep-ball-rolling-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206518/form-trainer-pierre-ng-hopes-captain-can-lead-way-he-looks-keep-ball-rolling-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Jan 2023 04:38:20 +0000 Silvestre de Sousa fired in a magnificent four-timer at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, with the success of Money Catcher in the Group Three January Cup (1,800m) spearheading the Brazilian’s haul. Champion trainer Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s runner has taken his form to a new level this season with this second Group Three victory coming hot on the heels of a fine third in the Group One Hong Kong Cup behind Romantic Warrior. A frustrating campaign last season in which Money Catcher finished placed on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206471/silvestre-de-sousa-ignites-happy-valley-four-timer-money-catcher-makes-january-cup-his-own?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206471/silvestre-de-sousa-ignites-happy-valley-four-timer-money-catcher-makes-january-cup-his-own?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:51:26 +0000 After clawing his way back to the top of the trainers’ championship in recent weeks and firing in a big-priced double at Sha Tin on Sunday, the Frankie Lor Fu-chuen bandwagon rolls into Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Wins for four-year-old series contender Sword Point and Sakewin at the weekend pushed Lor to 28 winners for the season as he chases back-to-back premierships, an achievement only the great John Size has managed since 2000, and he is mob-handed in the Valley’s only Group race of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206086/frankie-lor-confident-hong-kong-cup-placegetter-will-be-money-january-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3206086/frankie-lor-confident-hong-kong-cup-placegetter-will-be-money-january-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Jan 2023 07:37:26 +0000 A new year appears to have brought a welcome change of fortune for Ruan Maia, who ended a long losing run at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Brazilian jockey had a fantastic end to 2022 off the track, welcoming his new baby daughter into the world, but he had found the going tough on the course. After a decent return of four victories in September and October, Maia had gone more than two months without a trip to the winner’s enclosure before Top Top Tea triumphed in the first section of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3205610/relief-ruan-maia-long-losing-streak-ends-wednesday-win-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3205610/relief-ruan-maia-long-losing-streak-ends-wednesday-win-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:28:03 +0000 Gold Gold Baby has not scored any DBS x Manulife Million Challenge points, but Francis Lui Kin-wai’s gelding could become the first galloper to win four times at Happy Valley this season when he rises in grade again on Wednesday night. Unlike the other three-time Happy Valley winners this term – Caspar Fownes-conditioned Nearly Fine and Tony Cruz-trained Street Scream – Gold Gold Baby does not feature on the Million Challenge leader board because his three victories and one fourth placing have... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3205342/francis-luis-baby-boomer-seeks-set-gold-standard-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3205342/francis-luis-baby-boomer-seeks-set-gold-standard-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Jan 2023 12:57:44 +0000 Lucky Sweynesse produced a fine weight-carrying performance in the Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday to bounce back from his Hong Kong Sprint horror show last month and take out the first Group race of the new year. The four-year-old galloper was burdened with 135 pounds in the Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup, but that did not prevent punters from parting with their hard-earned cash as Lucky Sweynesse was backed into $1.60, and his supporters never had a moment’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3205257/weight-cant-stop-lucky-sweynesse-he-bounces-back-group-three-contest-new-years-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3205257/weight-cant-stop-lucky-sweynesse-he-bounces-back-group-three-contest-new-years-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Jan 2023 12:56:52 +0000 Vincent Ho Chak-yiu is Hong Kong’s leading active home-grown rider following his fantastic four-timer at Sha Tin on New Year’s Day. Ho is up to 480 winners from 6,252 rides – two clear of the injured Matthew Chadwick, whose 478 victories were achieved from 6,303 mounts – and the former again displayed his versatility with successes on the straight course, the round course and with horses at vastly different stages of their careers. Chilli Baba made a winning debut and was well backed, but he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3205253/vincent-hos-quartet-makes-him-hong-kongs-leading-active-home-grown-jockey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3205253/vincent-hos-quartet-makes-him-hong-kongs-leading-active-home-grown-jockey?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Jan 2023 12:21:00 +0000 No trainer is likely to be looking forward to the Classic Series more than David Hayes, who unleashes yet another contender at Sha Tin on Sunday. Straight Arron will be looking to follow first-up winner Flagship Warrior and fresh fourth Bon’s A Pearla into the black books of Hong Kong punters when he makes his local debut in the Class Three Flame Tree Handicap (1,400m). Hayes has been giving him a similar preparation to his other imported potential stars. “He’s a promising young horse, and his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3204974/david-hayes-unveils-another-star-shooting-classic-series-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3204974/david-hayes-unveils-another-star-shooting-classic-series-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Dec 2022 11:40:42 +0000 It is starting to feel as if top jockey Karis Teetan has never been away. On Wednesday night at Happy Valley, when Zac Purton was presented with an award for registering his 1,500th Hong Kong win at Sha Tin on Saturday afternoon, Teetan stole the riding honours with his first treble since September 18 – his final meeting before being forced to sit on the sidelines for nearly three months with a thyroid condition. Teetan’s three-timer included his biggest victory since returning when Frankie Lor... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3204864/karis-teetan-back-action-and-looking-great-happy-valley-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3204864/karis-teetan-back-action-and-looking-great-happy-valley-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Dec 2022 15:58:15 +0000 It is that time of year when Hong Kong’s trainers set their sights on the Classic Series, but champion handler Frankie Lor Fu-chuen does not have to look too far to identify a serious contender. Lor’s Keefy is already rated 100 and guaranteed a run in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1,600m) after winning the Class One Chevalier Cup (1,600m) by an impressive 3½ lengths at Sha Tin at the end of last month. Yet to finish out of the first four in seven starts in the city, Keefy has long been thought of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3204454/frankie-lor-ready-rock-and-roll-classic-series-candidate-keefy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3204454/frankie-lor-ready-rock-and-roll-classic-series-candidate-keefy?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Dec 2022 13:51:01 +0000 If exciting four-year-old Packing Treadmill is to continue his unbeaten run this season, he will be doing it under a different rider at Sha Tin on Saturday. Zac Purton has been in the saddle for each of seven of Packing Treadmill’s starts, but with the champion jockey engaged elsewhere, Francis Lui Kin-wai has chosen to employ the services of one of Hong Kong’s newest arrivals, Hugh Bowman. Lui has his sights set on the Classic Series with Packing Treadmill, but the son of Manhattan Rain’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3204279/treadmill-ready-send-fellow-classic-series-contenders-packing-hugh-bowman?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3204279/treadmill-ready-send-fellow-classic-series-contenders-packing-hugh-bowman?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:18:07 +0000 Hong Kong’s two leading jockeys had a field day at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, with Vincent Ho Chak-yiu and Zac Purton celebrating trebles. Ho missed out on the Tony Cruz Award for leading local jockey last season to Matthew Chadwick, but he is well on his way to regaining that honour. Ho’s midweek brace lifted him to 28 wins this term, and he has also landed on a potential star in Nordic Dragon. The HK$7 million purchase from July’s Hong Kong International Sale made back a chunk of his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3204179/trebles-vincent-ho-and-zac-purton-nordic-dragon-advertises-his-classic-mile-credentials?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3204179/trebles-vincent-ho-and-zac-purton-nordic-dragon-advertises-his-classic-mile-credentials?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Dec 2022 16:31:45 +0000 When you have paid HK$7 million for the second-highest lot at July’s Hong Kong International Sale, your nerves may be jangling a little more than usual when your big-money purchase makes his debut on the racetrack. But from the moment the gates opened for the Class Four Ngau Chi Wan Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on November 23, trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing and owner Edmond Yue Kwok-yin had no cause for alarm as Nordic Dragon proved the ultimate professional. Breaking well from his draw in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3203862/danny-shums-unbeaten-nordic-dragon-aims-run-rings-around-saturn-handicap-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3203862/danny-shums-unbeaten-nordic-dragon-aims-run-rings-around-saturn-handicap-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:06:44 +0000 Two of Hong Kong’s perennial champions teamed up to take the feature race on Sunday’s Sha Tin’s card when Ping Hai Galaxy landed the Class Two Lukfook Jewellery Cup (1,000m). Trained by John Size, the grey is always easy to spot in his races and was travelling conspicuously well behind the speedy Whizz Kid for most of the straight before rider Zac Purton took an opportunity to kick clear up the rail and hold off the late challenge of stablemate Power Koepp. Ping Hai Galaxy appears to be getting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3203770/champions-john-size-and-zac-purton-fore-ping-hai-galaxy-sprints-stylishly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3203770/champions-john-size-and-zac-purton-fore-ping-hai-galaxy-sprints-stylishly?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Dec 2022 01:40:46 +0000 The biggest crowd to converge on Sha Tin in more than three years may well have witnessed a passing of the torch on Sunday as Romantic Warrior laid claim to being the best horse in the city after a stunning win in the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m). Just 40 minutes after two-time Horse of the Year Golden Sixty was beaten by California Spangle in the Group One Hong Kong Mile, Danny Shum Chap-shing’s four-year-old destroyed a field packed full of overseas talent. Rider James McDonald, in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3202907/romantic-warrior-destroys-top-cup-field-stake-his-claim-hong-kongs-best?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3202907/romantic-warrior-destroys-top-cup-field-stake-his-claim-hong-kongs-best?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Dec 2022 12:48:59 +0000 After 1,234 Hong Kong winners, four jockeys championships and a long line of big-race victories, Joao Moreira is likely to have graced Sha Tin for the final time. Moreira, who is battling chronic hip troubles, identified Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong International Races as his farewell to the city a few weeks ago and while he was unable to sign off a winner, he expressed his love for the city and its people in the parade ring before the first race. “My time in Hong Kong has been outstanding, not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3202904/more-hkir-glory-evades-moreira-he-says-goodbye-sha-tin-i-love-you-all?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3202904/more-hkir-glory-evades-moreira-he-says-goodbye-sha-tin-i-love-you-all?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Dec 2022 12:12:04 +0000 A new European sprint sensation could announce himself to the world at York on Friday. Royal Aclaim is a three-year-old on a rapid rise to the top and will be sent off favourite for the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes (1,000m) on just his fourth career start and having never tackled Group company before. Winner of a Listed race at this course in fine style last time when not coming off the bridle until well inside the final furlong before going onto win by an easy two lengths, Royal Aclaim receives... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3189283/young-guns-royal-aclaim-and-platinum-queen-showcase-sprint-talent-york?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3189283/young-guns-royal-aclaim-and-platinum-queen-showcase-sprint-talent-york?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Aug 2022 02:08:59 +0000