https://www.scmp.com/rss/39/feed Horse racing news, fixtures, race reports, features and analysis. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Harry Bentley is upbeat about his prospects of another win at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, with the British jockey rating Packing Angel and Hymnbook strong chances in their respective races. Fresh from an upset win on $38.9 outsider Thriving Brothers at Sha Tin on Sunday, Bentley will bid to add to his seasonal haul of five victories with five rides at the city circuit. He reunites with Packing Angel in the Class Two Lung Cheung Handicap (1,650m) after guiding the Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373926/harry-bentley-optimistic-about-packing-angel-and-hymnbooks-chances-happy-valley https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373926/harry-bentley-optimistic-about-packing-angel-and-hymnbooks-chances-happy-valley Tue, 10 Nov 2026 08:06:00 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Entries for the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) might lack star power outside of Ka Ying Rising, but Hong Kong’s domination of the city’s biggest meeting in recent years could still come to an end next month. With champion galloper Romantic Warrior’s retirement leaving a gaping hole in the local squad, the city’s richest race, the HK$40 million Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m), appears at the mercy of the overseas brigade. The internationals account for 52 of the 72 entries for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373786/local-domination-hong-kong-international-races-could-come-end-year https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373786/local-domination-hong-kong-international-races-could-come-end-year Mon, 09 Nov 2026 11:00:22 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham is hoping the prolific Lucky Sam Gor can complete his Hong Kong set when he bids for a first Happy Valley win in the Class Two Lung Cheung Handicap (1,650m) on Wednesday night. The Press Statement galloper won five times on the Sha Tin turf last season in a rampant campaign where he soared from a rating of 45 all the way up to a high of 79. He got his win on the Sha Tin dirt at the first time of asking last start, slicing his way through the pack to win by a head to get off the mark... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373773/mark-newnham-hopes-lucky-sam-gor-can-complete-hong-kong-set-happy-valley https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373773/mark-newnham-hopes-lucky-sam-gor-can-complete-hong-kong-set-happy-valley Mon, 09 Nov 2026 07:26:26 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Andrea Atzeni catapulted into Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) contention with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday, helping the Kwok family celebrate Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse day in style. Atzeni booted home John Size’s pair of promising four-year-olds Prime Ace and Beauty Award and the Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Bolt, with the two Beauty horses raced by the race day sponsors the Kwoks. For Atzeni, the three-timer boosted his seasonal tally to 12 wins and helped him jump to fifth in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373701/andrea-atzeni-launches-international-jockeys-championship-contention-sha-tin-treble https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373701/andrea-atzeni-launches-international-jockeys-championship-contention-sha-tin-treble Sun, 08 Nov 2026 11:45:31 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Speed Dragon roared home to continue a remarkable start to the season for jockey Jerry Chau Chun-lok by winning the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Arriving at the meeting with 16 wins for the campaign, Chau continued to take plaudits with another ultra-cool feature ride. It was a critical win for Chau in the race for the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC), moving him three clear of Vincent Ho Chak-yiu and five clear of Andrea Atzeni. These will be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373699/jerry-chau-continues-rampant-season-speed-dragon-roars-group-three-glory-sha-tin https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373699/jerry-chau-continues-rampant-season-speed-dragon-roars-group-three-glory-sha-tin Sun, 08 Nov 2026 11:12:51 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney HOT DELIGHT - R11 (4) Can stake his claim as the city's best four-year-old with a win here   Owen Goulding MR INCREDIBLE - R11 (14) No weight to carry from an improved draw and can get back on winning track   Paul Lally FIT FOR BEAUTY - R9 (5) Impressed in a recent trial and has won third up in the past   Phillip Woo TITAN PEGASUS - R7 (3) Resumed fifth with excuses and can secure a maiden local win here   Trackwork Spy HOT DELIGHT - R11 (4) Brave in defeat on return after a wide run... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373656/scmp-best-bets-delight-hot-prospect-punters-sha-tin https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373656/scmp-best-bets-delight-hot-prospect-punters-sha-tin Sat, 07 Nov 2026 13:00:09 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding David Eustace is looking forward to teaming up with fellow Briton Saffie Osborne when Silvery Breeze bids for a maiden Group success in the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Third in the trainers’ championship on 12 wins, the in-form handler has already tasted Group Two and Group Three glory this season, and Silvery Breeze is another he has feature race aspirations with. The Dundeel galloper had some useful form to cap off last season, winning a pair of races at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373647/david-eustace-out-more-feature-race-success-silvery-breeze-leads-sha-tin-squad https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373647/david-eustace-out-more-feature-race-success-silvery-breeze-leads-sha-tin-squad Sat, 07 Nov 2026 09:40:51 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney A mouth-watering clash between Hong Kong’s two most exciting four-year-olds looms as the highlight of Sunday’s Sha Tin undercard in what will serve as a preview of January’s Classic Mile. Hot Delight and Mr Incredible will square off for the first time in the Class Two Santa Monica Handicap (1,400m), with connections of the rising stars predicting improvement second up after their seconds on return. Facing his first test at 1,400m, Francis Lui Kin-wai’s Hot Delight overcame a wide run without... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373634/exciting-clash-between-rising-stars-hot-delight-and-mr-incredible-early-classic-mile-preview https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373634/exciting-clash-between-rising-stars-hot-delight-and-mr-incredible-early-classic-mile-preview Sat, 07 Nov 2026 05:07:32 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Pierre Ng Pang-chi is hoping Le Zonda has toughened up since his last run as his promising stayer faces the biggest test of his career in the Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The two-time Irish winner pre-import made quite the impression to cap off last season, breaking through locally at the seventh attempt when sweeping from the back of the field for a comfortable success at Happy Valley over 1,800m. He followed up with a similar performance a month later,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373362/pierre-ng-banking-tougher-le-zonda-he-faces-sa-sa-ladies-purse-test-sha-tin https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373362/pierre-ng-banking-tougher-le-zonda-he-faces-sa-sa-ladies-purse-test-sha-tin Thu, 05 Nov 2026 10:00:18 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Saffie Osborne will get her first taste of what she labels every jockey’s dream when she makes her Hong Kong debut with a stacked book of 10 rides at Sha Tin on Sunday. The groundbreaking British rider arrived in the city on Wednesday night bidding to continue her meteoric rise, fresh from becoming the first female jockey to ride a British Classic winner after booting home Highwayman in September’s Group One St Leger. Rated one of the best up-and-coming young jockeys in the world, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373358/saffie-osborne-excited-live-her-dream-stacked-book-10-rides-sha-tin-debut https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373358/saffie-osborne-excited-live-her-dream-stacked-book-10-rides-sha-tin-debut Thu, 05 Nov 2026 06:43:01 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton returned from a two-meeting suspension with a treble at Happy Valley on Wednesday night as Jerry Chau Chun-lok secured a valuable win in the race for a Longines International Jockeys’ Championship berth. Nine-time Hong Kong champion Purton was in vintage form when booting home the David Hall-trained Brownneedsfurther, Jamie Richards’ Storming Dragon and the Cody Mo Wai-kit-trained California Blitz, extending his lead at the top of the premiership to 12 over nearest rival Nichola Yuen... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373310/zac-purton-returns-suspension-happy-valley-treble-jerry-chau-boosts-ijc-hopes https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373310/zac-purton-returns-suspension-happy-valley-treble-jerry-chau-boosts-ijc-hopes Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:22:18 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising and a host of international stars headline 142 entries for the showpiece Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) meeting at Sha Tin on December 13. The Jockey Club confirmed on Wednesday that 36 individual Group One winners are among entries for the four elite races – the HK$40 million Group One Hong Kong Cup, HK$36 million Group One Hong Kong Mile, HK$28 million Group One Hong Kong Sprint and HK$26 million Group One Hong Kong Vase. Rated 135 at the top of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373248/ka-ying-rising-and-host-overseas-stars-headline-hong-kong-international-races-entries https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373248/ka-ying-rising-and-host-overseas-stars-headline-hong-kong-international-races-entries Wed, 04 Nov 2026 08:25:00 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney LIVE WIRE - R8 (9) Tough second on a hot speed last start and has drawn perfectly here   Owen Goulding PRESTIGE RICKY - R4 (12) Worked well since latest close second and draws the inside barrier once again   Paul Lally STORMING DRAGON - R6 (1) Downgraded and looks well placed with a senior rider taking over   Phillip Woo STORMING DRAGON - R6 (1) Improved with each run this term and possesses solid Class Four form   Trackwork Spy LIVE WIRE - R8 (9) Kept on gamely despite searing pace... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373169/scmp-best-bets-live-wire-can-be-spark-punters-happy-valley https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373169/scmp-best-bets-live-wire-can-be-spark-punters-happy-valley Tue, 03 Nov 2026 13:00:15 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Live Wire lost no admirers in his brave second last start and trainer Douglas Whyte has high hopes for the progressive sprinter going one better at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Chasing a third straight win after a pair of Class Four victories, the Tassort four-year-old drew high praise from Whyte once again when keeping on gamely for second behind The Heir in his Class Three debut. Live Wire tracked a manic speed set by Honest Witness and was entitled to fade, but he showed great courage to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373148/live-wire-ready-fire-douglas-whyte-happy-valley-after-brave-last-start-second https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3373148/live-wire-ready-fire-douglas-whyte-happy-valley-after-brave-last-start-second Tue, 03 Nov 2026 10:25:50 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Frankie Lor Fu-chuen couldn’t be happier with Numbers and Massive Sovereign as he prepares for a dual-pronged assault on Sunday’s Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) at Sha Tin. Lor will unleash Numbers for the first time this season after a terrific four-year-old campaign, which included Group Three glory in the Centenary Vase (1,800m) and seconds in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) and Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m). Massive Sovereign heads into the feature fresh from a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372995/frankie-lor-thrilled-numbers-and-massive-sovereign-ahead-sa-sa-ladies-purse https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372995/frankie-lor-thrilled-numbers-and-massive-sovereign-ahead-sa-sa-ladies-purse Mon, 02 Nov 2026 09:24:19 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Fresh from a successful comeback from injury, British jockey Hollie Doyle will return to Hong Kong for another winter stint from November 29 to January 31. The Jockey Club confirmed on Monday that Doyle has been granted a visiting jockey’s licence “with a view to start accepting race riding engagements on December 2”. The 30-year-old was sidelined for five months by a complex lower-leg fracture suffered in a fall in May, but returned with victory in her first ride back at Southwell on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372926/hollie-doyle-confirmed-winter-stint-brett-crawford-backs-cloud-improve-happy-valley https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372926/hollie-doyle-confirmed-winter-stint-brett-crawford-backs-cloud-improve-happy-valley Mon, 02 Nov 2026 03:15:31 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Francis Lui Kin-wai and Karis Teetan heaped praise on Turquoise Velocity after the consistent sprinter broke through for a deserved victory in Sunday’s Class Two Kwangtung Handicap Cup (1,200m) at Happy Valley. Placed in three consecutive starts heading into Sunday’s race, the Zoustar gelding impressed his trainer and jockey with his ability to chase and win after leading all the way in his previous triumphs. Sent out the $3.1 favourite, Turquoise Velocity tracked the pacesetter Rising Force and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372897/francis-lui-and-karis-teetan-double-turquoise-velocity-breaks-through-happy-valley https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372897/francis-lui-and-karis-teetan-double-turquoise-velocity-breaks-through-happy-valley Sun, 01 Nov 2026 12:41:54 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Vincent Ho Chak-yiu took a huge step towards a berth in next month’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) with a double at Happy Valley’s only day meeting of the season on Sunday. The four-time Tony Cruz Award winner entered the day fourth in the jockeys’ premiership and already in position for a coveted slot at the IJC, but a brace of winners put him right where he needs to be with seven meetings to go until the cut off. With Zac Purton already confirmed for the IJC as Hong Kong’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372895/vincent-ho-boosts-international-jockeys-championship-claims-happy-valley-double https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372895/vincent-ho-boosts-international-jockeys-championship-claims-happy-valley-double Sun, 01 Nov 2026 12:13:47 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney GEORGIAN SIGMA - R4 (2) Tough second from a wide gate last start and can go one better here   Owen Goulding LUCK IS BACK - R2 (9) In-form sort should be able to cross and get a soft lead he can take to the bank   Paul Lally DANICA'S CHOICE - R10 (4) Very progressive type who looks set to continue his hot form at the Valley   Phillip Woo FALCON HUNTER - R1 (1) Racing well and has drawn ideally under an in-form rider   Trackwork Spy TURQUOISE VELOCITY - R7 (4) Can go one better after... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372846/scmp-best-bets-danicas-right-choice-punters-valley https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372846/scmp-best-bets-danicas-right-choice-punters-valley Sat, 31 Oct 2026 13:05:05 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The only weekend day meeting of the year at Happy Valley takes place on Sunday, with a competitive 10 races on offer for punters to get stuck into. Jay Rooney is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Five Dongguan Handicap (1,200m) Falcon Hunter has run second in each of his two starts since joining the James Cummings stable and gets his chance to go one better with in-form apprentice Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu on board. Race 2 – Class Four Foshan Handicap... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372836/who-wins-happy-valley-sigma-can-strike-more-favourable-draw https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372836/who-wins-happy-valley-sigma-can-strike-more-favourable-draw Sat, 31 Oct 2026 10:29:12 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Andrea Atzeni will be looking to take advantage of some in-form horses and good barriers when he rides the likes of last-start winners Danica’s Choice and Absolute Honour at Happy Valley on Sunday. Chief among the Sardinian jockey’s chances is the improving Danica’s Choice, who has come to life since the fitting of blinkers and goes for local win number three in the Class Three Guangzhou Handicap (1,200m). The Swiss Ace galloper is not one of Atzeni’s rides blessed with a kind draw, having to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372820/andrea-atzeni-relishes-happy-valley-book-danicas-choice-his-best-chance https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372820/andrea-atzeni-relishes-happy-valley-book-danicas-choice-his-best-chance Sat, 31 Oct 2026 06:53:30 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney More race experience has been the key to Jumbo Blessing’s impressive winning streak and Caspar Fownes is confident the progressive sprinter can continue his momentum at Happy Valley on Sunday. The Starspangledbanner bids for a fourth consecutive victory in the Class Three Zhaoqing Handicap (1,000m) at the Valley’s only day meeting of the season after a trio of barnstorming triumphs at the course and distance. After breaking through at the end of last season under Joao Moreira, Jumbo Blessing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372810/caspar-fownes-keen-more-experienced-jumbo-blessing-handling-class-three-rise-happy-valley https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372810/caspar-fownes-keen-more-experienced-jumbo-blessing-handling-class-three-rise-happy-valley Sat, 31 Oct 2026 03:57:27 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney October was a busy month in Hong Kong racing with nine meetings, a trio of Group races and a host of jockeys and trainers making big statements. The SCMP analyses the jockeys and trainers who had a month to remember or one to forget, as well as the most outstanding victory and winning ride. Who’s hot? Zac Purton, apprentice Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu and Jerry Chau Chun-lok were the stars of the show in October, with each reaching double figures for wins. Purton ramped up his march towards a 10th... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372533/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-win-and-ride-october https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372533/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-win-and-ride-october Thu, 29 Oct 2026 08:00:15 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Pierre Ng Pang-chi has been forced to go to plan B for Happy Valley’s Sunday meeting, as two Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu-ridden last-start winners have new jockeys with the in-form claimer in hot demand. Ng and Yuen have struck up a remarkable partnership since her debut in April, combining for 11 winners from 30 runners at a phenomenal strike rate of 37 per cent. This season alone, seven of Ng’s 15 winners have been ridden by Yuen, including victories on her sole rides for the stable at the last two... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372531/pierre-ng-forced-go-plan-b-jockey-bookings-he-assembles-happy-valley-squad https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372531/pierre-ng-forced-go-plan-b-jockey-bookings-he-assembles-happy-valley-squad Thu, 29 Oct 2026 05:07:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Apprentice Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu strengthened her grip on second in the jockeys’ championship with a treble as Britney Wong Po-ni and Jimmy Ting Koon-ho celebrated breakthrough wins at Sha Tin on Wednesday night. Continuing a dream start to the season, Yuen boosted her tally to 16 wins – 10 behind nine-time Hong Kong champion Zac Purton – with victories aboard Macanese Master, Yoda’s Choice and Giant Leap. “I’m very happy with all the opportunities I’m getting,” Yuen, 26, said. “I’m getting good... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372482/nichola-yuen-dominates-sha-tin-dirt-meeting-treble-britney-wong-and-jimmy-ting-break-through https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372482/nichola-yuen-dominates-sha-tin-dirt-meeting-treble-britney-wong-and-jimmy-ting-break-through Wed, 28 Oct 2026 15:05:20 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney International stars Ryan Moore, James McDonald and Joao Moreira, plus nine-time Hong Kong champion Zac Purton, headline a stellar line-up for December’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley. The current top five in the Longines World’s Best Jockey standings – Moore, McDonald, William Buick, Mickael Barzalona and Purton – will contest the world’s most prestigious jockey challenge, while rising British star Saffie Osborne will make her IJC debut. Moreira, the winner... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372380/ryan-moore-james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-headline-stellar-international-jockeys-championship-line https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372380/ryan-moore-james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-headline-stellar-international-jockeys-championship-line Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:42:58 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney GIANT LEAP - R7 (4) Only just caught last start and can go one better tonight   Owen Goulding DRAGON AIR FORCE - R9 (6) Hugely unlucky not to win last start when checked late on; can gain compensation   Paul Lally JOLTIN - R6 (10) Good run last start when stepped up in distance and there is more to come   Phillip Woo HAPPY UNIVERSE - R6 (1) Has strong claims after returning a nail-biting third over this trip   Trackwork Spy BUSTLING CITY - R8 (4) Fell short in hat-trick bid at skinny... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372334/scmp-best-bets-bustling-city-can-make-punters-happy-sha-tin https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372334/scmp-best-bets-bustling-city-can-make-punters-happy-sha-tin Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:05:05 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Caspar Fownes rates Sky Vino and Sky Cap solid top-three chances in their respective Class Three races at Wednesday night’s Sha Tin dirt meeting as he bids to snatch the trainers’ championship lead. One win behind title leader Pierre Ng Pang-chi with 13 victories so far this term, Fownes has faith in Sky Vino despite the two-time all-weather winner drawing wide in barrier 11 in the Pyramid Hill Handicap (1,650m). The consistent Vino Rosso gelding drops in grade after an encouraging seasonal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372320/caspar-fownes-has-sky-high-hopes-class-three-duo-sha-tins-all-weather-meeting https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372320/caspar-fownes-has-sky-high-hopes-class-three-duo-sha-tins-all-weather-meeting Tue, 27 Oct 2026 11:35:21 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney A decline in local turnover might have given Jockey Club boss Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges cause for concern to start the season, but a surge in wagering on overseas races has helped boost total turnover to a healthy figure. After 13 of 88 local meetings, total turnover on local and overseas races was up 12.5 per cent on last year to HK$24.8 billion. In his CEO blog published on the Jockey Club website before Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting, Engelbrecht-Bresges said wagering on Hong Kong racing was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372149/total-turnover-rise-pleases-jockey-club-host-australian-gallopers-eye-hkir https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372149/total-turnover-rise-pleases-jockey-club-host-australian-gallopers-eye-hkir Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:00:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Bustling City was one of two shock beaten favourites for David Hayes on one weekend, but the Australian Hall of Fame trainer is adamant the horse he declared “could be the new dirt king in Hong Kong” will bounce back on Wednesday night. Adding to the pain of Ka Ying Rising’s narrow The Everest (1,200m) defeat at Randwick on October 17, Bustling City was sent off the $1.4 favourite the following day at Sha Tin but couldn’t back up his explosive seven-length victory on his seasonal return. After... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372124/david-hayes-backs-bustling-city-bounce-back-shock-14-defeat-last-start https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372124/david-hayes-backs-bustling-city-bounce-back-shock-14-defeat-last-start Mon, 26 Oct 2026 05:15:44 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Ka Ying Lightning struck again at Sha Tin on Sunday to remain unbeaten and give David Hall the best birthday possible in the Class Three Lukfook Jewellery Night Banquet In Tang Palace Collection Handicap (1,000m). Impressive in a pair of starts thus far, including a two-length romp on reappearance, the All Too Hard galloper gave another sizeable boost to his reputation with a gritty effort under Andrea Atzeni. Quick away from the plum draw in stall 14, Ka Ying Lightning’s task was made tougher... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372081/ka-ying-lightning-strikes-maintain-unbeaten-record-and-give-david-hall-birthday-treat https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372081/ka-ying-lightning-strikes-maintain-unbeaten-record-and-give-david-hall-birthday-treat Sun, 25 Oct 2026 12:40:33 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Brenton Avdulla boosted his hopes of securing a licence extension with a deserved feature success aboard consistent sprinter Raging Blizzard in Sunday’s Group Two Lukfook Jewellery Premier Bowl (1,200m) at Sha Tin. Riding on a part-season licence after sliding down the championship standings with 21 wins last term, Avdulla lifted the John Size-trained Raging Blizzard to a narrow victory over Ka Ying Attack under top weight of 135lb. The Australian jockey, whose Hong Kong licence expires in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372079/brenton-avdulla-boosts-hopes-licence-extension-group-two-win-raging-blizzard https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372079/brenton-avdulla-boosts-hopes-licence-extension-group-two-win-raging-blizzard Sun, 25 Oct 2026 12:16:02 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney SPEEDY POWER - R5 (13) Great first run for new stable and can strike from an improved draw   Owen Goulding HAPPY BOSS - R11 (9) Lead-up trials suggest he's improved this season and stable is in hot form   Paul Lally ALMIGHTY LIGHTNING - R11 (8) Should be suited up in trip and from a low draw   Phillip Woo SMART FAT CAT - R3 (14) Good run first up for new trainer and can bag a first win from a better draw   Trackwork Spy STORM MIRROR - R8 (1) Broke through impressively last start and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372029/scmp-best-bets-lightning-can-strike-again-punters-sha-tin https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3372029/scmp-best-bets-lightning-can-strike-again-punters-sha-tin Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:00:13 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Andrea Atzeni is confident the rise to 1,200m will suit Crimson Flash when the classy sprinter chases a career-best victory in Sunday’s Group Two Lukfook Jewellery Premier Bowl at Sha Tin. After recording four wins in a strong second campaign in Hong Kong, Crimson Flash was sent off the $5.6 third favourite in his return but found the 1,000m too sharp when fifth to Colourful King in the Group Three National Day Cup. Atzeni said the Mark Newnham-trained gelding also didn’t appreciate being... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371996/andrea-atzeni-optimistic-crimson-flash-will-relish-rise-trip-group-two-premier-bowl https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371996/andrea-atzeni-optimistic-crimson-flash-will-relish-rise-trip-group-two-premier-bowl Sat, 24 Oct 2026 09:00:11 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding David Hall has enjoyed a fine start to the season and unleashes improving sprinter Ka Ying Attack and excitement machine Ka Ying Lightning in a bid to keep the good times rolling at Sha Tin on Sunday. The Australian trainer sits seventh in the trainers’ premiership on eight winners for the season thus far, with his strike-rate of 38.5 per cent being the strongest in the city. Hall is well aware things can change very quickly in racing, but his stable is bouncing at present and he is enjoying the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371995/ka-ying-attack-and-ka-ying-lightning-spearhead-david-hall-super-squad-sha-tin https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371995/ka-ying-attack-and-ka-ying-lightning-spearhead-david-hall-super-squad-sha-tin Sat, 24 Oct 2026 04:00:22 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Still hurting from Ka Ying Rising’s agonisingly close The Everest defeat, David Hayes has flagged a gear change for the champion sprinter’s bid for redemption in the world’s richest turf race next year. Hayes was still adamant barrier 11 ultimately cost Ka Ying Rising when he finished strongly late after a wide run to finish a half-neck second to Tempted in last Saturday’s Group One sprint. It was the nine-time Group One winner’s first defeat since January 2024, ending his record streak for a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371745/david-hayes-plans-tinker-winkers-ka-ying-risings-everest-redemption-bid https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371745/david-hayes-plans-tinker-winkers-ka-ying-risings-everest-redemption-bid Thu, 22 Oct 2026 10:00:12 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding David Eustace is plotting a path towards the Group One Lightning Stakes (1,000m) at Flemington and Royal Ascot with super sprinter Colourful King, with his run at Sha Tin on Sunday being a fork in the road in terms of seasonal plans. The Blue Point galloper surged up to a rating of 110 when making a mockery of a smart field in the Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) on return, flashing clear with the minimum of fuss in the closing stages. His higher rating means options are becoming more... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371737/david-eustace-mulls-lightning-stakes-aim-colourful-king-ahead-key-sha-tin-test https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371737/david-eustace-mulls-lightning-stakes-aim-colourful-king-ahead-key-sha-tin-test Thu, 22 Oct 2026 05:02:08 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James Orman slotted his first Hong Kong treble at Happy Valley on Wednesday night as champion jockey Zac Purton continued his momentum with a three-timer of his own. Orman bagged his biggest haul since joining the city’s elite riding ranks in February last year when he booted home the Caspar Fownes-trained Verbier, Chris So Wai-yin’s Malpensa and the Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained Solid Win. “It’s my first treble in Hong Kong and I’m very excited, very happy,” Orman said. “I came here with good... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371686/james-orman-slots-first-hong-kong-treble-zac-purton-also-bags-three-timer-happy-valley https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371686/james-orman-slots-first-hong-kong-treble-zac-purton-also-bags-three-timer-happy-valley Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:43:44 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney LOVE TOGETHER - R6 (8) Cracking run on return and can take advantage of a good draw and light weight   Owen Goulding EMBRACES - R9 (9) Drawn well, on a dangerous mark and will get the pace needed to mow them down   Paul Lally PEGAS - R8 (8) Drawn to get the best run in the race from barrier one and can sail through late on   Phillip Woo LOVE TOGETHER - R6 (8) Caught the eye first up and can deliver up in grade off a light weight   Trackwork Spy LOVE TOGETHER - R6 (8) Hit the line well... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371546/scmp-best-bets-love-together-can-spread-joy-happy-valley https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371546/scmp-best-bets-love-together-can-spread-joy-happy-valley Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:00:13 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Caspar Fownes is “very happy” with the start of his season and is looking to keep the winners rolling in with the likes of Love Together, Perfect General and Forza Toro at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The champion trainer secured his fifth title last campaign and has slotted home nine winners so far this season, sitting fifth in the championship standings which are headed by Pierre Ng Pang-chi on 12 winners. Known as the ‘King of the Valley’, Fownes is taking his start at face value and is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371519/very-happy-caspar-fownes-turns-love-together-valley-continue-strong-start https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371519/very-happy-caspar-fownes-turns-love-together-valley-continue-strong-start Tue, 20 Oct 2026 10:14:07 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney He has won more than 1,500 races and more than 50 Group Ones in an already decorated career, but James Cummings can now call himself an international winner after celebrating his first Hong Kong victory on Monday. The grandson of legendary Australian trainer Bart Cummings struck with his 12th runner in the city when Grand Eagle, owned by a syndicate headed by iconic Hong Kong handler John Moore, stormed home to upstage rising star Mr Incredible at Sha Tin. “My first international race win as a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371403/james-cummings-celebrates-first-hong-kong-win-after-grand-eagle-soars-sha-tin https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371403/james-cummings-celebrates-first-hong-kong-win-after-grand-eagle-soars-sha-tin Mon, 19 Oct 2026 11:53:09 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding David Eustace enjoyed a landmark day in his Hong Kong training career when Light Years Charm rattled home to win the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) on Monday as part of a brilliant treble for the in-form stable. It was a day to remember for the 35-year-old, who launched into second in the trainers’ premiership, leaping above Manfred Man Ka-leung by virtue of seconds, and he was certainly keen to savour the moment. “The team are doing a great job. I thought we had a nice team of horses for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371396/david-eustace-savours-group-two-glory-light-years-charm-propels-stable-magic-treble https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371396/david-eustace-savours-group-two-glory-light-years-charm-propels-stable-magic-treble Mon, 19 Oct 2026 11:22:12 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Monday’s Sha Tin card promises to be a cracker, with the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) featuring the likes of My Wish, Voyage Bubble, Stormy Grove and Helios Express. We also have some of the city’s most promising four-year-olds such as Mr Incredible and Baby Sakura running, and Owen Goulding is in hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Five Shek Mun Handicap (1,800m) Kingly Demeanor was only narrowly denied on reappearance at Happy Valley and is a dual... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371336/who-wins-sha-tin-baby-sakura-can-blossom-path-classic-mile https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371336/who-wins-sha-tin-baby-sakura-can-blossom-path-classic-mile Mon, 19 Oct 2026 02:08:47 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney ACE EAGLE - R7 (4) Narrowly beaten on debut last season and can go one better here   Owen Goulding HOT AIR BALLON - R4 (11) Finished full of run when held up on return and is capable of much better   Paul Lally JOYFUL JOY - R10 (7) Impressive when making a winning return and can repeat the feat   Phillip Woo KINGLY DEMEANOR - R1 (4) Nearly made all first up this season and can make amends on this occasion   Trackwork Spy PACKING FIGHTER - R10 (1) Broke the class record to win last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371319/scmp-best-bets-ace-eagle-can-soar-sha-tin https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371319/scmp-best-bets-ace-eagle-can-soar-sha-tin Sun, 18 Oct 2026 13:45:04 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Bidding to bounce back from a heartbreaking The Everest defeat on Ka Ying Rising, Zac Purton has high hopes My Wish can take a step towards becoming Hong Kong’s top miler when he returns in Monday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m). Purton will take his first race ride on the Mark Newnham-trained My Wish, who has trialled impressively under the champion jockey in preparation for his seasonal reappearance. Last season’s Group One Champions Mile victor has won each of his three dirt trials,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371313/zac-purton-hopes-my-wish-can-stamp-himself-hong-kongs-top-miler-sha-tin-trophy https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371313/zac-purton-hopes-my-wish-can-stamp-himself-hong-kongs-top-miler-sha-tin-trophy Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:11:07 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Brett Crawford has high hopes for his promising youngster Mr Incredible, but he will need to overcome barrier 11 when he makes his return in Monday’s Class Three Lek Yuen Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin. The Toronado galloper created a huge impression for Crawford last campaign, making a sparkling winning debut at Sha Tin in March before having excuses in a subsequent defeat one month later. He took another giant stride forward on his next start, however, when he raced clear of his rivals by three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371277/brett-crawford-faces-tactical-puzzle-mr-incredible-begins-classic-mile-quest-sha-tin https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371277/brett-crawford-faces-tactical-puzzle-mr-incredible-begins-classic-mile-quest-sha-tin Sun, 18 Oct 2026 07:00:12 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham will rely solely on Group One winner My Wish in Monday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) as last season’s Derby winner Invincible Ibis’ immediate future is uncertain after suffering a leg injury. Invincible Ibis was withdrawn from the Sha Tin Trophy on Thursday and is facing a long spell on the sidelines after sustaining a left fore ligament injury. It is almost certain he will now miss December’s Group One Hong Kong Mile and Newnham will be as patient as he needs to be as he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371276/my-wish-fly-sha-tin-trophy-flag-mark-newnham-invincible-ibis-sidelined https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371276/my-wish-fly-sha-tin-trophy-flag-mark-newnham-invincible-ibis-sidelined Sun, 18 Oct 2026 02:00:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ka Ying Rising’s record winning streak came to an end in dramatic style in the world’s richest turf race on Saturday after the Hong Kong champion’s agonisingly close defeat in the Group One The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick. Bidding to win the A$20 million (HK$109.17 million) race for the second straight year, the David Hayes-trained galloper ran on strongly from midfield but fell half a neck short of Temped in second. Ka Ying Rising was caught wide from barrier 11 under Zac Purton and could not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371239/ka-ying-rising-falls-agonisingly-short-back-back-everest-wins-tempted-hangs https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371239/ka-ying-rising-falls-agonisingly-short-back-back-everest-wins-tempted-hangs Sat, 17 Oct 2026 05:27:33 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Chad Schofield rates Ka Ying Rising “probably one of the best we’ve ever seen”, but the former Hong Kong-based jockey is confident his The Everest mount Tempted has what it takes to beat the world’s best galloper at Randwick on Saturday. Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising chases a 22nd straight victory in the world’s richest turf race, but a rain-affected track and Tempted’s hot form has boosted Schofield’s confidence. Since running second to Ka Ying Rising in The Everest (1,200m) 12 months ago,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371112/chad-schofield-optimistic-tempted-has-what-it-takes-dethrone-ka-ying-rising-everest https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371112/chad-schofield-optimistic-tempted-has-what-it-takes-dethrone-ka-ying-rising-everest Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:00:28 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Frankie Lor Fu-chuen is hoping last season’s Classic Cup winner Stormy Grove can pass his first test on the road to the Group One Hong Kong Mile when he tackles Monday’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m). The Toronado galloper soared from the back of the field to collect the second leg of last season’s Classic Series, before running a mighty race to finish third in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) behind Invincible Ibis. His season ended prematurely on his next start, however, as he bled from both... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371021/frankie-lor-sets-stormy-grove-path-hong-kong-mile-group-two-sha-tin-trophy-test https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3371021/frankie-lor-sets-stormy-grove-path-hong-kong-mile-group-two-sha-tin-trophy-test Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:40:31 +0000