Happy Lucky Dragon Win

Who has dominated the first half of the racing season?

Saturday at Sha Tin marks the halfway point of the season, but it already feels as though there have been enough highlights to fill up two seasons. Let’s go through the best rides, training efforts and individual horse performances of the first half of this term.

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Dominant's Hong Kong Vase win is one memorable moment from the first half of the season. Photo: Kenneth Chan

Australian journalist Michael Cox had considerable experience as a writer and radio broadcaster in his homeland, covering thoroughbred and harness racing as well as other major sports, before making the move to the Post in 2011.

Published: 9:18pm, 6 Feb 2014Updated: 12:12pm, 23 Feb 2016

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Saturday at Sha Tin marks the halfway point of the season, but it already feels as though there have been enough highlights to fill up two seasons. Let’s go through the best rides, training efforts and individual horse performances of the first half of this term.

BEST RIDES

1. Zac Purton – Dominant – Group One Hong Kong Vase

Seemingly overmatched by classy European rivals and under-prepared (more on that later), Dominant delivered Hong Kong its first Vase win since 1998 – but it wouldn’t have happened without Purton’s pearler. Timing, awareness and poise all featured heavily in this master class. As two of the main chances, The Fugue (William Buick) and Dunaden (Jamie Spencer) were cluttered back through the field, an opportunistic Purton pounced before straightening with a split-second decision that won him the race.

2. Joao Moreira - Same World - Group Three January Cup