https://www.scmp.com/rss/524466/feed The latest news and updates on Manfred Man Ka-leung, known for his extensive career in Hong Kong horse racing, initially as a jockey and Hong Kong Champion Apprentice, before becoming a highly respected trainer. He received his full trainer’s licence in 2001 and has been part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club for 48 years. His work involves developing top-tier racehorses, notably the champion sprinter Lucky Sweynesse, and two-time Centenary Sprint Cup winner Eagle Regiment. He achieved a personal... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com 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 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 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 It’s shaping as one of the most open editions of the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) in recent years, with Stormy Grove’s upset win in the Classic Cup (1,800m) providing more questions than answers. The third stage of entries were taken on Monday, while the selection announcement for the coveted HK$26 million feature will be on Friday. The SCMP has ranked the top 10 contenders for this year’s Derby on March 22. 1. Numbers While he missed a top-three placing in the Classic Cup, Numbers was far from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346001/hong-kong-derby-top-10-numbers-invincible-ibis-lead-scmps-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346001/hong-kong-derby-top-10-numbers-invincible-ibis-lead-scmps-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:23:34 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Andrea Atzeni scored a sensational four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday, headlined by Endued’s gutsy win in the Class Three Kowloon Tong Club Trophy (1,600m), before he quickly shot off to welcome his first child into the world. The Sardinian jockey has enjoyed many four-timers in Europe, but this was the first occasion that he has achieved the feat in Hong Kong, and the day was made even sweeter by the news that his fiancé Emma was in labour as the card drew to a close. Atzeni was victorious in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345891/andrea-atzeni-lands-four-timer-he-prepares-become-father-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345891/andrea-atzeni-lands-four-timer-he-prepares-become-father-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:06:39 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Riding on the crest of a wave, Jerry Chau Chun-lok is excited to represent Hong Kong on the international stage again when he rides Self Improvement in Saturday night’s Group Two Riyadh Dirt Sprint (1,200m). With eight wins from just 25 rides in February, Chau heads to Saudi Arabia in elite form after taking the lead in the Tony Cruz Award and jumping to fourth on the jockeys’ championship standings. The 25-year-old’s strong campaign kicked off in style when he booted home Self Improvement in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3343422/form-jerry-chau-pumped-represent-hong-kong-self-improvement-riyadh-dirt-sprint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3343422/form-jerry-chau-pumped-represent-hong-kong-self-improvement-riyadh-dirt-sprint?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:10:45 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Champion jockey Zac Purton has confirmed he will stick with Brazilian Group One winner Sagacious Life in the Classic Cup (1,800m) on March 1. Purton was disappointed by the Pierre Ng Pang-chi-trained import’s fourth to Little Paradise in the first leg of the four-year-old series, the Classic Mile, but the eight-time Hong Kong champion rider and Sagacious Life will seek redemption next month. An impressive winner at two of his first three local starts, Sagacious Life settled midfield with cover... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342928/zac-purton-sticks-sagacious-life-classic-cup-while-self-improvement-settles-well-saudi-arabia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3342928/zac-purton-sticks-sagacious-life-classic-cup-while-self-improvement-settles-well-saudi-arabia?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:30:26 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Some of Hong Kong racing’s most powerful figures stole the show in January with champion jockey Zac Purton and a trio of top trainers striking elite form. The Post analyses the jockeys and trainers who had a month to remember or one to forget, as well as the most outstanding victory and winning ride. Who’s hot? Zac Purton hit overdrive in January, racking up 20 wins from 77 rides at a phenomenal strike rate of 26 per cent to extend his championship lead to 40 over nearest rival Hugh Bowman. A... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341697/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-january?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341697/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-january?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:00:15 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Matthew Chadwick’s wish to reunite with Patch Of Cosmo has come true and the four-time Group One-winning jockey is excited about his prospects in Sunday’s Classic Mile at Sha Tin. Chadwick regained the ride after Zac Purton picked Brazilian import Sagacious Life from a plethora of Classic Mile options just before he booted home Patch Of Cosmo in his stunning return from injury on January 18. Chadwick guided Manfred Man Ka-leung’s quality galloper to victory in two of his three rides on the son... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341237/matthew-chadwick-excited-reunite-classy-patch-cosmo-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341237/matthew-chadwick-excited-reunite-classy-patch-cosmo-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 07:30:25 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton and many others thought Silent Witness’ record would never be matched but at Sha Tin on Sunday, superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising did just that with a 17th straight victory after dominating the Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m). Extending his phenomenal streak to match the great Silent Witness’ feat from 21 years ago, Ka Ying Rising was eased down by Purton when blitzing his rivals by a length and a quarter. “What can I say. We’ve said it all with the horse,” the champion jockey... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341162/champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising-blitzes-rivals-again-match-silent-witness-record-17-straight-wins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341162/champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising-blitzes-rivals-again-match-silent-witness-record-17-straight-wins?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:13:30 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Despite facing a monumental task against Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble, Derek Leung Ka-chun feels the time is right to test Lucky Sweynesse at a mile in Sunday’s Group One Stewards’ Cup at Sha Tin. With Hong Kong’s feature sprints dominated by the all-conquering Ka Ying Rising, Lucky Sweynesse’s connections opted for a different path in a bid to add to his outstanding record of 16 wins from 30 starts. However, the Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained gelding’s distance test won’t be any easier when... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340782/lucky-sweynesse-set-first-mile-test-against-romantic-warrior-and-voyage-bubble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340782/lucky-sweynesse-set-first-mile-test-against-romantic-warrior-and-voyage-bubble?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 04:54:47 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The Classic Mile is less than two weeks away and it shapes as one of the most competitive editions in recent years, with at least half a dozen four-year-olds staking their claims as leading candidates. All eyes will be on the Jockey Club’s release of the priority to run list on Wednesday to see what rating is needed to gain a coveted berth in the field of 14. The Post has ranked the top 10 prospects for the Classic Mile on February 1. 1. Invincible Ibis While it is difficult to split many of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340413/classic-mile-top-10-invincible-ibis-sagacious-life-lead-early-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340413/classic-mile-top-10-invincible-ibis-sagacious-life-lead-early-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:02:03 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney A strong performance against Ka Ying Rising in Sunday’s Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) is all Dennis Yip Chor-hong needs to see from Fast Network to confirm a trip to Dubai for the Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m). Third behind Ka Ying Rising in last month’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m), Fast Network is on track for his first overseas mission after another clash with the world’s best sprinter at Sha Tin. The five-year-old warmed up for the Centenary Sprint Cup with a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340385/james-mcdonald-booked-ride-fast-network-al-quoz-sprint-dubai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340385/james-mcdonald-booked-ride-fast-network-al-quoz-sprint-dubai?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:36:13 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Patch Of Cosmo made a spectacular return from injury and Akashvani all but sealed his place in the Classic Mile on a day for the four-year-olds at Sha Tin on Sunday. The Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained Patch Of Cosmo had been absent since a striking win over course and distance in March, with a left fore tendon injury leaving him on the sidelines. Sent off at $4.9 to defy the 315-days absence in the Class Three Tennis Handicap (1,600m), Zac Purton settled the Super Seth galloper in midfield and was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340330/patch-cosmo-and-akashvani-shine-outstanding-sha-tin-victories-ahead-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340330/patch-cosmo-and-akashvani-shine-outstanding-sha-tin-victories-ahead-classic-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jan 2026 11:04:51 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton bagged his biggest haul since the season opener with a five-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday, but the champion jockey’s crucial call on a Classic Mile ride remains up in the air. Purton was at his brilliant best when booting home Snowthorn, Majestic Valour, Robot Star, China Win and Little Paradise, who was the headline act after claiming the feature Class Two Racing Club Cup (1,400m). However, the brilliant display arguably made his decision on a Classic Mile ride more difficult, with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339502/zac-purton-bags-brilliant-five-timer-sha-tin-classic-mile-call-remains-air?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339502/zac-purton-bags-brilliant-five-timer-sha-tin-classic-mile-call-remains-air?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Jan 2026 11:19:54 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hall believes Magnifique can surge to a rating of “close to 100 points” after the talented sprinter made a victorious return from a bleeding attack at Sha Tin on Saturday. An impressive winner on three of his four starts last season, the son of Charm Spirit dispelled Hall’s concerns about his health when he comfortably accounted for a handy field of sprinters in the Class Three Sham Chung Handicap (1,000m). It was his first race start since incurring the mandatory three-month ban from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337893/magnifique-bound-rating-close-100-after-successful-return-bleeding-attack?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337893/magnifique-bound-rating-close-100-after-successful-return-bleeding-attack?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:38:14 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Hollie Doyle will chase some extra Christmas presents in the form of winners to take back home with her to the UK as she finishes up her six-week Hong Kong stint at Happy Valley on Tuesday night. The 10-time Group One-winning rider has enjoyed a huge amount of support in her short time in the city, which is evidenced by her final night at the Valley seeing her engaged in all nine races. Heading into Tuesday, Doyle has ridden five winners and was just half a length away from Group Two glory when... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337261/hollie-doyle-looks-sign-high-happy-valley-her-stint-comes-close?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337261/hollie-doyle-looks-sign-high-happy-valley-her-stint-comes-close?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:21:49 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton knows how difficult it is to maintain winning streaks in Hong Kong, but the champion jockey is adamant Patch Of Stars can continue his rise with an ounce of luck at Sha Tin on Saturday. With five wins from his past seven starts, the Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained gelding’s rating has soared from 50 to 92 in the space of eight months. His ascension continued when he passed his first Class Two test last time out, overcoming gate nine courtesy of a brilliant Purton ride to claim the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337050/zac-purton-hopes-emerging-patch-stars-continues-his-meteoric-rise-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337050/zac-purton-hopes-emerging-patch-stars-continues-his-meteoric-rise-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Dec 2025 07:58:03 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ryan Moore joined a trio of champion jockeys with a record-equalling third Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) victory courtesy of a brilliant double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Only a week after making his return from a fractured femur, the British superstar bagged his first IJC in 15 years after lifting Corleone and Triumphant More to exciting triumphs. Moore, who won the prestigious contest in 2009 and 2010, now shares the IJC record with Zac Purton, Douglas Whyte and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335957/ryan-moore-joins-elite-trio-record-equalling-third-international-jockeys-championship-win-happy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335957/ryan-moore-joins-elite-trio-record-equalling-third-international-jockeys-championship-win-happy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:45:45 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Hollie Doyle is hoping to keep building momentum on the way to the International Jockeys’ Championship with a solid book of six rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The British rider has enjoyed a strong start to her Hong Kong stint, riding three winners and really hitting the ground running in terms of support. From seven meetings so far, Doyle’s leanest night has been five rides and she has already ridden in three Group races, such has been the support she has received in such a short... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334754/hollie-doyle-looks-continue-great-start-another-busy-night-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334754/hollie-doyle-looks-continue-great-start-another-busy-night-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:13:42 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Derek Leung Ka-chun is optimistic Lucky Sweynesse will bounce back from his Group One Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) defeat when he takes on superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising in Sunday’s Group Two BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) at Sha Tin. A strong second to Ka Ying Rising in the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) at the start of the season, Lucky Sweynesse travelled to Japan for his first overseas mission but could only manage 11th behind Win Carnelian in the Sprinters... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333103/derek-leung-expects-lucky-sweynesse-bounce-back-japan-defeat-jockey-club-sprint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333103/derek-leung-expects-lucky-sweynesse-bounce-back-japan-defeat-jockey-club-sprint?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:22:14 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Patch Of Stars continued his march up the grades with a clinical performance to win the Class Two Lukfook Jewellery Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Saturday. The Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained galloper came into his own towards the back end of last season, winning three of his four races to close out the campaign. He bounced back from a below-par return with a Class Three win over course and distance last month and shrugged off both a 7lb rise in the weights and a hike in class without breaking much of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332935/patch-stars-continues-ascension-strong-class-two-win-zac-purton?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332935/patch-stars-continues-ascension-strong-class-two-win-zac-purton?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:29:31 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton has high hopes Patch Of Stars can continue his impressive progression when the talented four-year-old tackles Saturday’s Class Two Lukfook Jewellery Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin. The Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained gelding has risen from a mark of 50 to 86 on his past six starts, which have yielded four victories and a close second. Fresh from a second-up success in the Class Three Lek Yuen Handicap (1,200m) last start, Patch Of Stars will be tested in Class Two company for the first time... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332629/zac-purton-hopes-patch-stars-can-elevate-again-first-class-two-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332629/zac-purton-hopes-patch-stars-can-elevate-again-first-class-two-test?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:52:52 +0000 Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding David Eustace will look at testing Light Years Charm in Group company again after the progressive galloper dug deep to claim a fighting win in Sunday’s Class Two Santa Monica Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin. Dropping in grade after an unlucky seventh behind My Wish in the Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m), Light Years Charm relished a frenetic speed set by Beauty Crescent and Drombeg Banner to record his fifth win from 11 local starts. Zac Purton settled the $3.75 favourite in midfield and he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332108/light-years-charm-bound-return-group-features-after-tough-class-two-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332108/light-years-charm-bound-return-group-features-after-tough-class-two-success?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Nov 2025 11:52:34 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Brett Crawford is optimistic Encountered will continue his top form in Sunday’s Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m), but the South African handler has one slight reservation for his first runner in a Hong Kong Group race. Fresh from bagging his first Happy Valley winner courtesy of Speedy Smartie on Wednesday night, Crawford hopes to celebrate a more significant first when Encountered takes on the likes of Group One performer Beauty Joy and Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) heroes Cap Ferrat and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331702/brett-crawford-has-one-slight-concern-ahead-hong-kong-group-race-debut-encountered?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331702/brett-crawford-has-one-slight-concern-ahead-hong-kong-group-race-debut-encountered?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Nov 2025 02:36:54 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Britney Wong Po-ni’s road to Happy Valley has been longer than most apprentice jockeys in recent times, but the 26-year-old is confident she now has the street smarts needed to negotiate the tight-turning city circuit. Initially hesitant to tackle the testing track where staying cool and calculated in heavy traffic is a must – jockeys must be given approval to ride at the course by Jockey Club management – Wong’s self-belief has built gradually through 249 rides and 23 winners at Sha Tin. Buoyed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331150/excited-britney-wong-confident-she-has-tools-handle-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331150/excited-britney-wong-confident-she-has-tools-handle-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Nov 2025 03:39:16 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney It’s been a busy second month of the season in Hong Kong with champion rider Zac Purton soaring clear in the jockeys’ title, Mark Newnham extending his great start to the campaign, a swag of impressive wins from some exciting gallopers and Ka Ying Rising claiming The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick. The Post analyses the jockeys and trainers who had an October to remember or one to forget, as well as the most outstanding victory and winning ride. Who’s hot? Purton proved why he is a class above his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331043/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-october?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331043/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-october?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 07:04:44 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Ever Luck produced a debut to remember at Sha Tin on Sunday, overcoming barrier 14, a surprise detour entering the home straight and a protest to land a massive betting plunge. Whacked late in betting to shorten from $9.4 to $2.8, the Mark Newnham-trained Ever Luck jumped well in the Class Four Panasonic TV Handicap (1,200m) and was urged to the lead by James Orman. Everything seemed to be going to plan through the first half of the race until Ever Luck veered out towards the middle of the track... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330373/ever-luck-produces-stunning-debut-victory-after-mid-race-detour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330373/ever-luck-produces-stunning-debut-victory-after-mid-race-detour?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:13:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Buoyed by Encountered’s slashing run on his stable debut, Brett Crawford is optimistic the Group Three winner can deliver him his first Class Two success in Hong Kong in Wednesday night’s Lei Yue Mun Handicap (1,800m) at Happy Valley. Transferred after three seasons with Manfred Man Ka-leung and last term with David Hall, Encountered went close to a breakthrough victory after storming home to fall only three-quarters of a length short of Lo Rider in second last month. The former British... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3328901/brett-crawford-has-high-hopes-class-two-happy-valley-victory-encountered?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3328901/brett-crawford-has-high-hopes-class-two-happy-valley-victory-encountered?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:16:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Exciting four-year-old Bulb General continued to stamp his Classic Series credentials after notching an electrifying third consecutive victory at Sha Tin on Saturday. Sent off the raging $1.5 favourite in the Class Three Tung Lung Chau Handicap (1,200m), the Jamie Richards-trained gelding made light work of gate 12 when storming home under Zac Purton to bolt in by two and three-quarter lengths. Despite being labelled “a shocking mover” by Purton and lazy trackworker by Richards, Bulb General... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327883/excitement-machine-bulb-general-lights-sha-tin-turf-while-manfred-man-celebrates-700th-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327883/excitement-machine-bulb-general-lights-sha-tin-turf-while-manfred-man-celebrates-700th-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 11:22:20 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jockey Derek Leung Ka-chun bemoaned an unsuitable trip and fast pace after Lucky Sweynesse’s disappointing 11th in Sunday’s Group One Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) at Nakayama Racecourse. In his international debut, Manfred Man Ka-leung’s four-time Group One winner settled behind midfield from barrier 10 and was under pressure throughout in a race dominated by on-pace runners. Sent off a $7.3 chance with parochial Hong Kong punters but $36.6 in Japan, Lucky Sweynesse was well beaten behind Win... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327140/derek-leung-bemoans-unsuitable-trip-and-fast-pace-after-lucky-sweynesses-sprinters-stakes-defeat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327140/derek-leung-bemoans-unsuitable-trip-and-fast-pace-after-lucky-sweynesses-sprinters-stakes-defeat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Sep 2025 08:30:05 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars The Sha Tin and Happy Valley racetracks have come through Super Typhoon Ragasa in good shape and officials are confident the Sha Tin turf will be ready to withstand this Sunday’s feature meeting. Just days after two races were lost because of a waterlogged section of the track on the home turn, Sha Tin – like the rest of Hong Kong – was pummelled with wind and rain on Wednesday. “There’s no issue with anything – horses no issues, stables no issues and training is open as normal this morning... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326812/sha-tin-ready-group-action-after-super-typhoon-ragasa-while-star-sprinters-track-nicely?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326812/sha-tin-ready-group-action-after-super-typhoon-ragasa-while-star-sprinters-track-nicely?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:27:05 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Heading into Sunday’s season-opening meeting at Sha Tin, most of the thinking around the next Hong Kong success abroad was focused on Ka Ying Rising and The Everest. Now, however, it’s certainly not out of the question that should the world’s best sprinter win the world’s richest race on turf next month, he’ll be the third Sha Tin-trained galloper to salute overseas in season 2025-26. Self Improvement’s shock success in the Group Three Korea Sprint (1,200m) at Seoul ensured the city has opened... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324765/after-self-improvement-surprise-can-lucky-sweynesse-shine-i-really-believed-they-had-no-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324765/after-self-improvement-surprise-can-lucky-sweynesse-shine-i-really-believed-they-had-no-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:22:28 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Self Improvement produced the performance of his life to win the Group Three Korea Sprint (1,200m) as Hong Kong fell agonisingly short of snaring a feature-race double on the Seoul sand on Sunday afternoon. One of the lowest-rated runners in the field, the Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained Self Improvement’s previous best was a Class Three victory in Hong Kong, but that mattered little for the six-year-old son of Deep Field. Given a peach of a ride outside the speed and out of the kickback by Jerry... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324662/self-improvement-reigns-supreme-korea-hong-kong-falls-agonisingly-short-feature-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324662/self-improvement-reigns-supreme-korea-hong-kong-falls-agonisingly-short-feature-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Sep 2025 11:07:29 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Derek Leung Ka-chun is hopeful Lucky Sweynesse can use Sunday’s Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin as a launching pad to international success later this month. Set the daunting task of taking on the world’s best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, on Sunday, Lucky Sweynesse will be out to prove he is on track for his first overseas mission, with the Group One Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) in Japan on September 28 firmly on trainer Manfred Man Ka-leung’s radar. Leung is locked in for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324597/derek-leung-hopes-chief-executives-cup-perfect-japan-tune-lucky-sweynesse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324597/derek-leung-hopes-chief-executives-cup-perfect-japan-tune-lucky-sweynesse?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Sep 2025 07:17:11 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Excited by a rare opportunity to ride overseas, Jerry Chau Chun-lok has faith that Chancheng Glory and Self Improvement can handle Seoul’s unique sand track when the Hong Kong duo races in South Korea on Sunday. Chau will represent Hong Kong connections abroad for the second time after teaming up with Duke Wai to finish fifth in the Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m) at Meydan in 2023. The 25-year-old, who started his career as an apprentice in Australia, cut short his summer holiday to put his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324585/jerry-chau-backs-chancheng-glory-and-self-improvement-handle-unique-seoul-track?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324585/jerry-chau-backs-chancheng-glory-and-self-improvement-handle-unique-seoul-track?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Sep 2025 03:24:52 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Matthew Poon Ming-fai “can’t wait” for Wednesday night as he bids to hold off Matthew Chadwick and Derek Leung Ka-chun and win his first Tony Cruz Award at Happy Valley’s season closer. The 31-year-old sits on the 36-win mark for the campaign, one clear of Chadwick and a further victory ahead of Leung in pursuit of his maiden local riders’ premiership. After he fired a blank at Sha Tin on Sunday and both his rivals took advantage and drew one win closer, Poon sits in a precarious position... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3318150/matthew-poon-targets-maiden-tony-cruz-award-we-can-all-be-proud-our-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3318150/matthew-poon-targets-maiden-tony-cruz-award-we-can-all-be-proud-our-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:20:43 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Fresh off wrapping up his eighth jockeys’ premiership, Zac Purton has the chance to put an exclamation mark on his season with another stacked book of rides including the rampant Patch Of Stars in the Class Three Chairmen’s Day Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Saturday. The Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained three-year-old has gone from strength to strength in his past three runs, beginning his sequence with Purton on for the first time at Sha Tin back in April. He doubled up in Class Four company with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316918/patch-stars-headline-act-zac-purton-eyes-another-successful-sha-tin-saturday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316918/patch-stars-headline-act-zac-purton-eyes-another-successful-sha-tin-saturday?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 05:19:01 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Hong Kong racing looks set to have it’s lowest-rated Champion Griffin in 14 years after the Jockey Club confirmed the initial nominations on Wednesday. Not since the 75-rated Bear Hero took the gong at the end of the 2010-11 season has a horse still in Class Three won Champion Griffin, but that is likely to change this season. Sky Jewellery and Crossborderpegasus are the nominated gallopers and, with the John Size-trained pair unlikely to race again this season, it looks as though either the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316887/hong-kong-could-have-class-three-champion-griffin-first-time-14-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316887/hong-kong-could-have-class-three-champion-griffin-first-time-14-years?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 01:45:38 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars James Orman was left pinching himself after landing his first Hong Kong double at Sha Tin on Tuesday evening. Orman has chipped away since arriving in Hong Kong as injury cover in February, compiling 11 winners from 206 rides to earn himself a contract through to February next year. “First double – pinching myself really,” said Orman after booting home Wonderstar and Pakistan Legacy. “It’s a good thrill to build a bit of momentum. Hopefully I can keep it rolling.” Congratulations, @JimmyOrman!... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316552/james-orman-bags-first-hong-kong-double-manfred-man-snares-rare-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316552/james-orman-bags-first-hong-kong-double-manfred-man-snares-rare-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Jul 2025 13:59:48 +0000