https://www.scmp.com/rss/39/feed Horse racing news, fixtures, race reports, features and analysis. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney MASTER PAYMENT - R3 (2) Looks suited by stepping up to 1,200m and maps perfectly from gate one   Owen Goulding SPARKLING FELLOW - R8 (14) No weight to carry, drawn well and deserves a win after several near misses   Olivia O'Sullivan EFFORTLESS WIN - R9 (6) Debut winner looking to go back-to-back following strong trial since   Phillip Woo FIREFOOT - R1 (1) Itching to salute again and gets a golden opportunity from gate one   Trackwork Spy PUBLIC ATTENTION - R10 (9) Can improve on a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3356223/scmp-best-bets-master-can-deliver-payment-punters-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3356223/scmp-best-bets-master-can-deliver-payment-punters-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Jun 2026 14:24:05 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Hugh Bowman is confident Celestial Hero is “ready to run the race of his season” on Sunday and the prospect of a rain-affected Sha Tin track will boost the Australian import’s claims. Bowman went close to guiding the Douglas Whyte-trained gelding to his second Hong Kong win last start when he was only caught late by Thunder Kit and Chicken Dinner to finish third. Set for Sunday’s Class Three HKU Jockey Club Student Villages Handicap (1,200m), Celestial Hero has drawn wide in gate 11 but Bowman... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3356198/hugh-bowman-backs-celestial-hero-run-race-his-season-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3356198/hugh-bowman-backs-celestial-hero-run-race-his-season-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Jun 2026 09:30:07 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Vincent Ho Chak-yiu has high hopes of finding cover from barrier 10 on Hot Delight as the exciting galloper bids to bounce back from his first defeat at Sha Tin on Sunday. Touted as a future star after starting his career with three brilliant victories, the Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained three-year-old was beaten in his Class Two debut when fourth to Patch Of Stars. Lui felt Hot Delight wasn’t suited by the good-to-yielding track and racing without cover when tracking the speed after jumping from... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3356194/vincent-ho-believes-finding-cover-key-exciting-hot-delight-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3356194/vincent-ho-believes-finding-cover-key-exciting-hot-delight-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Jun 2026 05:33:59 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding With the season heading towards its climax, attention is now firmly on the epic conclusion of the trainers’ championship – and next season’s Classic Series. This year’s four-year-old series was dubbed as one of the most competitive for many a year and an early look at next season’s hopefuls suggests there is plenty to get excited about. We have taken an early look at some of the top horses for the Classic Mile, Classic Cup and Derby, with some of their trainers weighing in on their class,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355925/classic-series-early-look-trainers-weigh-their-young-hopefuls-ahead-next-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355925/classic-series-early-look-trainers-weigh-their-young-hopefuls-ahead-next-season?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:00:14 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney With his successful first campaign in Hong Kong drawing to a close, Brett Crawford has high hopes Public Attention can add to his reputation of striking with stable transfers when he spearheads the trainer’s six-strong team at Sha Tin on Sunday. The South African handler has been thrilled with his 21 wins so far this season, with 18 of them supplied by stable transfers, including his highlight Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m) victory with Encountered. “I’m very happy. I think we’ve... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355924/brett-crawford-happy-first-hong-kong-campaign-he-eyes-more-stable-transfer-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355924/brett-crawford-happy-first-hong-kong-campaign-he-eyes-more-stable-transfer-success?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:17:39 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Caspar Fownes broke his own single-season record for wins at Happy Valley and extended his trainers’ championship lead again with a double on Wednesday night. After teaming up with Joao Moreira to score a double with Family Fortune and The Heir, Fownes moved to 41 wins for the season at the city circuit – one more than the record he set in 2009-10. The “King Of The Valley” now sits on 60 wins for the season, three above the next highest placed trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing. “For me it’s a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355871/caspar-fownes-breaks-own-happy-valley-record-41-wins-thanks-wednesday-night-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355871/caspar-fownes-breaks-own-happy-valley-record-41-wins-thanks-wednesday-night-double?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:19:54 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney RUN RUN TIMING - R4 (10) Will make the running from gate one and prove very difficult to catch   Owen Goulding FIVEFORTWO - R9 (3) Found a useful one too strong latest and can continue progress tonight   Olivia O'Sullivan LOVING VIBES - R5 (11) Andrea Atzeni looks set to go one better this time from the inside barrier   Phillip Woo BROWNNEEDSFURTHER - R5 (7) Can break his maiden with Zac Purton taking over   Trackwork Spy HAPPY INDEX - R7 (1) Consistent type who had excuses last start... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355738/scmp-best-bets-run-run-timing-can-stop-clock-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355738/scmp-best-bets-run-run-timing-can-stop-clock-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:38:04 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Harry Bentley will seek back-to-back wins aboard Packing Angel when they contest the Class Two Tai Tam Gap Handicap (1,800m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday. The Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained galloper showed a fantastic return to form last time out when winning his first start at the city circuit thanks to a perfectly timed ride from Bentley, who was in the saddle for the first time. After sitting midfield, the son of Shocking had a dream run around the home bend and let down superbly in the straight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355661/bentley-looking-repeat-one-time-derby-place-getter-packing-angel-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355661/bentley-looking-repeat-one-time-derby-place-getter-packing-angel-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:00:12 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney With the end of the season fast approaching, the trainers’ championship battle continued to heat up in May while champion jockey Zac Purton celebrated yet another major milestone in his glittering career. 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? It was another successful month for Purton, who racked up 15 wins at a strong strike rate of 21.7 per cent, while also creating history... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355525/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-win-and-ride-may?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355525/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-win-and-ride-may?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:00:08 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Mark Newnham will have two solid chances stepping out on a seven-day backup at Happy Valley on Wednesday night in the form of Armor Golden Eagle and Loving Vibes. The Australian handler will be looking to chase down the lead in the trainers’ championship where he currently sits third on the table with 55 wins, just three behind leader Caspar Fownes. Armor Golden Eagle will look to extend his record of three wins from four starts at the track when stepping up in distance and moving to Class Two... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355524/mark-newnhams-eagle-aims-continue-golden-run-seven-day-backup-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355524/mark-newnhams-eagle-aims-continue-golden-run-seven-day-backup-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:28:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Caspar Fownes drew two wins clear at the top of the trainers’ championship after slotting a valuable double with Papaya Brose and Family Jewel at Sha Tin on Sunday. Tied with Danny Shum Chap-shing at the top of the table but leading by virtue of seconds heading into Sunday’s meeting, Fownes moved clear when he teamed up with Brazilian superstar Joao Moreira to notch a timely brace. Papaya Brose scored his second win at start four, taking out the Class Four Federation of Associations of Native... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355471/caspar-fownes-draws-two-clear-championship-race-trio-debutants-strike-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355471/caspar-fownes-draws-two-clear-championship-race-trio-debutants-strike-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 May 2026 11:53:24 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan David Eustace secured his first Group Three victory in Hong Kong with a gritty win from $43.8 longshot Light Years Charm in the Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The British handler recorded the milestone at just his second season training in the city, following six years as co-trainer alongside Ciaron Maher in Australia. The pair trained 30 Group One winners together, including the 2022 Melbourne Cup victor Gold Trip, while achieving the title of Australian champion trainer in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355469/light-years-charm-provides-david-eustace-landmark-group-three-victory-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355469/light-years-charm-provides-david-eustace-landmark-group-three-victory-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 May 2026 11:26:49 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Patch Of Stars continued his quick march through the grades with a game performance to deny Raging Blizzard and claim the Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. It was a fourth win of the season for the All Too Hard galloper, who began his remarkable sequence 13 months ago when securing a Class Four contest off a rating of just 50. Since that success, he had rattled off another five wins and climbed 51 rating points heading into Sunday and this was undoubtedly his biggest step... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355465/patch-stars-shines-bright-continue-meteoric-rise-sha-tin-vase-manfred-man?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355465/patch-stars-shines-bright-continue-meteoric-rise-sha-tin-vase-manfred-man?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 May 2026 10:53:11 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton created history on Sunday by becoming the first jockey to ride 2,000 winners in Hong Kong, reaching the milestone in the first race of the day at Sha Tin. The Australian guided Rising World to victory in the Hong Kong Wu Hua General Association Cup Plate, just holding off a late charge by Almighty Warrior and jockey Ethan Brown to win by a short head. From humble beginnings after arriving in Hong Kong as a bright-eyed 24-year-old in 2007, Purton has risen to become the city’s most... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3355446/australias-zac-purton-reaches-2000-hong-kong-wins-rising-world-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3355446/australias-zac-purton-reaches-2000-hong-kong-wins-rising-world-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 May 2026 04:59:24 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney SKY JEWELLERY - R7 (7) Can stamp himself a rising star of Hong Kong with a Group Three win   Owen Goulding MALPENSA - R4 (2) Deserved win last start and found a good chance to double his tally off the front   Olivia O'Sullivan RAGING BLIZZARD - R9 (1) Big drop in grade here after racing well against Ka Ying Rising   Phillip Woo WINNING OVATION - R7 (6) Is very smart and can add a Group win to his impressive record   Trackwork Spy CROSSBORDERPEGSUS - R11 (1) Will get a race run to suit... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355426/scmp-best-bets-blizzard-can-storm-victory-punters-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355426/scmp-best-bets-blizzard-can-storm-victory-punters-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 May 2026 13:45:05 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding With the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising enjoying a well-deserved holiday, trainer David Hayes will be relying on his other speedsters Tomodachi Kokoroe and Romantic Son in Sunday’s feature sprint, the Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m). It will be a change of pace for Tomodachi Kokoroe, who landed the Group Two Premier Bowl (1,200m) in a whirlwind start to his campaign, before finding things tougher in Group One company and off big weights in handicaps. Romantic Son has been doing his best... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355414/david-hayes-looks-continue-sprint-division-domination-sha-tin-vase-duo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355414/david-hayes-looks-continue-sprint-division-domination-sha-tin-vase-duo?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 May 2026 10:10:26 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Twelve months after being struck down by a tendon injury, Winning Ovation can complete a stunning comeback with a feature victory in Sunday’s Group Three Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin. Shortly after a strong win on his second local start, the British import suffered the major setback which effectively ruled him out of this season’s Classic Series. The injury didn’t halt his momentum when he made his long-awaited return, with the Tony Cruz-trained gelding leading all the way for a stylish... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355398/winning-ovation-bids-complete-stunning-comeback-injury-lion-rock-trophy-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355398/winning-ovation-bids-complete-stunning-comeback-injury-lion-rock-trophy-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 May 2026 05:20:56 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan If all goes according to plan at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, Zac Purton will make history as the first jockey to record 2,000 wins in Hong Kong, adding yet another accolade to a career full of them. Even so, the milestone, when it comes, will be a far cry from the uncertain start the Australian made to life in the city as a fresh-faced 24-year-old almost two decades ago. But from that first victory aboard the Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained horse Elfhelm at Happy Valley on December 19, 2007, to his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355349/zac-and-nicole-purton-racings-power-couple-hong-kong-life-legacy-and-ka-ying-rising?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355349/zac-and-nicole-purton-racings-power-couple-hong-kong-life-legacy-and-ka-ying-rising?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney With no disrespect to Romantic Warrior and what he has achieved this season, the Horse of the Year is clearly Ka Ying Rising. The debate has raged since star jockey James McDonald made his case for Romantic Warrior in the wake of his Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) triumph, which sealed Triple Crown redemption and added another chapter to his legacy as an immortal of Hong Kong racing. McDonald and Ka Ying Rising’s jockey, Zac Purton, went head to head on Australian radio on Thursday,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355127/horse-year-debate-rages-ka-ying-rising-stands-out-over-romantic-warrior?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355127/horse-year-debate-rages-ka-ying-rising-stands-out-over-romantic-warrior?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 May 2026 14:00:07 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Champion trainer John Size is enjoying the ride with Sky Jewellery as his rising star looks to climb another rung of the Hong Kong ladder in Sunday’s Group Three Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m). Last season’s Champion Griffin won three of his five starts in his debut campaign and came into this term a hugely exciting prospect, but his supporters were made to wait for his return after he bled from both nostrils in a trial at Sha Tin in November. He made his reappearance in April by making a mockery of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355130/sky-jewellery-and-raging-blizzard-leading-lights-john-size-sets-sights-group-three-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355130/sky-jewellery-and-raging-blizzard-leading-lights-john-size-sets-sights-group-three-double?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 May 2026 05:43:32 +0000 Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Caspar Fownes reclaimed the lead in the trainers’ championship with a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, while Zac Purton was made to wait at least another four days to secure his 2,000th Hong Kong win after moving to within one of the milestone. Fownes drew level with Shum on 56 wins after Audacious Pursuit and Elegant Life’s victories, but he jumped back to the top of the table by virtue of more seconds than Shum. With just 13 meetings left this season, Mark Newnham is close behind... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355082/caspar-fownes-reclaims-championship-lead-zac-purton-made-wait-2000?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3355082/caspar-fownes-reclaims-championship-lead-zac-purton-made-wait-2000?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 May 2026 15:30:47 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Zac Purton has eight chances to make history at Happy Valley on Wednesday by riding the two winners required to bring up an unprecedented record of 2,000 Hong Kong victories. Purton will become the first jockey to reach the magic milestone after smashing Douglas Whyte’s previous all-time record of 1,813 wins in January 2025. The eight-time champion jockey has already celebrated his 11th Hong Kong century after hitting 100 victories for the season at Sha Tin, and came within two more of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354872/zac-attack-purton-has-8-chances-make-history-race-2000-resumes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354872/zac-attack-purton-has-8-chances-make-history-race-2000-resumes?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:12 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney ARMOR GOLDEN EAGLE - R5 (2) Easy last-start winner and looks well placed to repeat   Owen Goulding TOURBILLON GOLFER - R 6 (3) Should get his own way in front and can lead them from pillar to post tonight   Olivia O'Sullivan HONEST WITNESS - R9 (9) Dominant when following up maiden win and can cope with rise in grade   Phillip Woo SON PAK FU - R9 (1) Can break through after placing second last start at this level   Trackwork Spy HORSEPOWER - R8 (1) Has been knocking on the door with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354942/scmp-best-bets-armor-golden-eagle-can-soar-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354942/scmp-best-bets-armor-golden-eagle-can-soar-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 May 2026 14:30:05 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Lyle Hewitson and championship-leading trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing will partner with three chances at Happy Valley on Wednesday, including Happy Shooter, Fantastic Fun and Winning Champion. Shum currently sits on 56 wins for the season, two above the next highest placed trainer Caspar Fownes. The in-form handler will be looking to continue his momentum after Romantic Warrior added the Triple Crown to his résumé on Sunday at Sha Tin with a 15th Group One victory in the Champions and Chater Cup... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354890/lyle-hewitson-and-championship-leading-trainer-danny-shum-combine-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354890/lyle-hewitson-and-championship-leading-trainer-danny-shum-combine-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:06 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Andrea Atzeni is excited about his chances of landing a Group Three double on Sunday when he teams up with one of Hong Kong’s emerging stars, Sky Jewellery, and the in-form Crimson Flash. A brilliant winner at five of seven starts, the John Size-trained Sky Jewellery will make his feature race debut in the Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m) while Crimson Flash will also make the leap to Group company for the first time in the Sha Tin Vase (1,200m). Sky Jewellery was one of the leading early contenders... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354782/andrea-atzeni-eyes-group-three-double-exciting-galloper-sky-jewellery-and-crimson-flash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354782/andrea-atzeni-eyes-group-three-double-exciting-galloper-sky-jewellery-and-crimson-flash?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 May 2026 11:28:09 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Jamie Richards is looking forward to the promising La Forza resuming in the Class Three Garonne Handicap (1,000m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night despite an outside draw. Richards’ stable has been flying, recording seven winners from the past 10 meetings including doubles at both courses, however the New Zealand trainer is hoping a set of unfortunate draws for his three runners doesn’t stop the run of form on Wednesday night. La Forza returns to the races for the first time since last October... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354740/jamie-richards-looks-forward-return-la-forza-happy-valley-he-looks-maintain-hot-form?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354740/jamie-richards-looks-forward-return-la-forza-happy-valley-he-looks-maintain-hot-form?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 May 2026 07:08:27 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding The trainers’ championship battle took another decisive swing as Danny Shum Chap-shing collected a double at Sha Tin on Sunday to move two clear of Caspar Fownes at the top of the table. On a day where Romantic Warrior was, to many, a slam dunk in the Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m), Shum also watched Packing King maintain his unbeaten record for the stable in section two of the Class Four Standard Chartered Corporate & Investment Banking Handicap (1,200m). The Darci Brahma galloper... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354689/danny-shum-doubles-eke-out-championship-lead-david-hayes-keeps-slim-hopes-alive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354689/danny-shum-doubles-eke-out-championship-lead-david-hayes-keeps-slim-hopes-alive?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 May 2026 12:30:04 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton is on the verge of another slice of history after moving to within two wins of 2,000 in Hong Kong with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday. Hopes were high for the eight-time Hong Kong champion jockey to become the first rider to reach 2,000 on Sunday after he won on each of his first three rides. However, he came up empty from his remaining seven mounts, leaving him needing just two victories at Happy Valley on Wednesday night to create history. “It was all right. I was hoping to ride one... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354687/zac-purton-precipice-history-sha-tin-treble-brings-him-within-two-2000?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354687/zac-purton-precipice-history-sha-tin-treble-brings-him-within-two-2000?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 May 2026 12:00:13 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Romantic Warrior claimed redemption when winning a dramatic running of the Group One Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) to seal the Triple Crown title at Sha Tin on Sunday. After being narrowly defeated in the 2023 edition, Danny Shum Chap-shing’s champion galloper completed the treble of the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m), Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) and Champions & Chater when taking out the final leg by half a length over Numbers in a thrilling battle in the concluding... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354688/romantic-warrior-claims-triple-crown-redemption-group-one-champions-chater-cup-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354688/romantic-warrior-claims-triple-crown-redemption-group-one-champions-chater-cup-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 May 2026 11:33:13 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hayes has labelled three-year-olds My Mars and Happy Promise the best of his seven-strong squad at Sha Tin on Sunday as he bids to keep in touch with the trainers’ championship leading pack. Six wins behind championship leader Danny Shum Chap-shing with 48 this term, Hayes is confident he can strike on Sunday with My Mars in the Class Three Standard Chartered Renminbi Business Handicap (1,200m) and Happy Promise in the second section of the Class Four Standard Chartered Sustainable Finance... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354653/david-hayes-turns-pair-three-year-olds-bid-keep-touch-championship-leaders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354653/david-hayes-turns-pair-three-year-olds-bid-keep-touch-championship-leaders?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 May 2026 02:09:56 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney HAPPY PROMISE - R2 (8) Has trialled well since an encouraging debut and can strike second up   Owen Goulding MATZDEN - R6 (4) Consistent sort has shown more than enough to finally get his head in front   Olivia O'Sullivan BABY SAKURA - R11 (7) A progressive horse going places, aiming to remain unbeaten in Class Three   Phillip Woo NYX GLUCK - R2 (2) Racing consistently well, deserves another win and drawn ideally   Trackwork Spy MY MARS - R10 (5) Can take advantage of a great draw and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354645/scmp-best-bets-sizzling-sakura-can-deliver-again-punters-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354645/scmp-best-bets-sizzling-sakura-can-deliver-again-punters-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 May 2026 14:20:05 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Hugh Bowman is optimistic he can extract the best out of Rousham Park in the Japanese stayer’s clash with Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior in Sunday’s Group One Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m). Set for his third crack at a top-level feature at Sha Tin, the Hiroyasu Tanaka-trained Rousham Park boasts a consistent record of six wins and as many placings from 21 starts. The seven-year-old finished behind Romantic Warrior in his previous two Hong Kong trips, running eighth in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354613/hugh-bowman-backs-japans-rousham-park-deliver-bold-performance-champions-chater?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354613/hugh-bowman-backs-japans-rousham-park-deliver-bold-performance-champions-chater?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 May 2026 07:00:37 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan James McDonald is bullish Romantic Warrior can deliver him back-to-back Triple Crowns when the champion galloper aims to complete a perfect season in Sunday’s Group One Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup at Sha Tin. McDonald was the first rider to claim Hong Kong’s Triple Crown in 31 years when he won last year’s Group One Stewards’ Cup, Group One Gold Cup and Champions & Chater on Voyage Bubble. River Verdon is only other galloper to achieve the historic feat when winning all three legs... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354477/james-mcdonald-eyes-back-back-triple-crowns-romantic-warrior-seeks-claim-first-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354477/james-mcdonald-eyes-back-back-triple-crowns-romantic-warrior-seeks-claim-first-title?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 May 2026 07:00:06 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney From humble beginnings, Zac Purton has risen to become the most successful jockey in the history of Hong Kong racing and will add another chapter to his illustrious career when he becomes the first rider to notch 2,000 wins in the city. With 1,995 victories to his name, the Australian superstar can reach the magical milestone as soon as Sunday’s final Group One meeting of the season at Sha Tin. First, though, let’s take a look back at his journey to greatness and the highlights of his 18 years... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354329/road-2000-wins-champion-jockey-zac-purtons-journey-greatness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354329/road-2000-wins-champion-jockey-zac-purtons-journey-greatness?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 May 2026 09:00:11 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Romantic Warrior will not be for catching in Sunday’s Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) at Sha Tin according to the race’s most successful trainer Tony Cruz, but he is still aiming for a slice of prize money with his stayer Gentlemen Legacy. Cruz has made the final Group One of the Hong Kong season his own since transitioning to the training ranks, winning the race on seven occasions, including four in a row from 2013 to 2016 and a further three times from 2018 to 2020. Also winning the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354322/romantic-warrior-not-catching-champions-chater-king-tony-cruz-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354322/romantic-warrior-not-catching-champions-chater-king-tony-cruz-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 May 2026 05:04:27 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Caspar Fownes struck back in the thrilling trainers’ championship battle when he ended a quiet patch to score a double in combination with Joao Moreira at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Despite having 27 runners since his last win, Fownes’ brace saw him jump back up to second in the championship on 53 victories for the season, one behind the leader Danny Shum Chap-shing. “We’ve had a couple of quiet meetings but to tell you the truth, for me, the tracks have been atrocious – and I’ve been on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354284/caspar-fownes-strikes-back-trainers-championship-double-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354284/caspar-fownes-strikes-back-trainers-championship-double-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 May 2026 15:42:21 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney TYCOON RESOURCES - R5 (2) Stylish win on debut and can go on with it here   Owen Goulding LOVERO - R7 (3) In-form sort should get a smooth run in the box seat and prove too classy   Olivia O'Sullivan VIVACIOUS WIN - R2 (10) Consistent over the course and distance and Zac Purton goes on   Phillip Woo TYCOON RESOURCES - R5 (2) Has trialled nicely after a smart debut win   Shannon (Vincent Wong) TURQUOISE VELOCITY - R9 (11) Can benefit with light weight in his first Valley test   Racing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354136/scmp-best-bets-tycoon-terrific-chance-punters-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354136/scmp-best-bets-tycoon-terrific-chance-punters-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2026 13:36:04 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Jerry Chau Chun-lok will look to extend his Tony Cruz Award lead on Wednesday night at Happy Valley with a strong book of rides that includes Emblazon in the Class Two Thistle Handicap (1,200m). Chau finished the 2024-25 term with 23 winners, but already this season has secured 37 victories and sits fourth in the jockeys’ championship with two months still to go until the end of the term. “I’m not doing too much different – I just try hard, work hard and ask for the support. This season maybe... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354071/jerry-chau-looks-extend-tony-cruz-award-lead-strong-book-rides-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3354071/jerry-chau-looks-extend-tony-cruz-award-lead-strong-book-rides-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 May 2026 07:05:21 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan David Hall will look for back-to-back wins with Geneva who steps up to Class Two company for the first time in the Thistle Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday. The five-year-old was impressive when beating a strong field last start to win by one and a quarter lengths over Sunday winner Thunder Kit, coming from the back of the field and letting down beautifully in the straight to secure his fourth career win. “Obviously it’s always a test when you get to Class Two, everybody wants to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353952/david-hall-seeks-back-back-wins-geneva-steps-grade-happy-valley-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353952/david-hall-seeks-back-back-wins-geneva-steps-grade-happy-valley-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 May 2026 10:30:05 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Frankie Lor Fu-chuen is contemplating a change of tactics for his stable star Numbers when he tackles Sunday’s Group One Champions and Chater Cup (2,400m) at Sha Tin. The 2021-22 champion trainer is coming off the back of three winning meetings on the spin, including a double at Sha Tin last Sunday and a further two placings on that card, and he will be hoping that strong form keeps rolling into this weekend. Highly tried in Australia pre-import, where he was trained by John O’Shea and Tom... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353929/frankie-lor-mulling-change-tactics-numbers-he-gets-set-champions-and-chater-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353929/frankie-lor-mulling-change-tactics-numbers-he-gets-set-champions-and-chater-test?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 May 2026 06:05:32 +0000 Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Apprentice Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu continued an encouraging start to her Hong Kong career with another double at Sha Tin on Sunday, while Frankie Lor Fu-chuen chimed in with a brace of his own. Yuen, who started her local career on April 1, moved to nine winners after guiding Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s On The Lash and the Lor-trained Run Run Smart to strong front-running victories on Sunday. Bouncing back from a disastrous 13th on the dirt when trapped wide throughout last start, On The Lash was sent... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353890/nichola-yuen-and-frankie-lor-post-doubles-japanese-raiders-arrive-champions-chater?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353890/nichola-yuen-and-frankie-lor-post-doubles-japanese-raiders-arrive-champions-chater?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 May 2026 12:05:20 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Patience paid off for Jamie Richards at Sha Tin on Sunday when he secured a double, courtesy of Lahore’s breakthrough victory and Romantic Fantasy’s 830-day drought breaker. Lahore struck for the first time under Zac Purton down the straight in the Class Four Cheung Shan Handicap (1,000m), cruising home by two and a half lengths over Bustling City. Purton sat off the speed set by Bustling City who was on a one-week backup and had ample room to guide the Hellbent galloper to the lead inside the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353887/patience-pays-jamie-richards-after-double-lahore-and-romantic-fantasy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353887/patience-pays-jamie-richards-after-double-lahore-and-romantic-fantasy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 May 2026 11:24:17 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Francis Lui Kin-wai marched closer to the top of the trainers’ premiership with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday, headlined by Thunder Kit’s gutsy success in the Class Three Hong Kong Lions Cup (1,200m). The 2023-24 champion trainer secured his title in the most dramatic of circumstances, knocking Pierre Ng Pang-chi off the top in the final race of the season, and he may need similar magic in this year’s ultra-competitive race. Lui has done most of his winning this campaign on the Sha Tin turf and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353885/francis-lui-slams-home-brilliant-sha-tin-treble-competitive-championship-rages?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353885/francis-lui-slams-home-brilliant-sha-tin-treble-competitive-championship-rages?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 May 2026 10:52:04 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney PAPAYA BROSE - R4 (1) Followed up debut win with a strong second and can get back to winning ways   Owen Goulding URANUS STAR - R11 (4) Finally draws a barrier and can set sail off the front with his rider's 10lb   Olivia O'Sullivan SUPERB SPIRIT - R5 (7) Has won a trial since his promising debut and can get off the mark today   Phillip Woo STAR FIGURE - R9 (12) On target for a win after an eye-catching 1,400m run last start   Shannon (Vincent Wong) LUCRATIVE EIGHT - R5 (3) Improving... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353832/scmp-best-bets-lucrative-eight-can-be-profitable-wager-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353832/scmp-best-bets-lucrative-eight-can-be-profitable-wager-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2026 13:52:04 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan James Orman and Chris So Wai-yin will combine with three solid chances at Sha Tin on Sunday, headlined by Perfectday in the first section of the Class Three Siu Ma Shan Handicap (1,400m). The four-year-old son of Gingerbread Man will race over 1,400m for the second time when he seeks his third career win, and will be piloted once again by Orman when carrying 126lb from barrier nine. “I’m lucky to be able to ride him because he’s a 66-rater, so he was lucky to get my weight, but I’m happy to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353814/james-orman-and-chris-so-combine-three-solid-chances-sha-tin-headlined-perfectday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353814/james-orman-and-chris-so-combine-three-solid-chances-sha-tin-headlined-perfectday?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2026 09:45:33 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Frankie Lor Fu-chuen is thrilled to have the services of Joao Moreira once again aboard Everyone’s Star as he looks to go one better in the second section of the Class Three Siu Ma Shan Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Moreira rode the consistent son of Puissance de Lune to his first and only local victory last season, and was beaten by the impressive hype horse Sky Jewellery by a length and a quarter last start with Moreira in the saddle. While the five-year-old will shoulder the top... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353805/frankie-lor-lucky-have-joao-moreira-aboard-everyones-star-sha-tin-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353805/frankie-lor-lucky-have-joao-moreira-aboard-everyones-star-sha-tin-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2026 07:00:13 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Sha Tin might hold all the Group One racing, but Happy Valley is set to provide this season’s incredible trainers’ championship fight with perhaps its most decisive swing when the numbers are crunched. Much of this season has seen Mark Newnham and Caspar Fownes trading blows at the top of the table, with David Hayes within stalking distance an ominous few winners behind. Danny Shum Chap-shing and Francis Lui Kin-wai have kept themselves in the conversation a further few winners back from him,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353536/happy-valley-set-provide-trainers-championship-its-decisive-swing-shum-takes-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353536/happy-valley-set-provide-trainers-championship-its-decisive-swing-shum-takes-over?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 May 2026 10:30:05 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Zac Purton will seek his second Group One in Queensland aboard Grafterburners on Saturday before taking the reins on Romantic Thor in the Group One Champions and Chater Cup (2,400m) on May 24. Hong Kong’s most decorated jockey returns to Queensland on Friday ahead of Saturday’s Group One Doomben 10,000 (1,200m) – the same place where he honed his craft, winning the 2003 Brisbane jockeys’ premiership as an apprentice. The Australian Hall of Fame jockey heads to Doomben with a full book of nine... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353533/zac-purton-eyes-group-one-glory-australia-ahead-ride-romantic-thor-champions-and-chater?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353533/zac-purton-eyes-group-one-glory-australia-ahead-ride-romantic-thor-champions-and-chater?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 May 2026 08:00:06 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Danny Shum Chap-shing dominated Happy Valley with a treble that saw him take the lead in the trainers’ championship as he looks to claim the title for the first time. The multiple Group One-winning trainer moved up to 54 wins, two above Mark Newnham, when Romantic Gladiator, General Redwood and Leading Agility scored at the city circuit. Shum is focused on his horses first and foremost, and it is this dedication that has seen them perform consistently throughout the season. “I will try my best... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353477/danny-shum-hits-front-trainers-championship-dominant-happy-valley-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353477/danny-shum-hits-front-trainers-championship-dominant-happy-valley-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 15:41:28 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jay Rooney ACE WAR - R5 (8) In great form and looks hard to beat once again for Mark Newnham   Owen Goulding TACTICAL COMMAND - R7 (8) 3lb below his last winning rating and crucially has drawn low in stall four   Olivia O'Sullivan ACE WAR - R5 (8) Has a weight turnaround with The Auspicious and his jockey and stable are in form   Phillip Woo STURDY RUBY - R6 (2) Last run in Class Four resulted in a win and is back at that level tonight   Shannon (Vincent Wong) AURIO - R8 (2) Improving youngster... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353314/scmp-best-bets-ace-war-can-lead-pack-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3353314/scmp-best-bets-ace-war-can-lead-pack-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 May 2026 13:40:04 +0000