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 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Frankie Lor Fu-chuen will unleash several of his stars on a key day for the stable at Sha Tin on Sunday, including Classic Cup (1,800m) winner Stormy Grove and Lucky With You in the Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m). The highlight of Sunday’s card features a stacked field, with the likes of Galaxy Patch, Helios Express, Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) winner Invincible Ibis and Classic Mile hero Little Paradise among the hopefuls. Stormy Grove – a one-time winner pre-import in Australia – was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368662/frankie-lor-unleashes-stormy-grove-lucky-you-and-salon-s-key-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368662/frankie-lor-unleashes-stormy-grove-lucky-you-and-salon-s-key-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2026 09:49:59 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Record-breaking British jockey Saffie Osborne, French superstar Maxime Guyon and top Irish duo Dylan Browne McMonagle and Rossa Ryan will add star power to Hong Kong’s elite riding ranks after being granted visiting jockeys’ licences this winter. The quartet will arrive over a staggered period, starting with Osborne in November, and at a time when Hugh Bowman – championship runner-up to Zac Purton the past two seasons – faces at least four months on the sidelines if he opts to undergo surgery on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368610/saffie-osborne-and-maxime-guyon-among-four-overseas-stars-set-winter-stints-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368610/saffie-osborne-and-maxime-guyon-among-four-overseas-stars-set-winter-stints-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2026 05:42:11 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Apprentice Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu celebrated her first Happy Valley win on Wednesday night as trainers David Eustace and David Hall and jockeys Jerry Chau Chun-lok and Vincent Ho Chak-yiu fired in doubles. At her third meeting at the city circuit, Yuen was over the moon after lifting Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s Prestige Always to victory in the second section of the Class Three Mount Butler Handicap (1,200m). Despite being trapped three wide for the first half of the race, Prestige Always raced to the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368554/nichola-yuen-celebrates-first-happy-valley-win-david-eustace-and-jerry-chau-lead-quartet-doubles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368554/nichola-yuen-celebrates-first-happy-valley-win-david-eustace-and-jerry-chau-lead-quartet-doubles?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:28:19 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney DANICA'S CHOICE - R8 (8) Finished last season in top form and has trialled well ahead of his return   Owen Goulding JUMBO BLESSING - R6 (1) Dominant first up and can complete the hat-trick on the way to better things   Paul Lally DANICA'S CHOICE - R8 (8) Has won two trials ahead of his reappearance and looks ready to win tonight   Phillip Woo MATZDEN - R2 (4) Produced an eye-catching return and can go one better tonight   Trackwork Spy CLOUD NINE - R4 (6) Ended last season in good... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368418/scmp-best-bets-punters-can-be-cloud-nine-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368418/scmp-best-bets-punters-can-be-cloud-nine-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:00:17 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Andrea Atzeni is excited about his prospects of adding to his seasonal tally at Happy Valley on Wednesday night before turning his attention to his first ride on Helios Express in Sunday’s Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m). Sitting on two wins from the first four meetings, the Sardinian jockey heads to the city circuit armed with eight rides before teaming up with John Size’s multiple Group One placegetter Helios Express. Hugh Bowman has been the consistent sprinter’s regular rider for most... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368379/andrea-atzeni-eyes-happy-valley-success-first-ride-helios-express-celebration-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368379/andrea-atzeni-eyes-happy-valley-success-first-ride-helios-express-celebration-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:00:29 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hayes couldn’t be happier with Ka Ying Rising after the champion sprinter arrived in Sydney on Monday to prepare to defend his crown in next month’s Group One The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick. The world’s highest-rated galloper and winner of 21 consecutive races flew out of Hong Kong on Sunday night and settled in quickly at Canterbury racecourse, where he will spend two weeks in quarantine. Hayes had his farrier, vet, groom, track rider and assistant trainer in Sydney to make sure... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368232/champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising-arrives-australia-ahead-everest-defence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368232/champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising-arrives-australia-ahead-everest-defence?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:00:08 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jimmy Ting Koon-ho is hopeful a more calm Little Paradise can prove himself as a top Group One Hong Kong Mile contender when he returns in Sunday’s Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin. Last season’s sensational Classic Mile winner and victor of the Group Three Premier Cup (1,400m) will launch his campaign in the HK$4.2 million feature, with December’s Hong Kong Mile his main target. Little Paradise overcame trouble in running to record a jaw-dropping triumph in February’s Classic... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368221/calmer-little-paradise-set-launch-hong-kong-mile-mission-celebration-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3368221/calmer-little-paradise-set-launch-hong-kong-mile-mission-celebration-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 06:35:50 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Douglas Whyte heaped praise on his former fierce rival Zac Purton after the nine-time champion jockey helped get his season up and running with a Happy Valley double on Wednesday night. Live Wire’s success in the Class Four Community Chest Cup (1,200m) was an easy watch for Whyte, but it was the complete opposite when it came to Young Arrow in the second section of the Class Four Lido Handicap (1,200m). Forced to settle back early, Purton again had to steady his mount heading out of the back... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367772/douglas-whyte-heaps-praise-zac-purton-pair-collects-race-race-happy-valley-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367772/douglas-whyte-heaps-praise-zac-purton-pair-collects-race-race-happy-valley-double?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:40:54 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting has been cancelled because of the state funeral for Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa. In a brief statement on Wednesday, the Hong Kong Jockey Club said the 10-race card would not go ahead as a mark of respect for Tung, who was also the vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Tung’s vigil will be held on Saturday, with a public memorial and funeral set to take place on Sunday. “In deference to the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367681/sundays-sha-tin-races-cancelled-due-state-funeral-ex-hong-kong-leader-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367681/sundays-sha-tin-races-cancelled-due-state-funeral-ex-hong-kong-leader-tung-chee-hwa?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 06:44:37 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Hugh Bowman is weighing up whether to undergo surgery or keep his Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) hopes alive with a short-term solution, after scans revealed the top Australian jockey has a labral tear in his right hip. The 46-year-old faces at least four months out of the saddle if he opts for surgery, but a cortisone injection would only force him out of action for a few weeks. Bowman rode at the season opener at Sha Tin on September 6, guiding Joyful Joy to victory, but was forced out... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367669/top-jockey-hugh-bowman-weighs-surgery-v-cortisone-injection-repair-hip-labral-tear?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367669/top-jockey-hugh-bowman-weighs-surgery-v-cortisone-injection-repair-hip-labral-tear?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:39:47 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney BUNTA BABY - R7 (5) Won three C&D races last term and gets an ideal set-up to swoop late here   Owen Goulding GIANT LEAP - R4 (4) Lurks on a dangerous mark, has a 10lb claimer up and trialled well leading in   Paul Lally LIVE WIRE - R4 (3) Got off the mark to end last season and has trialled well ahead of this run   Phillip Woo DAN ATTACK - R2 (8) Has solid Happy Valley 1,200m form and does go well fresh   Trackwork Spy LIVE WIRE - R4 (3) Game win to break his maiden on final start of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367626/scmp-best-bets-live-wire-can-shock-his-rivals-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367626/scmp-best-bets-live-wire-can-shock-his-rivals-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:59:03 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Wednesday’s eight-race card at Happy Valley shapes as another even night of racing at the city circuit, with the Class Two Shek O Handicap (1,650m) the highlight. Jay Rooney is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Five Hoi Mei Handicap (1,000m) Me Tsui Yu-sak produced Lucy In The Sky to win on the seven-day backup at Sha Tin and can do the same with Macanese Master, who drops back to his preferred trip after a solid fourth over 1,200m last week. Race... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367613/who-wins-happy-valley-bunta-baby-brilliant-chance-first-purton?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367613/who-wins-happy-valley-bunta-baby-brilliant-chance-first-purton?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:01:18 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Pierre Ng Pang-chi has his long-term sights set on Group racing for his promising stayer Le Zonda, who gets his season up and running in the Class Two Shek O Handicap (1,650m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Beckford galloper, a dual winner in Ireland pre-import, took a while to acclimatise to Hong Kong but exploded into life with a dominant 1,800m win at the Valley on his seventh local start. He swept from the back of the field for that taking success and repeated the feat just under a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367588/group-races-long-term-aim-hat-trick-seeking-le-zonda-he-returns-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367588/group-races-long-term-aim-hat-trick-seeking-le-zonda-he-returns-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:04:38 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Jedi Spurs’ $1.10 defeat was the “biggest shock” of last season for David Hayes, but “even Ka Ying Rising got beat” when he was young says his trainer, and he is relishing the chance to show it was just a blip for his highly-regarded sprinter. The Cosmic Force galloper was a remarkable debut winner down the Sha Tin straight in June, where he made his Griffin rivals look decidedly ordinary in a four-and-a-half-length romp. His subsequent defeat at skinny odds was the last thing Hayes expected,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367461/even-ka-ying-rising-got-beat-david-hayes-itching-prove-jedi-spurs-real-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367461/even-ka-ying-rising-got-beat-david-hayes-itching-prove-jedi-spurs-real-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:00:14 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Eustace has high hopes a minor change to his early season approach will pay off when he takes a strong team of four to Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The British trainer’s gallopers have generally improved with the benefit of a run or two in his first two Hong Kong seasons, but a deeper team of 69 horses this campaign has allowed Eustace to set his sights on more early success. “For me, it’s still only my third season and getting that depth of horses throughout the whole season takes a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367420/david-eustace-targets-more-early-winners-strong-quartet-set-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367420/david-eustace-targets-more-early-winners-strong-quartet-set-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 06:38:05 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Next weekend’s Sha Tin meeting could be on the move, with the Jockey Club waiting on confirmation from government officials on when the 10-race card will be run. The Sha Tin fixture is scheduled for Sunday, but that could change with the state funeral for Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, set to be held that day. “We have no inside information. We don’t know if something will happen,” Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said on Sunday. “We wait for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367359/jockey-club-standby-sha-tin-meeting-move-zac-purton-continues-momentum-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367359/jockey-club-standby-sha-tin-meeting-move-zac-purton-continues-momentum-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Sep 2026 12:04:46 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding After a testing start to the campaign, Ellis Wong Chi-wang righted the ship with a brilliant double at Sha Tin on Sunday, headlined by Alpha Strike’s wayward win in the Class Three Wah Fu Handicap (1,000m). Winless on day one, Wong was then hit with a two-day ban at Happy Valley on Wednesday, but things can change quickly in racing and the 25-year-old was back in the winner’s enclosure with two vastly different successes. “I’m just trying to do my best this season, I got a lot of support last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367358/ellis-wong-bounces-back-happy-valley-setback-style-huge-368-1-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367358/ellis-wong-bounces-back-happy-valley-setback-style-huge-368-1-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Sep 2026 11:34:59 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney LUCY IN THE SKY - R9 (5) Backs up off a solid return and drops in weight with the apprentice claim in play   Owen Goulding ROAD TO GLORY - R5 (9) Lashed home on debut behind smart sort and has trialled up well   Paul Lally FLYING KNIGHT - R10 (14) Progressive horse that has trialled well and looks hard to beat first up   Phillip Woo SOLID STATE - R8 (1) Was a stylish winner of his local debut in July and can double up   Trackwork Spy SOLID STATE - R8 (1) Made a big statement at his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367317/scmp-best-bets-state-more-solid-chance-punters-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367317/scmp-best-bets-state-more-solid-chance-punters-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Sep 2026 13:35:05 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The first two meetings of the new season have been run and won and racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday with a competitive 10-race card. Jay Rooney is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Five Hong Tung Handicap (1,400m) – first section Rattan Galaxy was narrowly beaten at the end of last season after leading from gate 14 and can get a more favourable run from barrier two here. Race 2 – Class Four Hing Wah Handicap (1,000m) Looking Bright went close... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367308/who-wins-sha-tin-lucy-can-go-sky-high-quick-backup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367308/who-wins-sha-tin-lucy-can-go-sky-high-quick-backup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Sep 2026 11:01:07 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham has made a strong start to the new season and will be looking to keep the momentum rolling with a team that includes promising Australian import Money Games at Sha Tin on Sunday. Newnham has sent out two winners from 10 runners to start a campaign that is likely to see a number of his string heading towards a hugely competitive four-year-old series. Joyful Joy was the first of Newnham’s 67-strong arsenal to strike this season and is likely to head down the Classic Mile route, while... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367289/exciting-four-year-olds-headline-busy-sunday-mark-newnham-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367289/exciting-four-year-olds-headline-busy-sunday-mark-newnham-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Sep 2026 07:42:36 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Brenton Avdulla has declared he has no intentions of returning home to Australia this season as he bids to prove himself worthy of a licence extension beyond February. After two strong campaigns in Hong Kong, Avdulla slid down the championship standings with 21 wins last season, prompting the Jockey Club to hand him a six-month licence. “I’ve got no ambitions to go home. That’s one thing I’ll make clear, I don’t really want to go home,” Avdulla said. “I’ve been here three seasons – I had a good... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367276/brenton-avdulla-has-no-ambitions-go-home-he-bids-earn-licence-extension?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367276/brenton-avdulla-has-no-ambitions-go-home-he-bids-earn-licence-extension?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:08:34 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Champion Hong Kong galloper Ka Ying Rising has created history by achieving the highest rating ever for a sprinter for his stunning victory at Sha Tin last Sunday. After returning in a blaze of glory in the Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m), the David Hayes-trained superstar reclaimed outright top spot in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings with a rating of 135 when the latest rankings were released on Thursday. That mark saw the brilliant winner of 21 consecutive races... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367122/champion-galloper-ka-ying-rising-creates-history-highest-ever-rating-sprinter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367122/champion-galloper-ka-ying-rising-creates-history-highest-ever-rating-sprinter?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:34:14 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The first week of the 2026-27 Hong Kong racing season is in the books and there are plenty of reasons to be excited about what lies ahead this campaign. Ka Ying show continues The world’s best racehorse kicked off his season in stunning style, demolishing his own 1,200m track record by almost a second in his Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup romp last Sunday. The eyes of the racing world will be on David Hayes’ superstar when he defends his crown in the Group One The Everest at Randwick... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367024/5-things-watch-during-2026-27-hong-kong-racing-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367024/5-things-watch-during-2026-27-hong-kong-racing-season?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:00:10 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Frankie Lor Fu-chuen has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to his four-year-olds this campaign and Solid State is the first of his potential Classic Series contenders to get their season rolling at Sha Tin on Sunday. The Snitzel galloper failed to win in seven Australian starts when owned by the Coolmore powerhouse, but he had shown plenty of ability when finishing fourth in the Group Three Pago Pago Stakes (1,200m) and sixth in the Group Two Spirit of Boom Classic (1,200m). That... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367014/frankie-lor-aiming-jump-start-his-season-promising-classic-series-hope-enters-fray?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3367014/frankie-lor-aiming-jump-start-his-season-promising-classic-series-hope-enters-fray?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:14:18 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Caspar Fownes launched his bid for back-to-back trainers’ championships with a double at the first Happy Valley meeting of the season on Wednesday night courtesy of Jumbo Blessing and No Other Choice. Living up to his moniker as ‘the King of the Valley’, Fownes struck with $49.9 outsider No Other Choice in the second section of the Class Five Admiralty Handicap (1,200m) before Jumbo Blessing justified his handler’s confidence with a strong victory first up without a trial. Despite starting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366964/caspar-fownes-starts-bid-back-back-titles-happy-valley-double-vincent-ho-slots-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366964/caspar-fownes-starts-bid-back-back-titles-happy-valley-double-vincent-ho-slots-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:17:28 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Jamie Richards will look to kick off the Happy Valley season in style with a team headlined by Storming Dragon in the Class Three Wan Chai Handicap (1,200m). The six-year-old son of Star Turn performed consistently at Happy Valley throughout last season and has had two solid trials leading into his first-up performance. The four-time winner will receive the services of Brenton Avdulla to help overcome a wide draw of barrier eight and should benefit from a strong pace. “He’s a consistent horse.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366793/jamie-richards-sends-strong-squad-first-happy-valley-meeting-season-led-storming-dragon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366793/jamie-richards-sends-strong-squad-first-happy-valley-meeting-season-led-storming-dragon?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 02:00:12 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney ROBOT LUCKY STAR - R7 (1) Looks well placed down in grade off a nice trial win and has drawn well   Owen Goulding TYCOON RESOURCES - R8 (4) Excuses at Sha Tin when last seen and looked the real deal at the Valley prior   Olivia O'Sullivan ROBOT LUCKY STAR - R7 (1) Drops in grade on return and latest trial win suggests he is ready to strike   Phillip Woo VIOLET STAR - R5 (5) Likes this Valley trip and trialled well at Conghua ahead of his return   Trackwork Spy TYCOON RESOURCES - R8... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366821/scmp-best-bets-robot-lucky-star-can-shine-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366821/scmp-best-bets-robot-lucky-star-can-shine-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:39:05 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Harry Bentley returns to Happy Valley for the first time since June with a strong book of rides after being prematurely sidelined by injury a month before the end of last season. The British jockey fell from Smiling Falcon at Sha Tin in June, causing a fractured forearm, fractured shoulder blade and five broken ribs. Following intensive physiotherapy and training throughout the off-season, Bentley returned to Sha Tin on Sunday where he was able to secure a second placing aboard Flying Fortress... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366791/harry-bentley-returns-happy-valley-after-injury-strong-book-spearheaded-devas-twelve?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366791/harry-bentley-returns-happy-valley-after-injury-strong-book-spearheaded-devas-twelve?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:00:14 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney It’s hard to imagine the world’s best racehorse rising to a new level after a Hong Kong record 20 consecutive wins, but Ka Ying Rising proved he has elevated his game again with a jaw-dropping victory on Sunday. In arguably one of the greatest performances on the Sha Tin turf, the superstar sprinter launched his latest campaign in a blaze of glory, shattering his own track record by almost a second in his Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup romp. With all eyes firmly on the clock, as has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366623/ka-ying-rising-elevates-new-level-one-greatest-performances-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366623/ka-ying-rising-elevates-new-level-one-greatest-performances-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:00:07 +0000 Jay Rooney,Olivia O'Sullivan Jay Rooney,Olivia O'Sullivan Hugh Bowman’s start to the new season has been disrupted by a hip injury, with the Australian jockey ruled out of the next two meetings at Happy Valley and Sha Tin. After booting home Mark Newnham’s impressive four-year-old Joyful Joy at Sha Tin’s season opener on Sunday, Bowman was declared unfit to ride by the Jockey Club’s chief medical officer on Monday. “I’ve aggravated my right hip and surrounding muscles,” Bowman said. “I’m in significant pain. I’m hoping with some treatment it will heal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366621/keith-yeung-reunites-china-win-happy-valley-season-opener-wednesday-night?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366621/keith-yeung-reunites-china-win-happy-valley-season-opener-wednesday-night?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Sep 2026 08:03:22 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Punters were floored and trainer Chris So Wai-yin was in shock when dirt specialist Sing Dragon bagged a blowout victory at $105.25 in Sunday’s Class Two Albert Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin. In what could stand as the biggest upset of the entire season, Sing Dragon kept on strongly on the pace under Matthew Chadwick to prevail in a thrilling finish, beating fellow dirt performer Victory Sky by a short head. Sing Dragon has won five races on Sha Tin’s all-weather surface but had never been placed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366551/dirt-specialist-sing-dragon-defies-104-1-quote-land-shock-upset-win-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366551/dirt-specialist-sing-dragon-defies-104-1-quote-land-shock-upset-win-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:03:06 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Fast Network’s participation in the Group One Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) on September 27 has been thrown into doubt after a throat issue saw him plummet down the field in Sunday’s Group Two Centaur Stakes (1,200m). Dennis Yip Chor-hong’s crack sprinter was fancied to go well at Hanshin ahead of a tilt at the Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama later in the month. Damian Lane appeared to be travelling well for much of the journey, but as the field turned for home, Fast Network was quickly in trouble and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366549/fast-networks-japanese-group-one-date-doubt-hong-kong-horses-struggle-abroad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366549/fast-networks-japanese-group-one-date-doubt-hong-kong-horses-struggle-abroad?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 11:45:03 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Ka Ying Rising broke his own track record for the third consecutive time when surging to an unprecedented 21 straight wins in Sunday’s Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin. David Hayes’ speed machine led all the way to knock almost an entire second off his previous mark of 1:07.10, recording a scintillating time of 1:06.11. Nine-time Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton piloted the world’s best sprinter to win by seven and three-quarter lengths over Copartner Prance in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366542/ka-ying-rising-breaks-own-track-record-third-consecutive-time-sha-tin-season-opener?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366542/ka-ying-rising-breaks-own-track-record-third-consecutive-time-sha-tin-season-opener?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 10:44:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney WINNING OVATION - R7 (3) Impressed last campaign and strikes an ideal race first up   Owen Goulding BABY SAKURA - R9 (5) Flashy sort made giant strides last season and resumes from plum draw   Olivia O'Sullivan THUNDER PRINCE - R2 (9) Blinkers on first time, gets in well at the weights and looks ready from two trials   Phillip Woo PUBLIC ATTENTION - R10 (1) Ended last season in good form for new trainer and comes in off a good trial   Trackwork Spy CIRCUIT CHAMPION - R9 (6) Looks a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366494/scmp-best-bets-ovation-opening-day-target-punters-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366494/scmp-best-bets-ovation-opening-day-target-punters-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Sep 2026 13:18:05 +0000 Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding After a seven-week break, the new Hong Kong racing season is upon us with the campaign getting under way at Sha Tin on Sunday. To get in the mood for the season ahead, the SCMP has put together some (educated) guesses about what might happen. Size to reclaim the throne There was a notable absentee from last season’s trainers’ title race, with the 13-time champion John Size being left behind by eventual victor Caspar Fownes, Mark Newnham and Danny Shum Chap-shing. Size’s usual midseason rally was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366473/scmps-predictions-2026-27-hong-kong-racing-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366473/scmps-predictions-2026-27-hong-kong-racing-season?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Sep 2026 11:00:08 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham is not worrying about another potential trainers’ championship fight and instead is looking to smash past the 50-win barrier once again as he gears up for another Hong Kong racing season. Last campaign was a real breakout for Newnham, who enjoyed Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) success with Invincible Ibis and also snagged his first local Group One when My Wish charged home to win the Champions Mile in April. He also found himself brawling with Caspar Fownes and Danny Shum Chap-shing for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366472/mark-newnham-not-changing-approach-he-unleashes-strong-opening-day-squad-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366472/mark-newnham-not-changing-approach-he-unleashes-strong-opening-day-squad-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Sep 2026 08:06:58 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan A “bigger, stronger” Ka Ying Rising is all set to kick off the season in Sunday’s Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) as David Hayes plots a familiar path for his superstar. Hayes’s nine-time Group One winner is currently taking on an identical preparation to last campaign, where he extended his winning-streak to an unprecedented 20 victories and won the AUD$20 million Group One Everest, and has made significant physical improvement since then according to Hayes. Following an injury... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366457/bigger-stronger-ka-ying-rising-headlines-season-opening-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366457/bigger-stronger-ka-ying-rising-headlines-season-opening-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Sep 2026 04:35:29 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Second-season trainer Brett Crawford is aiming for a “really big Group race” for his stable as he looks to build on a strong start to his Hong Kong career with marquee horses Mr Incredible and Galaxy Patch. Crawford had a dream start to his tenure in the city, saddling 28 winners in his rookie campaign and bagging his first Group race with Encountered in the Group Three Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) with long-time ally Karis Teetan aboard. Towards the end of the campaign, Crawford had another huge... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366199/brett-crawford-no-rush-he-plots-classic-series-path-excitement-machine-mr-incredible?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366199/brett-crawford-no-rush-he-plots-classic-series-path-excitement-machine-mr-incredible?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Sep 2026 06:09:33 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The Jockey Club has opted to postpone the launch of regular racing at Conghua Racecourse because of “a latest risk assessment from the relevant mainland departments”. Operating as a world-class training centre for Hong Kong racehorses since 2018, Conghua was set to stage the first of several race meetings on October 31, with the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising to be the headline act of the racecourse’s following fixture in November. However, the Jockey Club announced on Wednesday night that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366141/jockey-club-postpones-october-launch-regular-racing-conghua-racecourse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366141/jockey-club-postpones-october-launch-regular-racing-conghua-racecourse?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:24:58 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney One of Hong Kong’s greatest ever gallopers, Romantic Warrior, has been retired from racing after sustaining another leg injury. In a statement released by the Jockey Club on Wednesday, owner Peter Lau Pak-fai confirmed the decision to end the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained champion’s racing career after consulting the club’s veterinarians. Scans last week revealed “a change in one of the horse’s joints”, similar to last year when Romantic Warrior underwent surgery to have a screw inserted into... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366075/champion-galloper-romantic-warrior-retired-racing-after-sustaining-leg-injury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3366075/champion-galloper-romantic-warrior-retired-racing-after-sustaining-leg-injury?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Sep 2026 06:40:00 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Jerry Chau Chun-lok will be hoping class can shine through as he looks for a repeat victory in Sunday’s Group Three Korea Sprint (1,200m), this time partnering with the Tony Cruz-trained speedster Beauty Waves. Despite being one of the lowest rated runners in the field 12 months ago, Chau lifted Self Improvement to success for a dramatic half a length win. The script will be flipped this time, however, with the 104-rated Beauty Waves sure to be one of the highest-rated horses in the line up. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3365933/jerry-chau-and-tony-cruz-full-confidence-beauty-waves-leads-hong-kongs-korea-charge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3365933/jerry-chau-and-tony-cruz-full-confidence-beauty-waves-leads-hong-kongs-korea-charge?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:30:07 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Legendary Australian trainer Bart Cummings famously said “patience is the cheapest thing in racing and the least used” and that approach will be adopted by his grandson James when he launches his Hong Kong career. The newest addition to the city’s elite training ranks, James Cummings almost certainly won’t have a runner at Sunday’s season opener at Sha Tin, with his only entrant Falcon Hunter the sixth reserve for a Class Five 1,200m race. Cummings hails from one of Australia’s most famous... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3365816/trainer-james-cummings-preaches-patience-ahead-hong-kong-debut-were-not-rush?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3365816/trainer-james-cummings-preaches-patience-ahead-hong-kong-debut-were-not-rush?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:30:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Trainer David Hayes and jockey Zac Purton gave Ka Ying Rising the seal of approval after the champion sprinter warmed up for his seasonal reappearance with an effortless trial win at Sha Tin on Sunday. Seven days before returning in the Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) at the season opener, Ka Ying Rising cruised to victory by two lengths under a strong hold by Purton in the 1,000m trial. “It was nice. He jumped out well, he cruised along. He just did enough to tick him over for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3365762/ka-ying-rising-cruises-sha-tin-trial-victory-ahead-much-anticipated-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3365762/ka-ying-rising-cruises-sha-tin-trial-victory-ahead-much-anticipated-return?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:50:51 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Romantic Warrior’s tilt at a record-extending fifth straight Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) victory could be in doubt after scans revealed an issue with one of the champion galloper’s joints. The Jockey Club said in a statement on Tuesday that the winner of a world record HK$288.7 million in prize money will undergo a more detailed veterinary assessment after “a change in one of the horse’s joints” was detected. “The Club’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Services has provided advice on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3365231/romantic-warriors-bid-fifth-hong-kong-cup-air-after-scans-reveal-joint-issue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3365231/romantic-warriors-bid-fifth-hong-kong-cup-air-after-scans-reveal-joint-issue?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:09:11 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Zac Purton has returned from a well-earned break in Indonesia and is in preparation mode as he looks forward to riding Ka Ying Rising on Sha Tin’s season opening day on September 6. Purton will jump aboard David Hayes’ nine-time Group One winner as they look to extend their 20-win streak in the Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) before defending their A$20 (HK$111.47 million) Group One The Everest crown at Randwick in October. “I’m very excited to ride Ka Ying Rising, very excited... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3364240/hong-kong-season-update-purton-prepares-season-opener-orman-enjoys-family-success-bowman-scores?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3364240/hong-kong-season-update-purton-prepares-season-opener-orman-enjoys-family-success-bowman-scores?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Luke Ferraris and Jerry Chau Chun-lok celebrated dream maiden winners in the Shergar Cup, and Hong Kong proved its talent pipeline remains one of the best in the world at Asoct. Captained by the veteran presence of Vincent Ho Chak-yiu, the city’s first team at the event was propped up by young pair Ferraris and Chau, both of whom came into the day preparing for their first rides in Britain. For those who follow racing in Hong Kong, there was little doubt the pair would thrive. Chau was coming... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3363420/hong-kongs-local-talent-full-display-citys-involvement-elevates-shergar-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3363420/hong-kongs-local-talent-full-display-citys-involvement-elevates-shergar-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Aug 2026 04:00:15 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Great Britain and Ireland won the Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday, with Hong Kong putting up a valiant fight to finish joint second alongside Team Europe following a pair of race victories. Jerry Chau Chun-lok and Luke Ferraris struck in the first two races respectively, while captain Vincent Ho Chak-yiu secured a second, which ultimately proved crucial in securing the runner-up spot. It was a dream start for Hong Kong and Chau, who made his first ride at Ascot count by guiding Tuco Salamanca... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3363412/great-britain-and-ireland-claim-shergar-cup-hong-kong-put-valiant-fight-second?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3363412/great-britain-and-ireland-claim-shergar-cup-hong-kong-put-valiant-fight-second?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:21:21 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Hong Kong’s super squad will face a stern task in the Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday, with the likes of Jamie Melham, Suraj Narredu and Christophe Lemaire all relishing the chance to represent their regions. A four-team competition that involves jockeys competing for Great Britain and Ireland, Europe, Rest of the World and Hong Kong, the cup has brought together the world’s best for this year’s edition. Many of those have ridden in Hong Kong, including top Australia jockey Melham, who won one... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3363374/hong-kong-jockeys-face-stern-test-worlds-elite-descend-ascot-shergar-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3363374/hong-kong-jockeys-face-stern-test-worlds-elite-descend-ascot-shergar-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Aug 2026 08:00:09 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Jerry Chau Chun-lok is not nervous ahead of Hong Kong’s debut at Saturday’s Shergar Cup, with the young rider relishing the chance to compete against the likes of his racing idol Ryan Moore. The 26-year-old enjoyed a stand-out season in Hong Kong last campaign, racking up 48 winners and securing the prestigious Tony Cruz Award for leading local rider for the first time. It was a second breakout campaign for the top jockey, who burst onto the scene by breaking the record for wins scored by an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3363279/jerry-chau-not-feeling-any-nerves-ahead-ascot-debut-shergar-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3363279/jerry-chau-not-feeling-any-nerves-ahead-ascot-debut-shergar-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:30:05 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Luke Ferraris will reach another big milestone in his career at the Shergar Cup on Saturday, when he represents Hong Kong at Ascot alongside Jerry Chau Chun-lok and Vincent Ho Chak-yiu. The city will field its own full squad for the first time in the team event, facing Great Britain and Ireland, Europe and the Rest of the World in the points-based competition. Of the three jockeys, only Ho has competed in the event before, riding for the Rest of the World squad that won in 2019, and guiding... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3363229/shergar-cup-pinch-me-moment-luke-ferraris-he-prepares-first-british-rides?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3363229/shergar-cup-pinch-me-moment-luke-ferraris-he-prepares-first-british-rides?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Aug 2026 06:00:19 +0000