https://www.scmp.com/rss/524643/feed The latest news and top stories on James McDonald, a New Zealand jockey. He is a member of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame and was named World Jockey of the Year in 2021 and 2024. McDonald has secured over 2,300 career wins, including more than 100 Group 1 victories across multiple countries. His accomplishments include winning the Melbourne Cup, King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and multiple Hong Kong Cups. He holds several Sydney Champion Jockey titles and recently completed a successful... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Romantic Warrior turned away some of the world’s best horses with disdain to claim a record-extending fourth win in the Group One QEII Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday as he continued to etch his name in Hong Kong racing folklore. The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained global star looked to have his biggest test yet in facing Japan’s rising force Masquerade Ball and France’s Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) winner Sosie, but there was barely a moment’s worry for his legion of supporters at Sha... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351490/danny-shum-lauds-super-champion-romantic-warrior-after-record-extending-fourth-qeii-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351490/danny-shum-lauds-super-champion-romantic-warrior-after-record-extending-fourth-qeii-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:42:24 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Hong Kong completed a grand slam of the Group One races on FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin on Sunday, with Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior and My Wish all beating off overseas challenges in style. In the big race of the day, the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize, trainer David Hayes cut a relieved figure after Ka Ying Rising took down his own track record once again, despite his rider Zac Purton coasting home in the closing stages. It was a victory with all the swagger and arrogance of a superstar... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3351484/ka-ying-rising-romantic-warrior-my-wish-complete-hong-kong-clean-sweep-champions-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3351484/ka-ying-rising-romantic-warrior-my-wish-complete-hong-kong-clean-sweep-champions-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:33:16 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham is looking to cap off an already “brilliant” season when My Wish and Invincible Ibis break from barriers 10 and five respectively in Sunday’s Group One Champions Mile at Sha Tin. One of three Group One races at Sha Tin, the Champions Mile has a wide-open feel to it, with not much separating a large portion of the 14-strong field. The draw did little to help solve the puzzle, with all the key contenders drawing well enough, including last year’s fourth My Wish, who arrives with a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351134/mark-newnham-happy-enough-my-wish-and-invincible-ibis-draw-10-and-five-champions-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351134/mark-newnham-happy-enough-my-wish-and-invincible-ibis-draw-10-and-five-champions-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:30:07 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Connections of Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior head into Sunday’s FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin with supreme confidence as the Hong Kong superstars bid for record-extending Group One victories. The two highest-rated horses in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2026 so far, Ka Ying Rising chases a 20th straight victory in the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) while Romantic Warrior will bid to win the Group One QEII Cup (2,000m) for a fourth time. Ka Ying Rising can... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351133/confidence-remains-high-ka-ying-rising-and-romantic-warrior-camps-ahead-champions-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351133/confidence-remains-high-ka-ying-rising-and-romantic-warrior-camps-ahead-champions-day?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:17 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Mark Newnham will be looking for a third straight Happy Valley victory with Ace War on Wednesday night before chasing Group One glory with My Wish and Invincible Ibis in Sunday’s Champions Mile at Sha Tin. My Wish has progressed well since his second place in the Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m) when beaten by a short head behind Lucky Sweynesse and is eyeing his first Group One victory in an open edition of the Champions Mile. “My Wish had a gallop on the course on Saturday morning, which... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350686/mark-newnham-eyes-happy-valley-hat-trick-ace-war-ahead-dual-pronged-champions-mile-assault?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350686/mark-newnham-eyes-happy-valley-hat-trick-ace-war-ahead-dual-pronged-champions-mile-assault?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:09:11 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Mark Newnham and Zac Purton were rapt with Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero Invincible Ibis and Little Paradise’s trials at Sha Tin on Thursday as they prepare to defy history in next week’s Group One Champions Mile. In his first major hit-out since a strong victory in last month’s Derby, Invincible Ibis ran on under little pressure from jockey Hugh Bowman to finish third in a 1,200m dirt trial, which was won by Little Paradise. Newnham was pleased with the performance and has high hopes the son of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350278/invincible-ibis-and-little-paradise-please-mark-newnham-and-zac-purton-ahead-champions-mile-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350278/invincible-ibis-and-little-paradise-please-mark-newnham-and-zac-purton-ahead-champions-mile-test?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:16 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Hugh Bowman has made the tough call to ride My Wish over Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero Invincible Ibis in the Group One Champions Mile, with superstar jockey James McDonald replacing him on the latter in the HK$24 million feature. Despite guiding the Mark Newnham-trained Invincible Ibis to an emphatic victory in last month’s Derby, Bowman sided with stablemate My Wish after his fast-finishing second to Lucky Sweynesse in Monday’s Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m). “It was a tough call. I had... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349481/hugh-bowman-opts-ride-my-wish-champions-mile-james-mcdonald-his-replacement-invincible-ibis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349481/hugh-bowman-opts-ride-my-wish-champions-mile-james-mcdonald-his-replacement-invincible-ibis?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:51:41 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald has been booked to ride Seraph Gabriel in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) after the superstar jockey chose to hop off Beauty Bolt in favour of David Eustace’s British import. McDonald was aboard Beauty Bolt in the first two legs of the Classic Series, finishing third in the Classic Mile and seventh in the Classic Cup (1,800m), but he was taken by Seraph Gabriel’s close second to Lucky Sam Gor when he rode him on the Classic Mile undercard. The son of Saxon Warrior... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346669/superstar-jockey-james-mcdonald-confirmed-ride-seraph-gabriel-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346669/superstar-jockey-james-mcdonald-confirmed-ride-seraph-gabriel-hong-kong-derby?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:18:37 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Romantic Warrior continued his march towards Triple Crown glory after leaving his rivals standing still in a jaw-dropping performance to win the Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. It was a 13th Group One success for the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained global superstar, who produced one of his most devastating displays yet under James McDonald to win by four lengths eased down. Sitting third behind long-time pacesetter Beauty Joy and second-running Ensued, Romantic Warrior was always... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345035/romantic-warrior-moves-one-step-closer-triple-crown-after-devastating-gold-cup-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3345035/romantic-warrior-moves-one-step-closer-triple-crown-after-devastating-gold-cup-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:38:47 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has Voyage Bubble “full of beans” after a strong trial win over Romantic Warrior, but he doubts his stable star can turn the tables on his arch rival in Sunday’s Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin. The two prolific Group One winners clash once again, with Romantic Warrior bidding to keep his Triple Crown hopes alive after claiming the first leg – the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) last month. Voyage Bubble ran third in that race after slipping behind on jumping and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344964/voyage-bubble-full-beans-ricky-yiu-doubts-he-can-topple-romantic-warrior-gold-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344964/voyage-bubble-full-beans-ricky-yiu-doubts-he-can-topple-romantic-warrior-gold-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 07:27:10 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Patience will be the key to the chances of Beauty Bolt in Sunday’s Classic Cup (1,800m) at Sha Tin, with his trainer Tony Cruz emphasising how crucial it is for jockey James McDonald to wait until the very last minute to pounce. The Night Of Thunder galloper won his only start in Ireland pre-import for Joseph O’Brien and is yet to finish outside the top four in eight Hong Kong starts, with seven of those runs seeing him finish on the podium. A mile winner four runs ago, he posted a career-best... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344679/patience-key-beauty-bolt-tony-cruz-targets-third-classic-cup-triumph-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344679/patience-key-beauty-bolt-tony-cruz-targets-third-classic-cup-triumph-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:04:02 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Karis Teetan raved about Romantic Warrior after enjoying his first sit on the global superstar since August 2023 when he ran second to Voyage Bubble in a tactical trial at Sha Tin on Friday morning. It was an intriguing duel between the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained 12-time Group One winner and Voyage Bubble, with the pair both getting a blow in ahead of their clash in next week’s Group One Gold Cup (2,000m). Voyage Bubble sat on the shoulder of the returning Cap Ferrat for much of the journey,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344088/karis-teetan-gives-romantic-warrior-seal-approval-after-trial-clash-voyage-bubble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3344088/karis-teetan-gives-romantic-warrior-seal-approval-after-trial-clash-voyage-bubble?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:17:12 +0000 Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding It’s been a big couple of weeks for Francis Lui Kin-wai and the stable’s incredible form continued at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the veteran trainer bagging both Class Twos and unveiling a smart debutant. Lui, who celebrated his 1,000th Hong Kong win last week and 67th birthday on Thursday, backed up his Sha Tin treble seven days earlier to make it eight winners from the past four meetings. Winning Wing and Invincible Shield struck in the two strongest races on the Group One undercard, while Gold... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341171/francis-lui-bags-two-class-twos-and-unveils-smart-debutant-extend-stables-superb-form?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341171/francis-lui-bags-two-class-twos-and-unveils-smart-debutant-extend-stables-superb-form?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:00:04 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Danny Shum Chap-shing hailed his “small but strong team” as Romantic Warrior began his path towards the Triple Crown with a scintillating performance to win the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Dropping back to the mile for the first time since winning the 2024 Yasuda Kinen was no problem for the globetrotting sensation, who made a mockery of his rivals after a tactical masterclass by jockey James McDonald. Breaking from stall seven, Romantic Warrior was held out four wide... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341167/romantic-warrior-begins-triple-crown-march-scintillating-stewards-cup-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341167/romantic-warrior-begins-triple-crown-march-scintillating-stewards-cup-success?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:26:22 +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 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald has been booked to ride Beauty Bolt in next month’s Classic Mile as the world’s best jockey prepares for another shot at history with champion galloper Romantic Warrior. Beauty Bolt’s owners, the Kwok family, swooped on McDonald after eight-time Hong Kong champion Zac Purton opted to ride Sagacious Life in the first leg of the four-year-old series. One of seven rides under consideration by Purton, the Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Bolt has finished in the first four in all seven local... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339949/superstar-jockey-james-mcdonald-excited-pick-classic-mile-ride-beauty-bolt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3339949/superstar-jockey-james-mcdonald-excited-pick-classic-mile-ride-beauty-bolt?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:06:54 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney There might only be four weeks until the Classic Mile but the race for the top seed, a coveted spot in the final field and even Zac Purton’s services remain open. The build-up to the much-anticipated first leg of the four-year-old series ramped up on Sunday, with Brazilian import Sagacious Life staking his claim again with a defiant Class Two success under top weight and Purton. Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s progressive galloper currently boasts the highest rating of the Classic Mile contenders on a mark... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338772/classic-mile-picture-set-take-shape-crucial-sha-tin-meeting-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3338772/classic-mile-picture-set-take-shape-crucial-sha-tin-meeting-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:04:24 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Invincible Ibis confirmed his standing as the Classic Mile’s leading contender when the emerging four-year-old delivered Mark Newnham his 100th Hong Kong victory at Sha Tin on Saturday. Stepping up to the Classic Mile trip for the first time in the Class Three Poinsettia Handicap, Invincible Ibis sliced his way through the field under a sublime Zac Purton ride to complete a hat-trick with another dominant triumph. Newnham has compared the Hellbent gelding to his Classic Mile winner of last year,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337190/invincible-ibis-stamps-classic-mile-claims-mark-newnham-celebrates-100th-hong-kong-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337190/invincible-ibis-stamps-classic-mile-claims-mark-newnham-celebrates-100th-hong-kong-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Dec 2025 12:17:20 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Eustace is excited to test Dazzling Fit against “the stand-out” Classic Series contender Invincible Ibis in what shapes as a crucial clash in Saturday’s Class Three Poinsettia Handicap (1,600m) at Sha Tin. Bound for the first leg of the four-year-old series, the Classic Mile on February 1, the Mark Newnham-trained Invincible Ibis chases a third straight victory while Dazzling Fit continued his upward spiral with an incredibly tough win last start. Trapped wide throughout without cover from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337007/david-eustace-excited-test-dazzling-fit-against-stand-out-classic-series-contender?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3337007/david-eustace-excited-test-dazzling-fit-against-stand-out-classic-series-contender?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Dec 2025 04:58:06 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding John Size threw out the warning signal that his usual midseason surge was kicking into high gear when he grabbed his first two winners at Happy Valley for the campaign on Wednesday evening. It is a case of better late than never for the 13-time champion trainer, who got off the mark at the Valley this season at the 64th attempt when Amazing Kid shattered his maiden at his eighth start. It was a well-earned success in the third section of the Class Four Albatross Handicap (1,200m), with the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336827/john-size-snares-first-happy-valley-winners-season-me-tsui-secures-memorable-brace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336827/john-size-snares-first-happy-valley-winners-season-me-tsui-secures-memorable-brace?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:37:07 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald was speechless and Danny Shum Chap-shing felt great relief as champion galloper Romantic Warrior created history again with a fourth straight Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) triumph. Romantic Warrior became the first galloper to win four features at the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) when he cruised to victory over Japan’s Bellagio Opera at Sha Tin on Sunday. “He’s so special. He’s just a freak,” McDonald said after guiding Romantic Warrior to an 11th Group One... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336396/romantic-warrior-creates-history-again-fourth-straight-hong-kong-cup-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336396/romantic-warrior-creates-history-again-fourth-straight-hong-kong-cup-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:06:33 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Helene Supafeeling overcame inexperience and a wide barrier to barge himself into Classic Series contention after a sparkling local debut in the Class Three Snow Fairy Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The David Eustace-trained galloper was a dual winner on the all-weather in Britain for Archie Watson pre-import and had shown potential in his trials ahead of his local debut. Sent off $7.8 under James McDonald, Helene Supafeeling only had two behind turning wide into the straight. Despite... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336394/helene-supafeeling-lays-down-classic-series-credentials-sparkling-debut-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336394/helene-supafeeling-lays-down-classic-series-credentials-sparkling-debut-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:01:41 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Perhaps the two best horses ever trained in Hong Kong will headline what promises to be an action-packed Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The highest-earning racehorse of all time with north of HK$217 million to his name, Romantic Warrior will attempt to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m). Victory in the first seven-runner Cup since 2007 would make Romantic Warrior the only four-time HKIR winner and the market suggests only... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336346/hong-kong-heavyweights-headline-action-packed-international-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336346/hong-kong-heavyweights-headline-action-packed-international-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:17 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald is still in awe of Romantic Warrior as he prepares to chase a record-extending fourth consecutive Group One Longines Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) on the champion galloper at Sha Tin on Sunday. The 10-time Group One hero and world’s highest-earning racehorse with HK$217.7 million in prize money heads into the city’s richest race off the back of a stunning return from injury, comfortably claiming the Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) last month. “It’s pretty remarkable to think what he’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336313/james-mcdonald-still-awe-romantic-warrior-ive-never-felt-hes-ever-going-lose?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336313/james-mcdonald-still-awe-romantic-warrior-ive-never-felt-hes-ever-going-lose?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Dec 2025 05:40:42 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald and Zac Purton are optimistic they will have a big say in a wide-open Group One Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday when they ride Galaxy Patch and Voyage Bubble, respectively. In what looms as the most open contest of the four Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) features, the Mile could become a blockbuster showdown between the two champion jockeys. Galaxy Patch and Voyage Bubble are two of the headline acts in the HK$36 million race, with the former coming off a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336212/james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-confident-hong-kong-mile-chances-wide-open-contest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336212/james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-confident-hong-kong-mile-chances-wide-open-contest?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:14:40 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Romantic Warrior will bid to make more history this Sunday when he chases a record-extending fourth straight victory in the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m). He would also become the first horse to win four times at the Longines Hong Kong International Races. First though, let’s relive the three spine-tingling victories that have ensured one of the greatest gallopers of all time stands on the precipice of the unfathomable. Complete domination As far as absolute brilliance and complete domination... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336139/relive-romantic-warriors-three-spine-tingling-hong-kong-cup-victories?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336139/relive-romantic-warriors-three-spine-tingling-hong-kong-cup-victories?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:02:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman are the most popular picks to win Wednesday night’s Longines Hong Kong International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley, but it looks to be a wide-open affair according to the Post’s tipsters and the betting market. Three-time IJC victor Purton and Bowman each got the nod from two of the Post’s tipsters, with the latter sharing $6.5 favouritism with Joao Moreira and the former close behind at $7.5. In what many rate as one of the best IJC line-ups ever... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335837/who-wins-international-jockeys-championship-happy-valley-heres-what-our-tipsters-think?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335837/who-wins-international-jockeys-championship-happy-valley-heres-what-our-tipsters-think?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:25:13 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars He’d hoped to be back in Hong Kong a little sooner but Joao Moreira is ready to make an impact when he heads to Happy Valley for the first time in over three years on Wednesday night. Denied a position on Hong Kong’s packed riding roster after hoping to return as Caspar Fownes’ stable jockey earlier this season, Moreira will ride in the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) for the first time since 2021. Victorious in the competition in 2012, Moreira admitted he wasn’t sure if he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335799/first-international-jockeys-championship-and-then-longer-hong-kong-stint-joao-moreira-hopefully-we?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335799/first-international-jockeys-championship-and-then-longer-hong-kong-stint-joao-moreira-hopefully-we?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:05:29 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Set to be crowned the Longines World’s Best Jockey for the third time in four years, James McDonald is keen to add a breakthrough success in the International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) to his glittering CV at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Kiwi superstar will receive the World’s Best Jockey award at Friday night’s Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) gala dinner after claiming 12 of the world’s top 100 Group Ones in 2025. But first his focus is on the IJC, which has so far proven... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335702/james-mcdonald-bids-breakthrough-success-international-jockeys-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335702/james-mcdonald-bids-breakthrough-success-international-jockeys-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:02:47 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding David Hayes has his sights firmly set on the HK$300,000 International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) trainers’ bonus with a battalion of seven horses across the four legs of Wednesday’s lucrative competition. The top trainer won the prize in 2021 and will have every chance to do the same at Happy Valley with an in-form squad that includes the strong pair of Akashvani and Romantic Son in the fourth leg, a Class Three contest over 1,200m. Romantic Son ran riot in the grade on his most recent start,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335581/david-hayes-eyes-international-jockeys-challenge-trainers-bonus-happy-valley-super-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335581/david-hayes-eyes-international-jockeys-challenge-trainers-bonus-happy-valley-super-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Dec 2025 07:17:43 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding The lead-up to Hong Kong International Races continues at Sha Tin on Sunday, with 10 races on the programme and some smart prospects out to play. Owen Goulding is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections for the competitive card. Race 1 – Class Five Ashley Handicap (1,650m) Go Go Go is a frustrating sort but he ran his best race in a long time over course and distance last up and can find a good position from gate one. Season 2024/25 is underway! 🥳@zpurton bags the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335454/who-wins-sha-tin-cheer-south-can-get-punters-roaring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335454/who-wins-sha-tin-cheer-south-can-get-punters-roaring?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:23:55 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney He’s one of the more exciting up-and-coming gallopers racing on Sunday’s card at Sha Tin, but Top Dragon will face a stern test according to trainer Chris So Wai-yin. An impressive winner at three of his past five starts, Top Dragon will bid to enhance his standing as a leading Classic Series contender when he tackles the Class Three Salisbury Handicap (1,400m). The son of Pierata continued his upward spiral when he finished powerfully from back in the field under champion jockey Zac Purton to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335446/chris-so-eager-see-top-dragon-pass-big-test-en-route-classic-series?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335446/chris-so-eager-see-top-dragon-pass-big-test-en-route-classic-series?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Dec 2025 06:57:50 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald and Hugh Bowman are confident Galaxy Patch and Helios Express are primed to produce peak performances at the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) after competing in a star-studded trial at Sha Tin on Thursday. Set for the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) on Sunday week, Helios Express under Bowman vied for the lead with Packing Hermod in Thursday’s dirt hit-out over 1,200m and kept on solidly to run second to that galloper. Fellow Hong Kong Sprint contender Raging... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335151/galaxy-patch-and-helios-express-track-peak-hong-kong-international-races-after-dirt-trial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3335151/galaxy-patch-and-helios-express-track-peak-hong-kong-international-races-after-dirt-trial?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2025 04:36:35 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney November is always an important month in Hong Kong racing and this year was no exception, with the city’s two best gallopers Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising making big statements ahead of the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR). 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 continued his winning ways, matching his October haul with 16 wins at an incredible... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334738/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-november?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334738/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-november?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:40:25 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Dazzling Fit enhanced his Classic Series claims with a herculean performance and Colourful King came from the clouds in a sensational display as David Eustace celebrated a double at Sha Tin on Sunday. Despite facing tough draws in their respective races, Colourful King exploded from last to smash his rivals in the Class Two 1,000m Turf Handicap before Dazzling Fit sealed Eustace’s brace with a gutsy victory in the Class Three 1,600m Turf Handicap. “You’re hopeful when you go to the races with a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334676/dazzling-fit-and-colourful-king-overcome-tough-draws-hand-david-eustace-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334676/dazzling-fit-and-colourful-king-overcome-tough-draws-hand-david-eustace-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Nov 2025 11:40:41 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars It is sure to be a subdued afternoon at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the card to take place behind closed doors as a mark of respect for the victims of this week’s tragic Tai Po fire. There are 10 races on the card and Sam Agars provides an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Four 1,000m Turf Handicap A nice little contest to kick off the card and Packing Glory looks well placed to make a winning debut. While gate two is not ideal down the Sha Tin straight and a couple of key rivals,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334610/who-wins-sha-tin-debut-winner-can-take-luck-out-equation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334610/who-wins-sha-tin-debut-winner-can-take-luck-out-equation?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Nov 2025 06:35:11 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Massive Sovereign will skip Sunday’s Class Two Chevalier Cup (1,600m) and head straight to next month’s Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) with Hugh Bowman in the frame to take the ride. Trainer David Eustace’s preference to space Massive Sovereign’s runs prompted the move to bypass Sunday’s feature at Sha Tin, with the 2024 Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) winner set for a huge challenge against Romantic Warrior on December 14. The Irish import has produced three solid runs since transferring from Dennis... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334315/massive-sovereign-skips-chevalier-cup-hugh-bowman-mix-hong-kong-cup-ride?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334315/massive-sovereign-skips-chevalier-cup-hugh-bowman-mix-hong-kong-cup-ride?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Nov 2025 04:51:20 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Hugh Bowman and Vincent Ho Chak-yiu claimed the final two slots in the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) on December 10 with a trio of winners between them on a dramatic night at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Bowman needed a winner to leapfrog Luke Ferraris and he almost took the initiative straight away when Flow Water Flow missed by a nose behind Somelovefromabove in section one of the Class Four Glenfinnan Viaduct Handicap (1,200m). Remarkably, Bowman then missed again by a nose... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334278/hugh-bowman-and-vincent-ho-snag-final-international-jockeys-championship-berths-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334278/hugh-bowman-and-vincent-ho-snag-final-international-jockeys-championship-berths-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:46:52 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Voyage Bubble will defend his Group One Hong Kong Mile crown in a capacity field that also features Japan’s Soul Rush and Embroidery, Aidan O’Brien’s The Lion In Winter and French colt Beauvatier. Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai and Voyage Bubble’s owners opted to drop the Triple Crown hero back to a mile rather than tackle the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) after he ran second to Romantic Warrior in last Sunday’s Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m). Zac Purton is expected to again take the ride... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334218/voyage-bubble-confirmed-defend-hong-kong-mile-crown-against-five-international-raiders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334218/voyage-bubble-confirmed-defend-hong-kong-mile-crown-against-five-international-raiders?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:50:59 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Any doubts about Romantic Warrior not being able to return to his glorious best after injury were firmly brushed aside as he crushed Voyage Bubble to win a third Group Two BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The 10-time Group One hero had been sidelined with an incomplete fracture in his left front fetlock and was returning from a 232-day absence to take on a race-fit Triple Crown hero in Voyage Bubble. Despite this, the market was firmly in his favour and Danny Shum... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333859/romantic-warrior-crushes-voyage-bubble-232-day-lay-land-third-jockey-club-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333859/romantic-warrior-crushes-voyage-bubble-232-day-lay-land-third-jockey-club-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:58:49 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney A sublime rails-hugging ride by James McDonald helped Galaxy Patch claim his first victory in 13 months as red-hot favourite My Wish could only manage fourth in a dramatic Group Two BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday. Winless since last year’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m), Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s stable star avenged his defeat in last year’s Jockey Club Mile as the $1.7 favourite with the breakthrough success. McDonald made an impact on his first race ride on Galaxy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333856/james-mcdonalds-peach-propels-galaxy-patch-first-win-13-months-jockey-club-mile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333856/james-mcdonalds-peach-propels-galaxy-patch-first-win-13-months-jockey-club-mile?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:41:49 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Danny Shum Chap-shing is bullish Romantic Warrior will once again showcase his champion qualities when he makes his long-awaited return from injury in Sunday’s Group Two BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin. The world’s highest-earning racehorse with a staggering HK$214.7 million in prize money, Romantic Warrior will race for the first time since his close second to Soul Rush in the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m) at Meydan in March. The 10-time Group One hero had a screw inserted into an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333531/danny-shum-expects-romantic-warrior-return-bang-jockey-club-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333531/danny-shum-expects-romantic-warrior-return-bang-jockey-club-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:42:23 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Saturday’s 10-race card at Sha Tin is headlined by a competitive Class Two Lukfook Jewellery Cup (1,200m), while the battle between champion jockeys Zac Purton and James McDonald is sure to be another highlight. Jay Rooney is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Four Lukfook Jewellery Hexicon Handicap (1,200m) Georgian Sigma comes off an impressive second on debut, in which he was carried out just before the turn by eventual winner Ever Luck and fired... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332793/who-wins-sha-tin-beauty-can-bolt-classic-series-contention?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332793/who-wins-sha-tin-beauty-can-bolt-classic-series-contention?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Nov 2025 07:31:32 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald gave a glowing report on Romantic Warrior after reuniting with the champion galloper at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning, while the superstar jockey also confirmed he will ride Galaxy Patch and Fast Network at the crucial November 23 meeting. Set to start his latest Hong Kong riding stint at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, McDonald rode Romantic Warrior in a track gallop with stablemate Romantic Thor and the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained star felt as good as ever as he prepares to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332290/james-mcdonald-gives-glowing-report-romantic-warrior-while-confirming-galaxy-patch-and-fast-network?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332290/james-mcdonald-gives-glowing-report-romantic-warrior-while-confirming-galaxy-patch-and-fast-network?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Nov 2025 04:50:13 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Superstars Joao Moreira and Christophe Lemaire will compete in December’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) for the first time in years, while the injured Ryan Moore remains a chance to feature for the 17th straight season as he recovers from a leg injury. Reigning IJC champion Mickael Barzalona, Kiwi gun James McDonald, William Buick, Hollie Doyle, Rachel King and Hong Kong fan favourite Umberto Rispoli were also among the newly configured line-up confirmed by the Jockey Club... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331597/joao-moreira-and-christophe-lemaire-return-international-jockeys-championship-line-while-injured?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331597/joao-moreira-and-christophe-lemaire-return-international-jockeys-championship-line-while-injured?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:53:58 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton has been booked to ride Voyage Bubble as the champion jockey and five-time Group One winner prepare for another stoush with Romantic Warrior in the Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) on November 23. Purton will ride Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s stable star for the first time since last year’s Group One Yasuda Kinen (1,600m) in Japan after connections opted to step Voyage Bubble up in trip rather than stay at 1,600m in the Group Two Jockey Club Mile. That move made the prized ride available,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330996/zac-purton-ride-voyage-bubble-latest-clash-romantic-warrior-jockey-club-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330996/zac-purton-ride-voyage-bubble-latest-clash-romantic-warrior-jockey-club-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:13:40 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars It’s been a big week of firsts for Zac Purton – a maiden The Everest win, an unprecedented 1,900th Hong Kong victory and now, for surely the first time in his career, a spray labelling the eight-time champion “a big sissy”. Speaking from Kempton late on Wednesday night Hong Kong time, Maureen Haggas – wife of top trainer William – called Purton’s steer on their galloper, Lake Forest, in Saturday’s King Charles III Stakes at Randwick in Sydney “about the worst ride I think I’ve ever seen in my... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330050/zac-purtons-big-few-days-everest-1900-wins-and-now-almighty-spray?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3330050/zac-purtons-big-few-days-everest-1900-wins-and-now-almighty-spray?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Oct 2025 08:27:12 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding It would not be hard to argue that the current crop of Hong Kong jockeys is one of the strongest in recent memory – so why was a return to the city for Joao Moreira talked about as if it were a certainty? There is no debating that the “Magic Man” is one of the best jockeys to ever grace Hong Kong, racking up 1,235 wins and being champion jockey on four occasions. His regular tussles with Zac Purton were something to savour and he is internationally acclaimed - his talent is certainly not up for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3328451/joao-moreiras-knock-back-shows-brutal-competitiveness-hong-kong-weighing-room?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3328451/joao-moreiras-knock-back-shows-brutal-competitiveness-hong-kong-weighing-room?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Oct 2025 01:18:02 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Hugh Bowman is confident Helios Express is every bit the horse he was when placing behind Ka Ying Rising seven times last season after putting the sprinter through his paces in a trial at Sha Tin on Friday morning. Helios Express travelled nicely behind the speed over 1,200m on the all-weather track before picking up nicely when asked by Bowman and crossing the line in third. “He feels as good [as last season]. He’s had a nice puff this morning. A bit like Red Lion, he probably needs to go to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327711/hugh-bowman-says-helios-express-feels-good-last-season-after-sha-tin-trial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327711/hugh-bowman-says-helios-express-feels-good-last-season-after-sha-tin-trial?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:38:14 +0000