https://www.scmp.com/rss/516922/feed Jack has been passionate about racing since watching Frankel power to victory in the 2012 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. Having been a racing reporter in the south of England, he then covered racing in the USA, Ireland, France and the UK before moving to Hong Kong in 2023. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Sky Jewellery emerged as an early contender for next year’s Classic Series with an impressive debut win last month and John Size is confident his three-year-old can maintain his perfect record at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Sky Jewellery joined a select group of horses including Romantic Warrior and Lucky Sweynesse to win on debut at the Valley when he justified his skinny price of $3.7 with a cosy success on January 15. The son of five-time Group One winner The Autumn Sun showed a smart turn of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3297274/sky-limit-john-sizes-smart-debut-winner-i-think-hell-keep-going?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3297274/sky-limit-john-sizes-smart-debut-winner-i-think-hell-keep-going?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:29:33 +0000 He captured Happy Valley’s only Group race last month and Harry Bentley is on the hunt for more success at the city circuit with a solid book of rides on Wednesday. Bentley landed the Group Three January Cup (1,800m) aboard Helene Feeling on January 8 and teams up with Danny Shum Chap-shing’s galloper again on the midweek card in the Class Two Tsun Yip Handicap (1,650m). The son of Sioux Nation defied barrier nine and a wide trip throughout to battle to a three-quarter-length victory in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3297138/bullish-harry-bentley-hopes-group-three-winner-can-leave-happy-valley-rivals-feeling-blue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3297138/bullish-harry-bentley-hopes-group-three-winner-can-leave-happy-valley-rivals-feeling-blue?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:41:03 +0000 Hugh Bowman rang in the Year of the Snake in perfect style at Sha Tin on Friday, with Chancheng Glory’s Group Three win the highlight of his fantastic four-timer in front of a packed crowd. Bowman celebrated his biggest haul in exactly a year thanks to wins aboard Sunstrider, Chancheng Glory, Brilliant Express and Green N White in consecutive races. “I had good rides on paper and it’s all worked out well,” Bowman said. “I got into good running positions and when it didn’t work out for me early,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296958/hugh-bowman-bags-brilliant-four-timer-chancheng-glory-lands-group-three-gamble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296958/hugh-bowman-bags-brilliant-four-timer-chancheng-glory-lands-group-three-gamble?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:49:34 +0000 Francis Lui Kin-wai is confident he has the leading chance in Friday’s Classic Mile as he prepares a four-strong assault on the first leg of the four-year-old series. Lui last tasted success in the Classic Mile five years ago with the mighty Golden Sixty and saddles Packing Hermod, Cap Ferrat, Divano and Call Me Glorious in his bid to secure the HK$13 million contest at Sha Tin. Packing Hermod has collected four wins from six starts and dominated discussions in the lead up to the race, with Zac... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296407/francis-lui-eyes-classic-mile-domination-and-expects-one-his-team-be-hard-beat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296407/francis-lui-eyes-classic-mile-domination-and-expects-one-his-team-be-hard-beat?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jan 2025 05:49:21 +0000 Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has confirmed superstar Kiwi James McDonald will partner Voyage Bubble in next month’s Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) despite the logistical challenges involved in getting the rider to Sha Tin on February 23. McDonald will chase another success in the Middle East with Romantic Warrior in the Group One Saudi Cup (1,800m) late on February 22 before flying back to Hong Kong to hop aboard Voyage Bubble in the Gold Cup the following afternoon. While the five-hour time difference means... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296355/james-mcdonald-ride-voyage-bubble-mammoth-weekend-while-romantic-warrior-good-shape?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296355/james-mcdonald-ride-voyage-bubble-mammoth-weekend-while-romantic-warrior-good-shape?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jan 2025 12:42:34 +0000 While Sunday’s meeting at Sha Tin doesn’t offer up the same quality as last weekend’s Group One double-header or perhaps the Lunar New Year fixture next week, the 11-race card still presents a number of competitive contests and intriguing betting angles. Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s Sunlight Power will undoubtedly be popular with punters in the third race of the day, a Class Two contest over a mile, and ought to take all the beating after a luckless effort earlier in the month. But his price is likely... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296252/frankie-lors-improving-four-year-old-one-follow-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296252/frankie-lors-improving-four-year-old-one-follow-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jan 2025 06:00:20 +0000 Fresh from his Group One heroics last weekend, Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is confident Sunlight Power can capitalise on his inside draw and keep the good times rolling at Sha Tin on Sunday. Yiu celebrated Voyage Bubble’s emphatic Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) defence with his legion of owners last Sunday and chases another sizeable pot this weekend with Sunlight Power in the Class Two Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Hong Kong, China Team Celebration Cup (1,600m). After a luckless run from the rear of the field... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296251/ricky-yius-sunlight-ready-shine-sha-tin-hell-definitely-improve?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296251/ricky-yius-sunlight-ready-shine-sha-tin-hell-definitely-improve?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jan 2025 04:00:25 +0000 On Wednesday night under the lights of one of the world’s most iconic racecourses, Zac Purton added another chapter to his illustrious career when he broke one of racing’s toughest records and became the most successful jockey in the history of Hong Kong racing. By surpassing Douglas Whyte’s haul of 1,813 wins in the ultra-competitive jurisdiction, Purton completed a monumental task that requires a sustained period of sublime skill, supreme self-confidence and – when needed – an almost savage... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296006/rare-ruthless-and-ridiculously-talented-zac-purtons-rise-greatness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3296006/rare-ruthless-and-ridiculously-talented-zac-purtons-rise-greatness?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:02:03 +0000 In his bid to capture the first leg of the four-year-old series, Pierre Ng Pang-chi has called upon December’s runaway International Jockeys’ Championship winner Mickael Barzalona to ride Johannes Brahms in the Classic Mile on January 31. The Frenchman put on a masterclass on Happy Valley’s biggest night in December and has been snapped up by Ng after the handler revealed James McDonald was unable to take the ride for the HK$13 million contest. “James couldn’t make the trip and we thought... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3295865/pierre-ng-books-mickael-barzalona-classic-mile-ride-and-celebrates-much-needed-happy-valley-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3295865/pierre-ng-books-mickael-barzalona-classic-mile-ride-and-celebrates-much-needed-happy-valley-win?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:56:26 +0000 The achievements of Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising headlined Hong Kong’s presence in the 2024 Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings as the city’s overall representation continues to fall. While Romantic Warrior was the leading light for Hong Kong as the equal fifth highest-rated racehorse on the planet, only 12 horses from the jurisdiction reached the rating of 115 required to feature in the list, which was announced by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3295704/romantic-warrior-and-ka-ying-rising-lead-way-hong-kong-presence-world-rankings-shrinks-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3295704/romantic-warrior-and-ka-ying-rising-lead-way-hong-kong-presence-world-rankings-shrinks-again?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jan 2025 14:24:32 +0000 Voyage Bubble cemented his place as the king of the mile division with a dominant defence of his Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) crown at Sha Tin on Sunday. Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s six-year-old jumped sharply as the $1.8 favourite and never looked in danger in the first leg of the Triple Crown, with the gelding kicking clear at the top of the straight to readily account for his seven rivals under James McDonald. After recording his third win at the top level aboard Voyage Bubble, McDonald offered... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3295383/bombproof-voyage-bubble-blows-rivals-away-stewards-cup-defence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3295383/bombproof-voyage-bubble-blows-rivals-away-stewards-cup-defence?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2025 11:53:41 +0000 Francis Lui Kin-wai has high hopes for an important meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the champion trainer unloading most of his Classic Mile team on the 10-race card. Lui saddles eight runners on the programme with the exciting Packing Hermod leading the way in the Class Two Racing Club Cup (1,400m). One of two runners for Lui in the contest alongside the hat-trick-seeking Divano, Packing Hermod chases a fifth career win on his sixth start in his final outing before the first leg of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3294163/francis-lui-unleashes-strong-classic-mile-team-sha-tin-he-keeps-improving?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3294163/francis-lui-unleashes-strong-classic-mile-team-sha-tin-he-keeps-improving?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jan 2025 01:30:16 +0000 Matthew Poon Ming-fai’s career has been a bit of a roller coaster, but it’s fair to say he’s back and firing on all cylinders. When Fortune Whiskey won in Class Four company at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, it was more than just another winner for the 31-year-old rider. Poon had secured his 19th victory of the 2024-25 campaign, moving him up to fourth in the jockeys’ championship and more importantly surpassing last season’s win tally in double-quick time. “I can’t complain at all,” Poon... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3294030/resurgence-matthew-poon-i-was-worst-id-been?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3294030/resurgence-matthew-poon-i-was-worst-id-been?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Jan 2025 06:29:38 +0000 Trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing has been fined HK$300,000 after pleading guilty to providing inside information about three horses in his yard. Shum was charged with breaching Rule 155 (17), which states no person shall “give, disclose or otherwise make available any inside information in relation to a horse.” In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Jockey Club chief steward Marc van Gestel confirmed Shum made “privileged information available to persons not entitled to receive such... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293751/danny-shum-fined-hk300000-after-pleading-guilty-inside-information-charge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293751/danny-shum-fined-hk300000-after-pleading-guilty-inside-information-charge?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2025 09:13:31 +0000 Frankie Lor Fu-chuen is confident he has all bases covered in Wednesday’s Group Three January Cup (1,800m) as he chases a third consecutive win in the contest with his three-horse team. Lor landed Happy Valley’s sole Group race with Money Catcher and Happy Together in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and the pair return along with stablemate Flamingo Trillion in Wednesday’s 12-runner contest. Happy Together was only beaten two and a quarter lengths in last month’s Group One Hong Kong Mile and Lor... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293559/frankie-lor-chases-january-cup-hat-trick-strong-trio-he-loves-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293559/frankie-lor-chases-january-cup-hat-trick-strong-trio-he-loves-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jan 2025 05:37:27 +0000 Frankie Lor Fu-chuen is contemplating a bold Group One Dubai World Cup (2,000m) tilt with Sword Point after the six-year-old maintained his unbeaten record on the dirt at Sha Tin on Sunday. Sword Point found plenty under pressure in the Class Two Pak Tam Chung Handicap (1,650m) to register a second win on the surface, after which Lor suggested he may be bound for a potential match-up with Romantic Warrior in the US$12 million Dubai World Cup on April 5. “There is the 2,000m Group One [Dubai... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293508/frankie-lor-ponders-dubai-world-cup-bid-after-sword-point-continues-dirt-dominance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293508/frankie-lor-ponders-dubai-world-cup-bid-after-sword-point-continues-dirt-dominance?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:51:07 +0000 After an eventful 12 months in the world of Hong Kong racing, it’s fair to say 2025 has a lot to live up to. Romantic Warrior dominated at the top level, Hong Kong’s champion Golden Sixty bid farewell and a thrilling crescendo to the trainers’ championship kept fans on the edge of their seats until the 831st and final race of the 2023-24 season. So with the first race day of the New Year in the rear-view mirror – a meeting that featured bells, a bumper crowd and a pair of horses bound for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293240/new-races-dirt-dominance-and-ka-ying-rising-royal-ascot-posts-2025-racing-wish-list?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293240/new-races-dirt-dominance-and-ka-ying-rising-royal-ascot-posts-2025-racing-wish-list?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jan 2025 03:20:37 +0000 Vincent Ho Chak-yiu made a winning return from a bout of concussion as The Boom Box enhanced his reputation with a second victory from as many starts at Sha Tin on Wednesday. Sidelined after being concussed in a race fall on December 18, Hong Kong’s top home-grown jockey bounced back to team up with Chris So Wai-yin for a double with The Boom Box and Devas Twelve. After notching a treble at Sha Tin on December 1, Ho rode just one winner for the rest of that month and also lost the ride on Galaxy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293062/vincent-ho-returns-injury-double-benno-yung-repeats-new-years-day-feat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293062/vincent-ho-returns-injury-double-benno-yung-repeats-new-years-day-feat?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2025 11:10:28 +0000 John Size is weighing up a possible trip to Dubai with Howdeepisyourlove after the five-year-old recorded his first win at Group level in Wednesday’s Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1,000m) at Sha Tin. While he was somewhat overlooked in the market at $5.3, Howdeepisyourlove thrived on his first attempt over the minimum trip to burst from the rear of the field under Zac Purton and overhaul odds-on favourite Magic Control in the final stride. After Howdeepisyourlove gifted Size his fifth win in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293053/dubai-trip-cards-howdeepisyourlove-after-thrilling-group-three-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3293053/dubai-trip-cards-howdeepisyourlove-after-thrilling-group-three-success?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2025 10:21:48 +0000 Hong Kong racing will ring in the New Year with a pair of Group Three contests on Wednesday and Hugh Bowman is optimistic he has a solid chance of celebrating a feature race double in the Kwok family’s famous pink, black and white silks. The 44-year-old rider, who sits second in the premiership on 26 wins this season, will bid to get 2025 off to a perfect start when he hops aboard Beauty Waves and Beauty Joy for the prominent owners in the Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1,000m) and Chinese Club... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3292873/hugh-bowman-targets-group-three-double-waves-and-joy-hes-got-bit-his-favour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3292873/hugh-bowman-targets-group-three-double-waves-and-joy-hes-got-bit-his-favour?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2024 06:49:16 +0000 David Hayes has confirmed boom sprinter Ka Ying Rising will bypass next month’s Classic Mile, with the stable star targeting a pair of Group Ones in the first two months of the year. While Hayes was weighing up a tilt at the first leg of the four-year-old series for Ka Ying Rising after he bids for a second Group One success in the Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) on January 19, the trainer says he has scrapped the plan to take on his own age group. “We’re thinking probably not the four-year-old... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3292847/ka-ying-rising-set-bypass-classic-mile-connections-eye-group-one-spoils?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3292847/ka-ying-rising-set-bypass-classic-mile-connections-eye-group-one-spoils?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Dec 2024 03:55:28 +0000 The Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1,400m) is a New Year’s gift that has often found its way into the hands of Tony Cruz and the legendary trainer is confident California Spangle can add to his stellar record in the contest over his optimal distance. Cruz has trained five winners of the HK$4.2 million feature and bids to edge one clear of John Size with a record sixth victory at Sha Tin on Wednesday, with California Spangle jumping from gate six under Brenton Avdulla. A respectable... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3292729/california-spangle-shining-ahead-new-years-day-test-hell-run-big-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3292729/california-spangle-shining-ahead-new-years-day-test-hell-run-big-race?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:31:59 +0000 Pierre Ng Pang-chi is confident Aurora Lady can string together consecutive wins when the improving four-year-old bids to continue his rise on Boxing Day at Happy Valley. Aurora Lady sealed Mickael Barzalona’s emphatic victory in the International Jockeys’ Championship with a dominant victory on December 4 and returns to the city circuit with a nine-point hike to contend with in the Class Three Uranus Handicap (1,200m). The four-year-old gelding scooted clear of his Class Three rivals in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3292107/aurora-lady-headlines-hot-boxing-day-feature-hes-only-going-get-better?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3292107/aurora-lady-headlines-hot-boxing-day-feature-hes-only-going-get-better?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Dec 2024 03:54:34 +0000 Christmas came early for Antoine Hamelin on Sunday as the rider ended a season-long drought to collect his 100th win in Hong Kong with a dominant Sha Tin success. The Frenchman went 31 meetings and 84 rides without a win but reached the personal milestone in sublime style, steering the John Size-trained Raging Blizzard to victory in the red-hot Class Two Poinsettia Handicap (1,200m). After returning to the winners’ enclosure for the first time since July 10, Hamelin admitted it was a relief to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291904/antoine-hamelin-breaks-season-long-drought-and-bags-100th-hong-kong-win-class-two-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291904/antoine-hamelin-breaks-season-long-drought-and-bags-100th-hong-kong-win-class-two-success?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:33:11 +0000 You can never underestimate the importance of feng shui in the superstitious world of Hong Kong racing and Jerry Chau Chun-lok is grateful he decided to rearrange his furniture before banging in a monster treble at Sha Tin on Sunday. After a difficult start to the campaign with only five winners through the first 30 meetings, Chau’s 2024-25 season sprang to life thanks to the victories of Fire Ball, Another World and Sky Joy. The rider credited his three-timer to a combination of hard work,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291897/feng-shui-inspires-jerry-chau-rider-bags-monster-3822-1-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291897/feng-shui-inspires-jerry-chau-rider-bags-monster-3822-1-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:24:55 +0000 Andrea Atzeni is hitting peak form in time for a busy festive period and the 33-year-old hopes he can continue his momentum courtesy of a strong book of rides at Sha Tin on Sunday. After a steady start to the season, Atzeni has collected six wins in the past six meetings to take his strike rate for the campaign to 8.4 per cent – marginally higher than his win rate of 8.1 per cent last term. While the jockey had to sit out Wednesday’s all-weather card due to suspension, he is optimistic he has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291819/form-andrea-atzeni-gears-festive-period-strong-sha-tin-book?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291819/form-andrea-atzeni-gears-festive-period-strong-sha-tin-book?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Dec 2024 06:07:36 +0000 Fast Network looked to have his fair share of excuses when beaten as an odds-on favourite last weekend and Dennis Yip Chor-hong is confident his gelding can make amends on Sunday in the Class Two Poinsettia Handicap (1,200m). The four-year-old, sent off at $1.3 under Zac Purton, had to overcome a wide draw over Sha Tin’s straight course and faced an uphill battle when he was squeezed out at the start. Forced to settle towards the rear of the field in the centre of the track, Fast Network made... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291498/fast-network-ready-make-amends-sha-tin-after-odds-defeat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291498/fast-network-ready-make-amends-sha-tin-after-odds-defeat?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:21:58 +0000 Luke Ferraris secured his 100th win in Hong Kong on Wednesday evening, with the young South African continuing his stellar season with a double under the Sha Tin lights. The in-form 22-year-old opened his account on the dirt card thanks to Benno Yung Tin-pang’s Excellent Daddy before raising the bat courtesy of the Mark Newnham-trained Mojave Desert. Ferraris, who grew up among the hustle and bustle of Sha Tin while his father, David, trained in Hong Kong, was delighted to reach the personal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291427/luke-ferraris-raises-bat-hong-kong-century-thanks-dirt-double-it-feels-great?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291427/luke-ferraris-raises-bat-hong-kong-century-thanks-dirt-double-it-feels-great?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:08:36 +0000 An “exhausted” Zac Purton will be having the night off on Wednesday after coming down with an illness. While the seven-time champion jockey was scheduled to ride seven gallopers on the eight-race all-weather programme at Sha Tin, Purton says he will be taking some time away from the saddle to let his body recover. “I’ve been sick since the weekend and I haven’t been feeling too great,” Purton said. “I’m just exhausted so I need to have a bit of a rest. “When you’re constantly wasting and you’re... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291130/sickness-sidelines-zac-purton-midweek-dirt-card-im-just-exhausted?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3291130/sickness-sidelines-zac-purton-midweek-dirt-card-im-just-exhausted?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Dec 2024 04:56:41 +0000 Andrea Atzeni hopes he can continue his good run of form at Happy Valley at this week’s nine-race card with a solid book of rides at his disposal. Eight of Atzeni’s 12 wins this season have come at the city circuit and he is confident he has the ammunition to get back on the scoreboard, with one last-start winner and three last-start seconds among his seven-strong squad. “It’s going well there and it looks like they’re all chances,” Atzeni said. “Funnily enough, it was other way around last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3290114/andrea-atzeni-looks-maintain-strong-happy-valley-form-theyre-all-chances?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3290114/andrea-atzeni-looks-maintain-strong-happy-valley-form-theyre-all-chances?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Dec 2024 05:47:45 +0000 While the buzz and the bright lights of the Hong Kong International Races are behind us, there are still plenty of reasons to be cheerful as the 2024-25 season enters a busy festive period. It’s back to business as usual as we head to Wednesday’s programme at Happy Valley, with a pair of Class Threes highlighting the nine-race card. And while the action might not get the pulse racing quite like last week’s International Jockeys’ Championship, punters and racing fans alike can strap themselves in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289966/heavyweight-fight-between-james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-continues-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289966/heavyweight-fight-between-james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-continues-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:22:15 +0000 Francis Lui Kin-wai dominated the Longines Hong Kong International Races undercard at Sha Tin on Sunday, with last season’s champion trainer scooping the first three races and the finale on his way to a four-timer. Lui got off to a perfect start at Sha Tin’s marquee meeting thanks to the wins of Happy Park, Packing Angel and Divano before Classic Mile hope Packing Hermod sealed the handler’s 676-1 four-timer at the end of the afternoon. “I’m very happy, it’s been very smooth,” Lui said.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289890/francis-lui-runs-rampant-sha-tin-four-timer-california-lands-monster-gamble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289890/francis-lui-runs-rampant-sha-tin-four-timer-california-lands-monster-gamble?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Dec 2024 11:34:38 +0000 The British national anthem rang out around Sha Tin for the first time in over a decade as Giavellotto and Oisin Murphy bolted up in Sunday’s Group One Longines Hong Kong Vase (2,400m). Giavellotto ended Britain’s 12-year wait for a victory at the Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) with an emphatic two-and-a-half-length success under Oisin Murphy, with the William Haggas-trained Dubai Honour and $3.2 favourite Stellenbosch filling the places. “It’s very special,” Murphy said. “This morning,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289881/giavellotto-explodes-vase-end-britains-12-year-hong-kong-international-races-drought?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289881/giavellotto-explodes-vase-end-britains-12-year-hong-kong-international-races-drought?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:30:02 +0000 Pierre Ng Pang-chi hopes Galaxy Patch can take his place at the top table when his five-year-old lines up in Sunday’s Group One Longines Hong Kong Mile. A six-time winner from 12 starts last term, Galaxy Patch continued his ascendancy with an authoritative win on seasonal reappearance in October’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m). But he failed to oblige as the $1.7 favourite in the Group Two Jockey Club Mile, with the son of Wandjina only managing third after a wide trip. He will bid to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289818/pierre-ng-backs-patch-bubble-rematch-hes-going-win-group-one?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289818/pierre-ng-backs-patch-bubble-rematch-hes-going-win-group-one?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Dec 2024 09:06:22 +0000 Yann Lerner hopes his experience in the saddle at Sha Tin two decades ago can give him a valuable edge when he saddles his first runner at the Hong Kong International Races on Sunday. Yann, who trains with his father Carlos, returned two winners during his short stint as Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s retained rider in Hong Kong in 2004. He returns to the city as a 39-year-old handler with elite-level winner Calif, who will bid to dethrone Romantic Warrior in the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m). “It was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289667/yann-lerners-dream-realised-he-returns-sha-tin-two-decades-riding-stint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289667/yann-lerners-dream-realised-he-returns-sha-tin-two-decades-riding-stint?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:03:57 +0000 Competitiveness and success are deeply rooted in the Eustace family’s DNA and there is no doubt siblings Harry and David will be quietly trying to secure bragging rights at Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR). While their father James, who enjoyed winners galore during a 30-year training career in England, and mother Gay watch on from the stands, the siblings will follow in the footsteps of family by saddling runners at Sha Tin’s marquee meeting. Harry, 36, and David, 32,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289615/eustace-family-bragging-rights-grabs-hong-kong-international-races-its-very-exciting-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289615/eustace-family-bragging-rights-grabs-hong-kong-international-races-its-very-exciting-us?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Dec 2024 04:30:32 +0000 It’s been 12 years since a British raider left the Hong Kong International Races with a winner’s trophy, but connections of this year’s seven-strong team are hopeful they can mount a serious challenge in Sunday’s feature races. Breeders’ Cup winner Starlust leads the squad in the Group One Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m), while Spirit Dancer, who carries the colours of legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and The Foxes take on Romantic Warrior in the Group One Hong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289510/british-battalion-poised-hong-kong-international-races-raid-way-it-sets-here-ideal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289510/british-battalion-poised-hong-kong-international-races-raid-way-it-sets-here-ideal?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:31:50 +0000 Yuga Kawada knows exactly what it takes to push Romantic Warrior to his limits and the ice-cool Japanese rider is adamant Liberty Island has the right credentials to overthrow the reigning Group One Longines Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) champion. Kawada, riding Prognosis, came within a neck of Romantic Warrior at his second crack at Danny Shum Chap-shing’s superstar in April’s Group One QE II Cup (2,000m). He returns to the city with a four-year-old filly and a point to prove, planning to use his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289351/ice-cool-yuga-kawada-backs-liberty-island-topple-romantic-warrior-she-has-big-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289351/ice-cool-yuga-kawada-backs-liberty-island-topple-romantic-warrior-she-has-big-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:44:44 +0000 Colin Keane is the most popular pick to win Wednesday night’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley, with three of the South China Morning Post’s racing tipsters siding with the Irish jockey. Keane has been popular with punters since betting opened, shortening from $14 to $9, while reigning champion Vincent Ho Chak-yiu has firmed into $5.5 favouritism. There are four IJC point-scoring races – the fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth events at the city circuit – with 12... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289287/who-wins-international-jockeys-championship-happy-valley-heres-what-our-tipsters-think?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289287/who-wins-international-jockeys-championship-happy-valley-heres-what-our-tipsters-think?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:18:39 +0000 Tony Cruz admits Hong Kong’s limited programme has forced his hand with Derby hopeful Stunning Peach, who races at Happy Valley for the first time on Wednesday night. A winner on one of his three starts in the city last term, Stunning Peach returned with a luckless fifth over 1,600m at Sha Tin on October 20 and will tackle the tight turns of the city circuit from gate seven in the Class Two Japan Handicap (1,800m). “It’s his first time at the Valley and the programme is so limited,” Cruz said.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289159/stunning-peach-cherry-ripe-happy-valley-test-after-programme-prompts-switch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289159/stunning-peach-cherry-ripe-happy-valley-test-after-programme-prompts-switch?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Dec 2024 08:55:21 +0000 She was the first female rider to win at the top level in France and it was her team popping the champagne after this year’s Shergar Cup. But now, Marie Velon has her sights set on another historic victory at Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR). Velon will continue her association with the gelding that elevated her career to new heights when she hops aboard the Jean-Pierre Gauvin-trained Iresine in Sunday’s HK$24 million Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m). While the prospect of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289117/marie-velons-quest-become-queen-hong-kong-international-races?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3289117/marie-velons-quest-become-queen-hong-kong-international-races?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Dec 2024 06:12:22 +0000 Vincent Ho Chak-yiu hopes teaming up with an old friend can prove a big boost to his chances when he bids to defend his Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) crown at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Out to join Douglas Whyte, Ryan Moore and Zac Purton as the only riders to retain the IJC, Ho will continue his successful association with the Caspar Fownes-trained Jumbo Legend, whom he steered to a barnstorming victory at the city circuit last time out. “I think my book is not too... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288958/vincent-ho-hopes-familiar-face-can-help-him-secure-consecutive-international-jockeys-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288958/vincent-ho-hopes-familiar-face-can-help-him-secure-consecutive-international-jockeys-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Dec 2024 07:18:43 +0000 The biggest week in the city’s racing calendar has arrived and anticipation is very much filling the air ahead of the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR). A selection of the world’s best – both equine and human – will fight it out for the HK$126 million prize money on offer across Sunday’s four features, with 28 foreign raiders descending on Sha Tin. American sprinter Nobals was the final overseas runner to touch down in the city on Sunday morning, with the five-year-old arriving from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288879/final-visitors-arrive-hong-kong-international-races-while-chris-so-unleashes-exciting-debutant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288879/final-visitors-arrive-hong-kong-international-races-while-chris-so-unleashes-exciting-debutant?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Dec 2024 11:13:37 +0000 Andrea Atzeni has one eye on springing a shock at next Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong International Races after securing a ride in all four Group One contests. Atzeni has triumphed at the top level in seven different countries and will aim to add Hong Kong to his impressive list at Sha Tin’s marquee meeting, with the 33-year-old hopping aboard Taj Dragon, Ka Ying Generation, Lucky With You and Nimble Nimbus. “It’s always tough to get rides in these sorts of races, so to have a ride in every race is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288798/andrea-atzeni-secures-full-house-group-one-rides-hong-kong-international-races?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288798/andrea-atzeni-secures-full-house-group-one-rides-hong-kong-international-races?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Nov 2024 06:46:28 +0000 He may not have a runner at the Longines Hong Kong International Races, but Mark Newnham will be keeping a close eye on how Ramadan fares in the Group One Hong Kong Mile. The son of Le Havre, who was recently bought for €1.5 million (HK$12.3 million) by prominent owner Zhang Yuesheng of Yulong Investments, will remain in the city and join Newnham’s stable after he contests next weekend’s HK$36 million feature. Bought with March’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) in mind, Ramadan will bolster the in-form... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288453/ramadan-join-mark-newnham-stable-after-hong-kong-mile-its-very-exciting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288453/ramadan-join-mark-newnham-stable-after-hong-kong-mile-its-very-exciting?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Nov 2024 04:22:16 +0000 Romantic Warrior could begin his audacious dirt campaign in January after connections entered the superstar for the Group One Al Maktoum Challenge (1,900m) in Dubai. After blowing his rivals away on seasonal reappearance at Sha Tin earlier this month, Romantic Warrior will chase a third straight Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) on December 8 before possibly heading to the Middle East for the Al Maktoum Challenge, which takes place at Meydan racecourse on January 24. With owner Peter Lau Pak-fai... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288196/romantic-warrior-entered-al-maktoum-challenge-saudi-cup-sight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288196/romantic-warrior-entered-al-maktoum-challenge-saudi-cup-sight?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:09:42 +0000 Zac Purton is adamant there is more to come from Massive Sovereign after the Hong Kong Derby hero warmed up for the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) on December 8 with a promising trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning. Preparing for his clash with Romantic Warrior in the city’s richest race, Massive Sovereign breezed past his three rivals under minimal pressure from Purton to run out a comfortable winner of the 1,600m heat. The four-year-old heads to Sha Tin’s marquee meeting with something to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288144/zac-purton-keeping-faith-massive-sovereign-ahead-hong-kong-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3288144/zac-purton-keeping-faith-massive-sovereign-ahead-hong-kong-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:14:26 +0000 Benno Yung Tin-pang was back at the races for the first time this season on Sunday, with the 65-year-old “progressing well” as he recovers from the serious illness that he has been battling for much of 2024. Yung has been absent from the racecourse since the end of last season and said he was delighted to return to Sha Tin to watch his five-strong squad. “I’m doing well and it’s great to be back,” Yung said. “It’s been a bit too boring [not being at the track].” While Yung plans to attend more... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3287928/benno-yung-back-races-and-doing-well-he-recovers-serious-illness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3287928/benno-yung-back-races-and-doing-well-he-recovers-serious-illness?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Nov 2024 11:51:19 +0000 Matthew Poon Ming-fai is confident Green N White will relish the step up to a mile when the progressive five-year-old hunts a hat-trick in Sunday’s Class Two Chevalier Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin. The Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained gelding blew apart strong fields on his past two starts over 1,400m and bids to continue his rise through the ranks over the Sha Tin 1,600m. Aided by another advantageous draw in gate four, Poon is hopeful Green N White can carry 120 pounds to glory. “Last start over 1,400m... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3287845/matthew-poon-ready-pounce-hat-trick-seeking-green-n-white-he-can-finish-well?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3287845/matthew-poon-ready-pounce-hat-trick-seeking-green-n-white-he-can-finish-well?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Nov 2024 08:00:31 +0000 A bullish Andrea Atzeni believes he could be set for a successful weekend at Sha Tin, with the rider boasting a strong book of rides on Sunday’s 10-race programme. Sitting on nine wins through the first 22 meetings of the season, Atzeni will hop aboard eight gallopers, including Danny Shum Chap-shing’s exciting import, Romantic Thor, in the Class Two Chevalier Cup (1,600m). Formerly trained by Irish powerhouse Aidan O’Brien, Romantic Thor finished his pre-import career with a powerful victory at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3287834/andrea-atzeni-chases-weekend-success-danny-shums-exciting-debutant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3287834/andrea-atzeni-chases-weekend-success-danny-shums-exciting-debutant?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Nov 2024 05:04:10 +0000