Changing of the guard for Hong Kong's sprinters, with Peniaphobia the flagbearer
Lucky Nine. Sterling City. Amber Sky. Charles The Great. Frederick Engels. Ask any punter in January last year who Hong Kong's top sprinters were and the list would have contained that quintet,...

Guru ready for a Heroic performance soon
David Hall-trained Heroic Guru was one of many horses at Happy Valley on Wednesday disadvantaged by a wide gate and the on-pace bias of the C+3 rail, but he goes into the black book with an extra...

Harbour can prove a Master at Sha Tin, too: Moreira
John Moore-trained Harbour Master has run out of races at Happy Valley after his win on Wednesday, but jockey Joao Moreira feels confident the gelding can continue his rise even if he has to...

Skyrockets in flight after poor debut
Most European imports deserve a stay of proceedings before they are condemned for a first-up disappointment upon arrival and although Ricky Yiu Poon-fai's French stakes winner Skyrockets is still...

The curious case of the Dubai hoodoo
The argument that horses lose form after Dubai probably started with the Sheema Classic winner Vengeance Of Rain, who returned home a hero as Hong Kong's first Dubai winner but was then put to...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Good Thinker's form is nothing flashy but he looks in sparkling order in the mornings as he makes the drop into Class Five. Everspring looks a coming winner off his trackwork.

Exchange rates and dinner dates - why Able Friend will end up in the desert
You know a horse has reached another plateau of dominance when the first question at the post-race press conference stops being, "Tell us about the win," and instead becomes, "What next?"

Moore to Master Triple Trio with impressive Harbour
Harbour Master has the look of a horse going places this season and after falling victim to a lack of tempo last start, the John Moore-trained topweight can take advantage of another low draw in...

New import Obliterates concerns on debut
Trainer Richard Gibson was at pains to suggest that Obliterator needed racing, so his local debut in the final race on Sunday puts him into the black book.

Able Friend's next move keeps everybody guessing after Stewards' Cup romp
If the choice of Able Friend's next assignment was a horse race, then the indications yesterday were that Dubai will win that almost as easily as the giant gelding annexed the HK$10 million...

Peniaphobia, Bundle Of Joy eye Dubai glory after Centenary Sprint Cup tussle
Poverty will be the last thing on the minds of Peniaphobia's owners with the Tony Cruz-trained sprinter to aim for world riches after a narrow success in yesterday's HK$6.6m Kent & Curwen...

Yip biding his time with tough Brilliant Shine
Dennis Yip Chor-hong's decision to skip the first of the four-year-old features with Brilliant Shine paid off with another tough win yesterday - but don't expect to see the in-form galloper in the...

Absence not a hurdle as O'Sullivan scores double
While the cat's away, actually the cat is doing even better than he usually does when he's trainer Paul O'Sullivan.

Moreira's heroic effort on Size's Class Three galloper brings up treble
After partnering Able Friend in his awe-inspiring Stewards' Cup display, a Class Three handicap might have seemed like a comedown for Joao Moreira, but John Size-trained prospect Eroico ensured...

Amended rule ensures Callan keeps ride on Derby favourite
Stewards kept themselves occupied with careless riding suspensions for Alex Lai Hoi-wing and Neil Callan out of the day's racing, but Callan was at least able to make...

Able Friend saunters to Stewards' Cup win
It was a case of "first-world problems" when Able Friend coasted around to win the HK$10 million Stewards' Cup on Sunday and moved himself one step closer to heading up a huge Hong Kong charge at...

Luger passes 'step one' on road to Hong Kong Derby
John Size says he still has no set plan on which path Luger will take to this year's BMW Hong Kong Derby but the champion trainer was pleased with "step one" - the four-year-old's first barrier...

Peniaphobia out for Group One glory
If sprinters are the Lamborghinis of the thoroughbred world, then Eagle Regiment is the 2012 and 2013 model, which was then superseded by last year's edition Amber Sky - but unfortunately for...

Odds-on hopes a boost for Moreira
The meeting might start relatively slowly for Joao Moreira but back-to-back odds-on favourites late in the day should ensure the "Sha Tin specialist" does the right thing by his followers...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Mister Marc and La Cote De Bleu both trialled well, albeit in very slow time, in the same heat almost two weeks ago. The Only Kid has noticeably improved in his work.

Olivier Doleuze hoping Eagle Regiment has one last fight in him
Eagle Regiment has had a horror year of injury and illness, but jockey Olivier Doleuze hopes the ageing sprinter is still capable of a history-making knockout punch in tomorrow's Kent & Curwen...

Luger passes 'step one' on road to Hong Kong Derby
John Size says he still has no set plan on which path Luger will take to this year's BMW Hong Kong Derby but the champion trainer was pleased with "step one" - the four-year-old's first barrier...

Asia 4, Europe 3: the brave new world of racing emerges
If any more proof was required that Asia represents the bold and brazen new world of horse racing, Tuesday's Longines World's Best Racehorse ceremony in London provided some hard facts to back it...

Last-start winner Champion ready to shine in Triple Trio
Not all Class Three handicaps are created equally and even though Shining Champion faces a particularly strong field on Sunday at Sha Tin, the smart John Size-trained four-year-old can go back-to-...

Durban Demon receives Sha Tin 'death sentence's
There was a time when gate one down the Sha Tin straight course was not a death sentence, but 13-time champion jockey Douglas Whyte could hardly conceal his disappointment when his mount...

Star sprinter Amber Sky 'as good as gold', says Yiu
Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is happy with the progress of star sprinter Amber Sky as the speed machine chases back-to-back Kent & Curwen Centenary Sprint Cup wins on Sunday at Sha Tin.

Peace Combination to shape up after debut
The Happy Valley 1,000m is a tough assignment for the new Private Purchase Griffins and very few indeed win on debut there, which was underlined again on Wednesday night...

Benno Yung eyes Derby after blitz by Romantic Touch
Trainer Benno Yung Tin-pang will follow the lead of his mentor and eschew the designated path as he heads for the BMW Hong Kong Derby with impressive Happy Valley winner, Romantic Touch...

Straight-shooter Bundle Of Joy 'has to lift' on favourite course
Bundle Of Joy has strong form over the course and distance, top jockey Joao Moreira on his back and raw straight-line speed, but trainer David Hall still believes his sprinter will have to find...

Neil Callan to hit Group Ones with all guns Blazing
In-form Irish jockey Neil Callan will look to keep a Group One roll going in this Sunday's features at Sha Tin with two proven big-race players looking to bounce back to top form.

Stewards' Cup favourite Able Friend earns highest-ever rating for Hong Kong-trained horse
As rivals cling to the "great uncertainty of racing" for any hope of winning Sunday's HK$10 million Stewards' Cup, the race's red-hot favourite Able Friend was officially named Hong Kong's highest...

The one and Only? Tony Cruz's Beauty stakes big Derby claim
It goes without saying the Classic Mile, for all its historical deficiencies as a provider of Hong Kong Derby winners, has left us with a clear and unambiguous Derby favourite in Beauty Only.

Divine Boy an able replacement for Ten
Me Tsui Yu-sak's star sprinter Divine Ten is still making a slow recovery from a tendon injury but his owner Wong Kwong-miu may have something to look forward in the short term after a nice trial...

Nash Rawiller's 'fried rice' moniker a recipe for success
If Nash Rawiller keeps winning races at his current rate he won't mind what the locals make of his ungainly but ultimately effective style and neither will they, but his new nickname in the local...

Speedy Brillante aims to repeat in Triple Trio opener
Another low draw and a five-pound claim can help Dennis Yip Chor-hong's speedy sprinter Brillante overcome a trio of talented first starters in the opening leg of tomorrow night's Triple Trio at...

Further Good Luck awaits debutant winner
You can count the number of northern hemisphere private purchase griffins that win on debut here in Class Four on the fingers of one hand - and that is if you have had a nasty bandsaw accident.

What a Beauty! Top Callan ride steals Classic Mile on Cruz's Only
Tony Cruz continued his love affair with the Group One Classic Mile as Beauty Only left Divine Calling and Giant Treasure fading to grey and stamped himself as the clear BMW Hong Kong Derby...

Moore looks to Bowman for Helene Happy Star's Derby bid
Leading big race trainer John Moore was not giving up on his four-year-olds just yet, despite comprehensive defeats behind Beauty Only for his three runners in the Classic Mile, and he will call...

Good Luck smiles on Rawiller with second double
In the space of a month, Nash Rawiller has gone from worrying about his licence being renewed and second-guessing his decision to relocate to Sha Tin, to becoming the hottest rider in town and...

Gibson's tenacious four-year-old Flying towards Derby
While labelling a horse "honest", "gutsy" and "tough" probably falls short of some of the platitudes that will be piled on other Derby contenders in the coming months, they are qualities that will...

Magic Man bags three in Purton's absence
"Magic Man" Joao Moreira made hay while the sun shone yesterday landing 10 winners during champion jockey Zac Purton's enforced absence, but it all gets competitive again this week.

Prebble, Leung earn suspensions for careless riding
Brett Prebble and Derek Leung Ka-chun both fell foul of the stewards at Sha Tin, but at least Leung took away a win. Leung continued a decent run of recent form winning his fourth from...

Dundonnell to continue march towards Group races
On the corresponding raceday 12 months ago, Dundonnell went around at triple figure odds and finished unplaced in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, another victim of the rush job trainers can be forced...

How billionaire Pan Sutong turned his Midas touch to world of horseracing
There is a big difference between being simply rich and being incredibly wealthy, but how to define it? A glimpse into Pan Sutong's lifestyle and, in particular, his so-called "hobbies" put Hong...

Moreira to succumb to Whyte-wash
Even though Joao Moreira is aboard the horse that is likely to start the shortest-priced favourite of the day and is the only jockey with a full book of rides, he still looks a huge risk at...

"Trackwork Highlights"
One More World had looked a handy prospect at the trials before he was scratched from his intended debut, and his most recent trial did not have the same appeal. However, he has looked...

John Moore confident of dominating another Hong Kong Classic Mile
John Moore admits that living up to last year's complete domination of the four-year-old series is next to impossible, but is still quietly confident with the strength of his three-horse team in...

Hong Kong on alert for high levels of cobalt
Hong Kong Jockey Club officials are keeping a watchful eye on the rash of cobalt positives in Melbourne this week - though performance-enhancing levels have never been detected here.

Fantasy to Thunder along in Classic Mile
Confident that his horse will run a strong 1,600m, jockey Karis Teetan says he will allow the John Size-trained Thunder Fantasy to roll along in Sunday's HK$8 million Hong Kong Classic Mile at Sha...

World racing deserves its own Oscars, similar to America's Eclipse Awards
The world racing year that was 2014 will be toasted in the next seven days with two separate awards functions on either side of the Atlantic - but what would happen if elements of both were...

Griffin form to face acid test in Triple Trio closer
This season's three-year-old restricted race form is yet to be truly put to the test, but John Moore's Dashing Fellow certainly looks capable of winning his way out of Class Four and can stand as...

Trainer Richard Gibson backs Giant Treasure to hold his own in Classic Mile
History and the handicapper say Richard Gibson-trained Giant Treasure has it all to do in Sunday's HK$8 million Hong Kong Classic Mile, but the grey's handlers are putting their faith in flesh and...

Gibson's fortunes about to turn with pair
There was little to take away from a meeting on Wednesday night at Happy Valley that lacked horses of promise but trainer Richard Gibson provided pointers to a couple of winners in waiting late in...

Rawiller earns a double with Supreme effort
Australian jockey Nash Rawiller's rookie season continued to gain traction with a riding double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, but just as importantly, the aggressive rider avoided trouble...

Callan confident Beauty Only can return to winning ways in Classic Mile
Neil Callan is bullish about the chances of Beauty Only bouncing back to winning form in Sunday's Hong Kong Classic Mile at Sha Tin, but the Irish jockey expects his confidence levels to grow even...

Celebrated jockey Gerald Mosse hammered with 15-meeting ban for ride on Redkirk Warrior
Top French rider Gerald Mosse has been stunned with a 15-day suspension over his handling of Redkirk Warrior at Sha Tin on January 4.

Amber Sky set for Centenary Sprint Cup but may be without Joao Moreira
Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai believes Amber Sky is "close to 100 per cent sound" again and is looking a likely runner in the Group One Kent & Curwen Centenary Sprint Cup on Sunday week, but he...

Oneself ready to Excelin Class Three feature
Excel Oneself gave a great advert for himself as a Class Three prospect seven days ago and now looks the one to beat tonight in the Hong Kong Club Challenge Cup (1,000m) at Happy Valley.

Jockeys Zac Purton and Joao Moreira to take big leap into showjumping
They've locked horns on the racetrack for the past year, now Hong Kong's two top jockeys, Zac Purton and Joao Moreira, will take their rivalry to another level when they compete in a sideshow at...

Able Friend heads star-studded trial in preparation for Stewards' Cup
A regulation workout for Hong Kong's top-rated horse, Able Friend, in an all-star trial has kept the 1,300-pound beast up to the mark ahead of the Stewards' Cup on Sunday, January 25.

Road to hell is an all-weather surface
Here we stand at the start of the path to hell, good intentions crunching beneath our feet. The calls for dirt features which appear in sections of the media from time to time,...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Electronic Gospel couldn't look fitter in the mornings. Humongus looks spot on for this assignment after a quick gallop last Thursday.

When the guru John Size speaks, less is more
Something strange happened at Sha Tin on Saturday - and it wasn't Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying having eggs thrown at him and being publicly abused, apparently that happens a lot.

New technology to merge Quartet, First Four pools
The Jockey Club will take a world-first step down the path to the future of wagering on Sunday when it merges pools for the Quartet and First Four bet types using single-pool wagering technology...

Hong Kong's dirt stars may be able to qualify at home for Dubai World Cup night
Hong Kong's dirt-sprinting stars may have an option to qualify at home for Dubai's World Cup night when the Jockey Club breaks new ground by programming a Group-standard race on the surface on...

'Non-winner' Star to reign again
While a frustrating string of seconds by Star Majestic is starting to attract that most dreaded of tags - "non winner" - the Paul O'Sullivan-trained charge has been gainfully filling the role of "...

Rapper Bears close watching next time
Saturday at Sha Tin had its share of horses to follow on their way up the ladder to bigger events, but for bread and butter events in the near future Bear Rapper and Gold Dragon looked coming...

Size Content with three-pronged Derby assault
Trainer John Size is not one to get ahead of himself when it comes to the quality of his horses, so it was worth taking note when he placed Contentment alongside Luger and Thunder Fantasy as his...

Witness a fitting winner as Jockey Club's 130th anniversary celebrations marred by protestors
On a day when the Jockey Club celebrated its 130th anniversary it seemed appropriate that a horse trained by one of its favourite sons, ridden by its greatest ever jockey and carrying the silks of...

Moreira's magical inside track scores treble
It was not quite by magic, but it will do until magic comes along, as Joao Moreira kept appearing along the inside fence on Saturday on his way to picking up a winning treble.

'Pleasant surprise' for Gibson as import flies
Trainer Richard Gibson is rapidly branding himself "King of the PPs" with his skill at winning first time out with horses which have raced previously overseas.

Dirt options limited for Master Kochanwong
Another impressive victory by Master Kochanwong has left David Hall with the classic conundrum of what to do with a dirt specialist once his rating hits triple figures, with the astute trainer now...

Mosse three-day ban a precursor to Redkirk Warrior inquiry
Top French jockey Gerald Mosse was on the wrong end of the stewards' panel, even before his adjourned inquiry tomorrow into his ride on Redkirk Warrior. Yesterday, it was his performance on...

Guyon Running towards Classic Mile glory after stylish trial
French jockey Maxime Guyon geared up for a big two weeks ahead when he partnered his Hong Kong Classic Mile ride Gonna Run in a crucial, fitness-building all-weather track trial at Sha Tin...

Savvy turns savage as Suarez syndrome strikes
Luis Suarez syndrome struck Happy Valley on Wednesday night when Richard Gibson's sore loser Mi Savvy turned on a temper tantrum and tried to take a chunk out of Me Tsui Yu-sak's Silver Dragon in...

Another win looming for Yung and Regency Ho Ho
A good draw is all that is standing between Regency Ho Ho and his next win after the four-year-old surged home from the rear to finish fourth behind All Great Friends at Happy Valley on Wednesday...

Right night for Whyte to get a lot of Pleasure
The wheel of fortune turned slowly for Douglas Whyte and Pleasure Gains but they got together on the right night to claim the Group Three January Cup, 1,800m at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Disgraced jockey Chris Munce rides into sunset with Wicked Intent
A glittering but controversial career punctuated by one of Hong Kong racing's greatest scandals will draw to a close on Saturday when Australian jockey Chris Munce chases a fairy-tale finish in...

Simply Price-less: an eye for a horse
Bloodstock operation that found champion Silent Witness chalks up its 400th win on Sunday - and that's surely a record

Joao Moreira gets another Calling on Divine
Zac Purton's absence through suspension has gifted arch-rival Joao Moreira a second chance on likely Hong Kong Classic Mile favourite Divine Calling and the Brazilian superstar partnered the grey...

Got Fly delivers timely reminder
Richard Gibson's Got Fly might be the forgotten four-year-old, even within his own stable, but the import gave his Hong Kong Classic Cup credentials a boost with a smooth turf trial at Sha Tin on...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Archer's Bow looks to be holding his form in the mornings after breaking through last start. Kharu improved last start and it has coincided with improvement on the training track.

Triple Trio punters can follow Sempiternal's lead
The 1,800m course looks tailor-made for Chris So Wai-yin's rejuvenated five-year-old Sempiternal who brings his uncompromising front-running style into a Class Three second leg of the Triple Trio...

Gun French import Gonna Run to be thrown straight in deep end
Highly rated French import Gonna Run has had a troublesome preparation since arriving at Sha Tin but trainer Caspar Fownes will still head into the HK$8 million Hong Kong Classic Mile first-up,...

Redkirk stands out as a future Derby prospect
When it comes to black bookers from Sunday's meeting at Sha Tin, Redkirk Warrior did not just have a flashing light on him, he had sirens and fireworks to go with it.

The 'Mount Rushmore' of Hong Kong racing - who is included?
The Hong Kong Jockey Club celebrates its 130th anniversary this Sunday, and as Major League Baseball pundits go through their annual debate over who stands out in the storied history of their game...

Flame Hero blitzes Derby stars to steal the show
The focal point of the action was supposed to be all about the pre-Derby showdown in the last race, but one of the finds of last season's classic hunt in Flame Hero upstaged Helene Happy Star,...

Joao Moreira restores double-digit lead after treble
It might have started as a mixed day for Joao Moreira, but once the dust had settled the Magic Man had re-established a double digit lead in the jockeys' championship over absent rival Zac Purton...

Trainer David Hall gets to grips with Golden Scalpel's ailments
Trainer David Hall claims it is a case of "better the devil you know" when it comes to dealing with Golden Scalpel's various ailments after the injury-plagued seven-year-old won for the first time...

Derek Leung helps Kynam find the perfect space
Much-maligned Kynam seems finally to have found his niche in life as an on-pace runner rather than finisher and a solid partner who understands him in local jockey Derek Leung Ka-chun.

Drop in rating and dirt track good for Easy Success
Easy Success scored for the first time in more than a year as the Chris So Wai-yin-trained six-year-old came from well back with a late surge under an inspired ride by Brett Prebble.

Grilling takes the gloss off Mosse's birthday
Leading jockey Gerald Mosse added a winning double to his birthday celebrations, but things turned decidedly sour at day's end as stewards grilled him and trainer Chris So Wai-yin over the Hong...

Yiu prepares to launch Skyrockets
With the first of the four-year-old series just two weeks away, the 2015 classic crop is starting to take shape but a few serious contenders are yet to be unleashed, including Ricky Yiu Poon-fai's...

Jockey Dicky Lui hit with eight-meeting ban for Numero Uno ride
Hong Kong's leading apprentice jockey, Dicky Lui Cheuk-yin, has been banned for almost a month under a "running and handling charge" after an inquiry into his ride on Numero Uno at Sha Tin last...

Victoria to take advantage of decent draw in TT opener
Derek Cruz-trained six-year-old Charter Victoria finally gets a low gate after drawing double figure barriers at his three starts this season and stands out as the best banker in the opening leg...

Plenty of Talent behind Yung's Super winner
Super Talent had shown good abilities in different sections of his first four races and put it all together in a convincing win on New Year's Day but there were others in the race who might be...

Able Friend heading down under? Don't hold your breath
Australian racing fans awoke to an early New Year's present, first reported by the SCMP, that the world's best miler Able Friend might be headed back to Sydney, where his illustrious career began...

Just Reward for Moore's Heroic bridesmaid
John Moore-trained Rewarding Hero stepped out of the shadow of more illustrious stablemates to grab himself a well-earned Group Three in the Chinese Club Challenge Cup yesterday, but he'd better...

Able Friend owner leans to Sydney sojourn instead of Dubai campaign
The world's top miler, Able Friend may become the marquee equine attraction that Sydney's "The Championships" is looking for in the coming months, after owner Dr Cornel Li Fook-kwan indicated he...

Bizarre mishap fails to dampen Rispoli four-timer
Umberto Rispoli rode his first four-timer in Hong Kong and even though it could have easily have been five winners, the Italian was still counting his lucky stars that he wasn't dealt a more...

Whyte's Talent remains in hot demand from trainers
The first half of a Douglas Whyte double showed the 13-time champion's name still carries plenty of cache as Benno Yung Tin-pang held promising sprinter Super Talent back a week, forgoing a...

Lee inches ever closer to keeping his job
Almond Lee laughed off any suggestion he was in hot form, but the trainer looks more secure after Class Five galloper Telephatia brought up the handler's ninth win of the season...

Numero Uno's bold tactics hard to top
So, even this far out, apprentice Dicky Lui Cheuk-yin has made his bid for most egregious ride of the season and good luck to any jockey who thinks he might snatch the award away.

Relief as HKJC grants Rawiller ride extension till the end of the season
After a stop-start first third of the season, a more settled Nash Rawiller is ready to show his best, with the champion Australian jockey receiving an extension of his licence to the end of the...

Racing still a sport, but strange Sunday proves it is made for betting
Some strange Sunday happenings at Sha Tin, and in Brisbane, Australia, were a reminder that racing is a sport made specifically for gambling, while a simulcast race from Japan was an example of...

Next stop Dubai as Rome aims to conquer the desert Designs On Rome declared it game on for the Dubai Sheema Classic at the World Cup meeting later this month, making short work of a tidy Citibank Hong Kong Gold Cup field to give John Moore his... Scintillating six sends Moreira into the history books Joao Moreira topped a brilliant afternoon at Sha Tin by sending Contentment to the BMW Hong Kong Derby as the Brazilian became just the third jockey in history to win six races on a day. Super Jockey comes in late to earn Golden Shaheen call-up What began as an afterthought to enter Super Jockey in yesterday's Class One dirt race ended with the sprinter booking a likely place in the US$2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen on World Cup night, a... Masterstroke as Fownes' Art brushes aside field Caspar Fownes may have been left slightly disappointed after Military Attack's fourth in the Citibank Hong Kong Gold Cup, but he bounced back with a masterpiece a race later as Renaissance Art... No sign of second-year blues now for firing So He might have started the term slowly but there is certainly no sign of second-year syndrome for Chris So Wai-yin any more as the young local trainer racked up another double to move within... Hood to help Bossiee head through the grades Trainer Derek Cruz believes Bossiee will eventually get over more ground but isn't in a hurry with his "big baby" and will apply a hood next start to help the promising four-year-old settle better... New steward's unlikely journey from small town Berrigan to Hong Kong Deep in farming country, Berrigan was the original one-horse town and the unlikeliest of the places in Australia from which Gerard Bush might one day arrive at the crowded, shining towers of Dubai... From Raj to riches for Lawrence Fownes Lawrence Fownes sat in a Causeway Bay hotel room and it felt like the walls were closing in. Italian Umberto Rispoli gets Derby day stay of execution Italian Umberto Rispoli has been given a short-term extension to his contract, but the Jockey Club faces a looming crisis on jockey numbers going into March. Why reusing a champion's name, like Rising Fast, needs to be stopped Imagine turning up for your average Class Five opener each race meeting, only to see Frankel, Black Caviar, Secretariat, Horse Chestnut and Dubai Millennium battling it out in a plodding finish.... Magic Man Moreira to be the Boss in Triple Trio closer Derek Cruz's sprinter looks headed higher in the ratings and can finally break through at the bottom of Class Three from a good draw on Sunday Cruz preparing for better from Pakistan Tony Cruz-trained Pakistan Baby has yet to fill a place in his six local starts but his first appearance in Class Four brought a performance on Wednesday night at Happy Valley that should be... Brett Prebble sings spirited tune as he steals show Brett Prebble and trainer Caspar Fownes renewed an old acquaintance and unearthed a handy horse in the making as Jumbo Spirit crowned a double for the jockey at Happy Valley on a night when most... High hopes for Harbour Master in Gold Cup John Moore heads into Sunday's Citibank Hong Kong Gold Cup with undisputed race favourite Designs On Rome but warned punters against discounting the chances of the reigning Horse of the Year's... Canterbury consent comes just in time Under the heading of not a moment too soon was Monday's announcement that racing authorities in Sydney had gained final approval from the relevant Australian government body to use Canterbury racecourse... Moreira's magic missing from Hong Kong's busiest raceday, but records still under threat An overcrowded racecourse full of 85,000 degenerate gamblers poured their last money into the Jockey Club coffers on Saturday in the vain hope of pulling off a life-changing win, but there was... Yung on the Right path after unlucky return Benno Yung Tin-pang's team was strong on the weekend with a double that might have been four wins in different circumstances and one of the beaten gallopers, Righteous, put the writing on the wall... Blinkered but focused for Military Attack's return Caspar Fownes-trained Military Attack is over his more unfamiliar health issues and will don blinkers for the first time in an attempt to earn a trip to Dubai in the HK$10 million Citibank Hong... Real Specialist completes the job to land Chinese New Year Cup The Divine Calling story came to another untidy ending in the Chinese New Year Cup at Sha Tin but winning trainer John Size heaped praise on the character and will of Real Specialist. Champion jockey Purton hopes treble is an auspicious start Along with attracting the most auspicious honour that comes along with riding the first winner of the Lunar New Year, Zac Purton finished the day with a treble and gained some momentum he hopes... Rich Tapestry on target for Dubai despite setback The Lunar New Year brought Michael Chang Chun-wai his first winner since December, but it wasn't exactly the change of fortunes he had hoped for after stable stalwart Rich Tapestry's Dubai... I'm In Charge battles to show just who is boss A painful hoof injury saw I'm In Charge nearly scratched during the week, but the gutsy young sprinter gave Brett Prebble a double and brought a bold early-season prediction by the jockey a step... Up And Coming proves he is headed higher Up And Coming lived up to his name and the high opinion of his trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai with an all-the-way victory against a host of promising types in a Class Three sprint. Dougie's Derby dilemma - Luger or Giant Treasure? Over the course of his 13-season championship streak, Douglas Whyte would have had to choose between rides in the majority of races, but has there ever been a more seemingly difficult - and, from... Derby warm-up tells us little, again As much as we all like to think this one will be different, history has a way of maintaining its patterns and the Classic Cup was right up to form again as a burial ground for favourites. Yung takes the 'Right' path for success in Triple Trio Benno Yung Tin-pang has already developed a reputation of being incredibly patient and the second year trainer's steady methodology sees promising sprinter Righteous make his seasonal return in... Moore produces a potential classic Colossus All the discussion right now is about the 2015 crop of four-year-olds but John Moore's yard produced a newcomer in one of Sunday's support events who might have scope to measure up to the better... Gold-Fun shines as Chairman's Sprint Prize gamble pays off Gold-Fun's first ever run at 1,200m isn't likely to be his last after trainer Richard Gibson's gamble to bring last season's champion miler back in trip paid off with a tough win in the Chairman's... Luger helps five-star Size fire on all cylinders Thirty minutes after turning the BMW Hong Kong Derby picture on its head in the Classic Cup, trainer John Size did it again with budding star Luger to top off a five-win blitz at the Sha Tin... Dynamic Derby contender emerges for Ferraris as Fly falters It was a case of BMW Hong Kong Derby trials galore yesterday, with David Ferraris-trained Dynamism adding his name to an already confusing picture after a Class Two victory over the Derby course... Old allies crucial for Whyte as he notches treble Thirteen-times champion Douglas Whyte might not be looking a threat to Joao Moreira for this season's premiership, but he isn't going quietly either and made up with an old ally as a treble... Mosse receives another suspension with immediate six-meeting ban A busy day for stewards resulted in yet another ban for French veteran Gerald Mosse for his role in a nasty fall that left Neil Callan counting his blessings. A walk down memory lane: historical pictures of Hong Kong racing Social media has many popular uses, but one that has become popular recently is the sharing of photos from the past. For those who were there, there is a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of how the... Jockey Club takes a punt on rising star rider Damian Lane The Jockey Club's Licensing Committee has gambled on emerging Australian star jockey Damian Lane, who will become part of the roster at Sha Tin and Happy Valley for the final months of this season... Gibson stablemates ready to dominate triple trio Trainer Richard Gibson has opted for what he feels is the easier choice with BMW Hong Kong Derby-bound four-year-old Got Fly, but it is the stayer's stablemate Wayfoong Express that... From Thirsk to the Valley, Mate produces Wednesday night at Happy Valley was filled mostly with well-exposed types without a lot of upside, but there were exceptions and Chris So Wai-yin-trained Racing Mate was one of them. Joao Moreira weaves Majestic Magic in four-timer Magic at the Valley was a promotion the Jockey Club had used earlier this month, but Joao Moreira brought it back last night with a four-timer that ripped the heart from the Happy Valley card and... Gold-Fun tipped to run 'fantastic race' in Chairman's Sprint Prize Trainer Richard Gibson admits there is an element of experimentation in bringing Gold-Fun back in distance as the stable mounts a Pan Sutong-powered assault on Sunday's two Group Ones. Moreira plumps for the potential Joao Moreira is looking beyond this weekend with both of his big race rides coming from just outside the top bracket ratings-wise, but the Brazilian is still his usual buoyant self going into...

Pins Packs plenty on return to the track
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has shown plenty of patience with smart four-year-old Packing Pins and it looks to have paid off after a nice all-weather track trial at Sha Tin yesterday signalled his imminent...

Strongly run race to help Golden Harvest: Rispoli
Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli knows Golden Harvest is an outsider in Sunday's Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin but feels a strongly run race can help the backmarker's chances of causing an...

'Perfectly suitable' not easy to find
The licensing announcement on Monday had a fairly odd look to it, with three club jockeys soon to leave and only one new apprentice rider declared as coming in. While it is an ongoing situation...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Dragon Bachelor won a trial leading all the way two weeks ago and looks ready to win again. Win Chance is on the verge of turning his form around.

Hong Kong's other wealth divide puts the squeeze on little people
When Jockey Club officials meet with jockeys before Sunday's race meeting there won't be any strike action or Occupy Central-style uprisings as we suggested earlier this season, but there are...

Jockey championship leader Joao Moreira gets licence to stay
The hottest favourite in Hong Kong racing history crossed the line at yesterday's licensing committee, but the meeting also produced news of a new claiming apprentice for the jockey roster.

Bridesmaid Mellifluent gets his chance in Triple Trio
Mellifluent has not made many friends with a string of narrow losses as a well-fancied conveyance, but Danny Shum Chap-shing's sprinter may have found the right race and a perfect draw...

Dehere's The Love headed even higher on dirt
Dehere's The Love showed that he is ready and able to pick up again where he left off when he returned to racing on Saturday and he looks a clear black booker from the meeting.

Purton puts back problems behind him - for now
Zac Purton proved he was back to full fitness with a double after a week where his back injury came under scrutiny and the Australian jockey is taking measures to ensure the problem doesn't become...

Just Lovely as Leung sizzles with a double
Derek Leung Ka-chun is happy to catch some of the flow-on effect from the resurgent Paul O'Sullivan stable after an upset win for his former boss brought up a double for the local lightweight.

We'll take it, says Yung after mixed results
The combined margin of a long head stood between Benno Yung Tin-pang and a four-timer yesterday, but the sophomore trainer was still happy to walk away with a double which took him past the 15-win...

Ferraris not sold on Derby for popular Pikachu
Every meeting seems to turn up some new Hong Kong Derby hopeful at this stage of the season but even a solid Class Two win by Pikachu to take his rating into the right zone might not be enough to...

Moreira brings up treble on Size's 'disappointment'
Joao Moreira grabbed yet another treble to take 68 wins into the second half of the racing season, topping it off with another win on one of the few John Size-trained horses to have disappointed...

Weight of numbers for Magic Man
The lack of rides for Joao Moreira's key rivals gives the Magic Man even more of an unbeatable aura as he chases a remarkable sixth straight Jockey Challenge win as a dominant favourite...

Third Chairman's Sprint Prize awaits evergreen Lucky Nine
Champion sprinter Lucky Nine raised hopes that he can turn around his last-start failure with a strong all-weather track trial at Sha Tin yesterday in preparation for next Sunday's Group One...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Sledge Hammer has continued to look a picture in the mornings. Mighty Gains and Xi Ying Men trialled nicely in the same heat last Tuesday.

Confronting a Twitter addiction provides insights into the racing world
I have a confession: I've just come back from confronting an addiction. A self-enforced rehab, of sorts.

Designs On Rome can overcome Centenary Vase test, says John Moore
John Moore admits there is plenty for Designs On Rome to overcome in the Group Three Centenary Vase (1,800m), but he is confident the Horse of the Year is up to the task in a race he has to have...

Profit from one-time Class Five galloper Supreme in TT
Class Five winners do not usually make it as high as Class Three, but Danny Shum Chap-shing's miler Supreme Profit can break through again at Sha Tin tomorrow and looks a nice banker in the middle...

Andnowurmine a winner in waiting for Cruz
Andnowurmine made significant improvement from his first local start to his second on Wednesday night at Happy Valley and the former New Zealander appears to be closing in on his first win for...

Doleuze makes the most of his opportunities
Champion jockey Zac Purton "won" the Happy Valley Jockey Challenge from the comfort of his sofa on Wednesday night, while Olivier Doleuze was the man taking home the actual prizes.

Tony Cruz says low rating a boost for California Memory in Centenary Vase
Even though Tony Cruz admits that retirement is looming for California Memory, the trainer is still drawing hope from the nine-year-old's relatively low rating heading into Saturday's Group Three...

Front runner Khaya tipped to shake up Centenary Vase field
Emerging stayer Khaya may have surprised some this season with his spirited performances, but not his trainer John Size, and the lightly weighted front runner looms as a knockout hope against...

Dan Excel ready to return after aborted Australian campaign
Dual Group One winner Dan Excel hasn't raced for more than six months now but a spritely barrier trial at Sha Tin yesterday showed the adaptable veteran could give his speedy rivals a scare in...

Aerovelocity gears up for Group Ones at home and abroad with trial win
Trainer Paul O'Sullivan is already looking beyond Sunday week's Group One Chairman's Sprint Prize with Aerovelocity after a pipe-opening all-weather track trial at Sha Tin this morning.

Punters thrive by snubbing stragglers
Hong Kong racing surely won't ever offer up a less competitive day than last Sunday at Sha Tin, where the no-hopers in some races thoroughly outnumbered the actual chances.

Dubai off the radar for Able Friend with Royal Ascot a possibility
Moore missed last Wednesday's Happy Valley meeting with food poisoning but he was ready and willing to roll the dice on lobster bisque and curried prawns at the well-known venue as he, his son...

Able Friend and the biggest brunch in Hong Kong horse racing history - an eyewitness account
We on the SCMP racing desk always endeavour to be first on the scene with any news emanating from the wonderful world of Hong Kong racing - and wherever news is breaking, we want to be there, no...

Trip across the Harbour key for Moore's Grand in Triple Trio
John Moore is looking for a change of scenery with Grand Harbour heading to Happy Valley for the first time tomorrow and the consistent Class Four performer can use a low draw to break through as...

First Travels keenly in blinkers but win nears
Richard Gibson-trained Travel First may have travelled a little too keenly in blinkers for the first time in the ninth race on Sunday, but there is every reason to think they also switched him on...

Back pain rules Purton out of Happy Valley meeting
Reigning champion jockey Zac Purton has stepped down from rides at Happy Valley tomorrow night after consultations with specialists in the aftermath of his pinched nerve episode on Sunday.

Redkirk Warrior storms into Hong Kong Derby contention
Chris So Wai-yin was excited to have a big race contender on his hands, but the young trainer was also trying to defuse the hype surrounding Redkirk Warrior after the four-year-old import burst...

Witness the Key to unlocking 1,000 Cruz wins
Smart young sprinter Key Witness looks bound for bigger things and he certainly seems to have a sense of occasion to match his as-yet-untapped ability after an impressive win brought up another...

Dramatic scenes as Purton collapses after race
Champion jockey Zac Purton will be declared this morning for rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday night despite disturbing scenes when he collapsed dismounting from Yeung Sing after race four and...

Hero reaches for the Sky with a Classic Mile aim
The classic trail might just be warming up for this season's four-year-olds, but Me Tsui Yu-sak is already looking ahead to next year's Classic Mile with Sky Hero after an effortless Class Three...

Nothing sheepish about Dragon's Triumph
Six-year-old Triumphant Dragon was always going to be the black sheep of the family but the year of the sheep is upon us and he has put behind him that time when he appeared doomed to live in...

Jetwings soars to second victory in a row
A second comfortable win down the Sha Tin straight from as many attempts isn't enough to dissuade Olivier Doleuze from the view that Jetwings is a miler in the making.

Blinkers a new approach for Military Attack with Dubai on the radar
Military Attack will race in blinkers next time he steps out after a dirt trial in the headgear at Sha Tin on Friday although trainer Caspar Fownes is yet to settle on a return date for the former...

 

'Rich Tapestry Raceway', dual ratings and the dirt track dilemma
Sha Tin's all-weather track, the one that isn't really an all-weather track at all, seems to have unwittingly become world racing's new hotbed of dirt sprinting talent and at the same time has...

Purton attracts Disciples as sprinter climbs ratings
Disciples Twelve's form has been a revelation this season and even with the six-year-old's rating entering unchartered territory, the Caspar Fownes-trained sprinter may yet have another win in...

Amazing effort from Size's Kids hints at more
Not many Private Purchases win on debut each season and they are usually worth noting if they can do it, so Amazing Kids goes into the black book after his smart debut victory on Sunday.

Tenacious Aerovelocity on top of the world in Japan
Paul O'Sullivan lauded Aerovelocity as "the toughest and bravest horse" he's trained after the Longines Hong Kong Sprint winner picked himself up off the canvas to become the first foreign-trained...

Masterclass from Moore and Moreira in Premier Plate
John Moore moved to the top of the trainers' championship and Joao Moreira edged to within striking distance of a magical century as they both brought up doubles with Harbour Master's Group Three...

Five Up climbing High for patient Millard
South African trainer Tony Millard says a trio of four-year-old imports from his homeland will be better next season, but was happy to steal a bonus win for this term when one of the group, Five...

Returning Williams goes from friend to foe for Size
A hit-and-run mission as a fill-in was a lucrative one for familiar face Craig Williams as the Aussie jockey teamed with countryman John Size for one win before denying the trainer another with...

Solow to avoid Able Friend clash in Champions Mile
Runaway Dubai Turf winner Solow will not be among the international visitors for the spring features after owners, the Wertheimer brothers, expressed a desire to avoid champion miler Able Friend...

Aerovelocity pulls O'Sullivan back from the brink
Shakespeare's quote "my kingdom for a horse" has never been more appropriate than for struggling Hong Kong trainers, and this rings true for Paul O'Sullivan who has tasted both success and defeat...

Aerovelocity on target for history in Takamatsunomiya Kinen
In a big weekend of international competition, Hong Kong Sprint winner Aerovelocity can create history by becoming the first foreign-trained horse to win the Group One Takamatsunomiya Kinen...

Hong Kong raiders champing at bit as they seek glory in Dubai
Hong Kong racing's international aspirations continue to be raised ever higher and this jurisdiction has never dared to dream of a three-timer on a stage like the Dubai World Cup - until tonight...

Trainer Paul O'Sullivan pleased with Aerovelocity draw for Japan race
A perfect draw for Aerovelocity and wide gates for three of his main rivals have Paul O'Sullivan in a buoyant mood ahead of Sunday's Takamatsunomiya Kinen at Chukyo Racecourse, but the trainer is...

Punters across the globe converge to bet on the Dubai World Cup - with mixed results
The attention of the racing world turns to the Middle East this weekend and to Dubai's Meydan racecourse, that opulent jewel of Sheikh Mohammed's crown in the middle of nowhere.

Bundle of joy and no fears for Hall and Cruz ahead of the Al Quoz Sprint
Rich Tapestry's trainer barely made it, Amber Sky's trainer didn't quite, but David Hall and Tony Cruz were giving off good vibes about Bundle Of Joy and Peniaphobia at the "Breakfast With The...

Treasures await for Yung's European import Perpetual
A sizzling all-weather track brought a relatively mundane midweek card at Sha Tin to life but one of the few beaten runners with any immediate upside was Benno Yung Tin-pang's European import...

King's Stand Stakes on the cards for Peniaphobia
Tony Cruz is already looking to a potential Royal Ascot campaign for star sprinter Peniaphobia, but it all hinges on a good run in Saturday's US$1 million Al Quoz Sprint at Dubai's Meydan...

No qualms for Moore despite awkward Sheema draw for Rome
Trainer John Moore's confidence in Designs On Rome's prospects for the US$6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (2,410m) remained intact despite his five-year-old drawing towards the outside of the nine...

Purton burns the track as records tumble
Zac Purton quickly turned his 500th Hong Kong win into the first leg of a treble at an all-dirt meeting where the only thing running hotter than the Australian jockey was the track itself as...

Designs On Rome looks in Classic shape for Dubai as John Moore's confidence grows
Trainer John Moore is going "old school" on Designs On Rome in the lead-up to Saturday's US$6 million Dubai Sheema Classic and trusting his eye rather than watching the scales for a sign.

Blinkers the trick for promising Divine
The blinkers were back on promising import Divine Boy in a 1,200m dirt trial yesterday morning and although he won his trial well, Me Tsui Yu-sak will be left to decide whether to go with the...

Newcomer jockey Damian Lane hits the ground running
Carrying the familiar profile of a young Australian rider on the rise, jockey Damian Lane seems to have timed his arrival perfectly this weekend with a near-full book of rides.

Expectation of more success in Dubai
And so we head for the desert on Saturday night with what seems to have become a presumption of more international success - Hong Kong racing has come a long way from the days when even winning...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Costa Del Sol trialled well on this surface less than two weeks ago and looks ready to finally return to the winner's circle. P J Hall was a late inclusion but looks well...

The Moreira Martingale, a "sure win" betting strategy
Roll up, roll up for the "sure win" betting strategy of the century. No, we're not an agent for an Asian betting exchange - we're just trying to help our punting brethren.

Classy dirt types to sound intentions in Triple Trio
A first-leg lottery in tomorrow night's Triple Trio makes it a tough nut to crack, but playing a double banker of dirt track specialists Gun Pit and Hypersonic in the second leg will narrow things...

Super performances from lightly raced three-year-olds
The Class Four down the straight on Saturday didn't look the strongest of races before or after the event, but lightly tried three-year-olds Chevalier Star and E-Super put themselves in the black...

One down, seven to go as Moreira closes in on century in record time
Riding sensation Joao Moreira looked to have an attack of the nervous nineties at Sha Tin as he makes his way towards the fastest riding century in Hong Kong history, racking up the seconds all...

Starstuck apprentice Wong fights nerves to score first win
New apprentice Jack Wong Ho-nam admits one of the biggest adjustments to riding in Hong Kong is simply not being in awe of his high-profile rivals on race day, so maybe it was appropriate that the...

Chang throws down gauntlet to Americans as Rich Tapestry gears up for Dubai quest
It was a long way from the Dubai riches that await Michael Chang Chun-wai on Saturday, but Razor Quest's Class Three victory yesterday was a timely confidence booster as the trainer prepares to...

Dominant ready for Sydney Cup after Ranvet
Hong Kong stayer Dominant didn't make a dent in the sharper middle distance gallopers in the Group One Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill in Sydney on Saturday, but he did leave trainer John Moore happy...

Man and Teetan celebrate Super effort by debutant
E-Super has done everything right since arriving with Manfred Man Ka-leung and although a leg injury delayed his debut, the lay-off may have been a blessing in disguise as the promising young...

Just Lovely for Dicky Lui as Delovely holds off all challengers
Apprentice Dicky Lui Cheuk-yin has become almost a de facto stable rider for Derek Cruz's yard this season and the pair struck again as Lovely Delovely successfully made the transition to 1,200m...

Dominant warms up nicely for Sydney bow
Any hot weather concerns for Dominant at his quarantine stabling in Sydney have evaporated and trainer John Moore says he wants to see the horse's well-being transferred to the track in the Group...

Bauhinia Trophy shaping as top clash
David Hall's exciting but injury-plagued sprinter Rad looks set for a return in the Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy in just over two weeks after an explosive barrier trial performance at Sha Tin...

The saga of Ryan Moore and how Formula One can be a blueprint for the travelling circus of top jockeys
Sunday's Hong Kong Derby produced a plethora of stories, as one would expect from such an intriguing race, but perhaps the most overlooked was the saga surrounding Ryan Moore's delayed arrival.

Moore fined, Harbour Master disqualified for positive
Trainer John Moore has been fined HK$65,000 and Harbour Master disqualified as the winner of a race at Happy Valley in late January after a positive test to indometacin.

No superstar, but Gibson's King can rule soon
A change of yards for Super King Star looks to have worked wonders and the Richard Gibson-trained four-year-old goes into the black book after his second improved race in as many attempts for his...

John Moore's Savvy Nature lands consolation win
Savvy Nature landed a middle distance race in March, but it was not the Hong Kong Derby he had been bought to win - it was the Indian Recreation Club Challenge Cup at Happy Valley last night as a...

Lucky Nine, Peniaphobia gear up for Dubai with dirt trials
Dubai-bound sprinters Lucky Nine and Peniaphobia continued their preparations for their respective desert assignments with soft trial wins at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning.

Ryan Moore gets late call-up for Amber Sky in Al Quoz Sprint
Amber Sky will have yet another new jockey as he attempts to defend his Al Quoz Sprint title at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night, with Ryan Moore now taking the seat.

Cracking pace fires Luger in the Derby
What a difference a pace makes. Last week we were addressing the BMW Hong Kong Derby of 2015 as a decent collection of Class Two four-year-olds with one that stood head and shoulders...

Romantic Touch: why running a big race placing may not be best
BMW Hong Kong Derby placegetter Romantic Touch took a 10-point leap in the ratings after his run-on effort at big odds in Sunday's classic and the subsequent progress of Benno Yung Tin-pang's four...

Cruz's Superoi ready for a step up in distance
Derek Cruz-trained Superoi probably went into a few black books after his second start here, but he can go into ours now too after another luckless run behind Righteous on Sunday.

Luger blows away critics as Size hits Derby mark again
They were strange bedfellows before the Group One BMW Hong Kong Derby but reigning champion jockey Zac Purton and seven-times champion trainer John Size formed a Dream Team of convenience to bring...

Champion jockey Purton describes his winning Derby ride on Luger
When I came out to the parade ring, I thought Luger looked in fantastic order, and nice and relaxed. It was only when we went out on to the track and he had to turn right and not left, that he was...

A few jitters before Able Friend asserts superiority in Cup
It was a test of nerves for trainer John Moore and still cost jockey Joao Moreira a careless riding suspension, but Able Friend showed the deft footwork of a ballroom dancer to shimmy out of a jam...

Magic day for Moreira marred by suspension
A Group One win, his second for the weekend, and another four-timer left Joao Moreira just eight short of a magical century for the season, but the Brazilian still left Sha Tin slightly annoyed...

Fading Ambitious Dragon could be retired after game fifth
The career of two-time horse of the year Ambitious Dragon hangs in the balance, with trainer Tony Millard saying he will consider retiring his champion miler after the eight-year-old pulled up...

Thunder rolls in to end Yiu's dry spell
Handy three-year-old Thunder Dash stopped the rot for trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai, running on well to break his maiden status in the third race and to give Yiu his first success since late January...

Luger shoots clear for impressive Hong Kong Derby victory
Six weeks ago, the thought that John Size and Zac Purton could team up to win the BMW Hong Kong Derby seemed fanciful at best.

Able Friend overcomes concerns to dominate the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup
There were a few nervous moments, but Able Friend swept them aside in the manner of a champion as he strode clear to record another Group One success in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup.

Joao Moreira wows Melbourne to win Newmarket Handicap on Brazen Beau
Joao "Magic Man" Moreira warmed up for BMW Hong Kong Derby day by wowing racing fans in Melbourne on Saturday with a winning double that included three-year-old Brazen Beau mopping the floor with...

A Hong Kong Derby that was all down to timing
There is a special kind of magic about the BMW Hong Kong Derby. It can turn sprinters into stayers for a day, and it can bring together the most unlikely pairings for just over two minutes.

It's going to be my greatest test, says Darren Flindell
As the signal crackled through the AM transistor radio speaker in a Sydney suburban backyard on a Saturday afternoon in spring, the voice still sounded clear and distinct - it was the dulcet tones...

The Flindell five - Darren Flindell's most memorable race calls
A big part of Darren Flindell's career comes to a close at Sunday's BMW Hong Kong Derby meeting as the Jockey Club racecaller commentates his final Hong Kong meeting.

Trainer John Moore happy with lone runner in the Derby
When Helene Happy Star contests Sunday's BMW Hong Kong Derby, trainer John Moore will actually be able to relax and enjoy the event for a change.

Jenny Tam ready to do battle in Hong Kong Derby
After enduring the embarrassment of buying a racehorse that never made it to the races, Redkirk Warrior's owner Jenny Tam Yuk-ching asked herself, "What type of owner do I want to be?" and set...

Derby barrier draw antics a measure of luck and circumstance
There's a new job in town, ladies and gentlemen. Yes, now you too can apply to be ...a professional barrier draw selector!

John Size enters the Derby with guns blazing
The barrier draw for the HK$18 million BMW Hong Kong Derby did nothing to assuage the fears of John Size's rivals that he holds control of the pace in Sunday's Group One classic, but the seven-...

Lord Byron will run the race of his life: Tom Hogan
Gordon Lord Byron's trainer, Tom Hogan, had hopped off a long-haul flight less than 12-hours earlier, but jet-lag obviously hadn't affected his sense of timing as the fairy-tale sprinter completed...

Keep an Eye outfor Size's sprinter
Bunched finishes and horses running on behind powerful tempo do not normally offer much fodder for black books, but John Size-trained Eye On You was an exception to the rule out of...

Magic Man nets double to rack up lucky 88
On a night that drizzled roughies, there were few constants at a chilly, gloomy Happy Valley, but an ascendant Joao Moreira was one of them as he backed himself and won with the ride of the night...

'We want him to be like Black Caviar,' trainer John Moore says of superstar Able Friend
John Moore welcomes the fact Able Friend has become "public property" as the superstar miler heads into Sunday's Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup chasing three straight Group One wins and a chance to...

Forget Beauty Only at your peril in Derby, warns jockey Neil Callan
As Sunday's highly competitive BMW Hong Kong Derby is dissected and scrutinised from all angles, it seems Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Only is the runner being squeezed out of some calculations.

Outsider Dynamism has had 'perfect big-race preparation' for Derby
Confident trainer David Ferraris says a rare "perfect big-race preparation" for BMW Hong Kong Derby dark horse Dynamism could help deliver co-owner and former Jockey Club chairman Wong Chung-hin a...

Owners lose out in new Private Purchase ruling
It's not a burning bush or a parting of the sea but, as miracles go, seeing Hong Kong horse trainers united on an issue will have to do for now.

It's a small world after all, for small people who ride horses
It seems like the racing world has been tipped upside down, or at least has become smaller. In this topsy-turvy new dynamic, Hong Kong-based riders head down under on a day off, and on the...

Moore import Too Fast shows spark of talent
John Moore-trained Too Fast jumped out as a blackbooker on Sunday after the four-year-old flashed into third behind Laugh Out Loud in the final event.

Arpinati makes big breakthrough in Hong Kong Macau Trophy
Joao Moreira put on another clinic at Sha Tin with a five-win haul but the Magic Man saved "the prestige" for the Group Three Hong Kong Macau Trophy as he made odds-on favourite Arpinati reappear...

Quality the key as O'Sullivan continues surge with treble
Paul O'Sullivan's transformational season continues to goes from strength to strength and while the trainer says at least some of the turnaround is due to an increase in numbers, he is striving to...

Moreira's antics just as impressive in lower grades as he gets best out of Sledge Hammer
Jockeys might become heroes by riding the Group One winners but often it is the lowest-class races that really require their greatest skills and one of Joao Moreira's best performances in his five...

John Size hails Sergeant Titanium after a third straight victory
There was a time when trainer John Size thought Sergeant Titanium was going to be pretty handy and then another when that seemed the furthest thing from reality, but the four-year-old overcame...

Disciples Twelve earns place in higher company on quick back-up
Caspar Fownes will this morning pay up for Disciples Twelve to race again at Happy Valley on Wednesday night after the honest sprinter added his fourth win for the season yesterday.

Soumillon gets Amber Sky call-up as Moreira sticks with Bundle Of Joy
Mercurial Amber Sky will have the services of a "keen to succeed" Christophe Soumillon when he attempts to go back to back in the Al Quoz Sprint at the Dubai World Cup meeting on March 28, with...

After a demanding apprenticeship in New Zealand, claimer Jack Wong is put to the test at Sha Tin
The background to Jack Wong Ho-nam's decision to apply for a place at the Jockey Club Apprentice Jockeys' School is typical of the story of many inductees: a schoolboy from Hong Kong's decidedly...

Brett Prebble wins Australian Guineas with Douglas Whyte and Nash Rawiller also finishing strong
Hong Kong-based jockeys stole the show at the Australian Guineas in Melbourne with Brett Prebble finishing first aboard Wandjina with Douglas Whyte and Nash Rawiller in second and fourth place...

Derby aspirants warm up for feature with strong hitouts
Giant Treasure was one of seven possible Group One BMW Hong Kong Derby runners to trial this week and was arguably the most impressive as he bolted up in a 1,600m grass trial on Friday.

Redkirk Warrior inquiry: Mosse's appeal dismissed, but can ride in the Derby
Gerald Mosse's controversial running and handling appeal has been dismissed after a marathon hearing, but the Frenchman is still free to take the ride on Tony Cruz-trained Anticipation in next...

Hong Kong Derby lottery falls flat for owner Siu Pak-kwan
Forget this weekend's antiquated interport race - where the Macau runners are setting themselves up to be lapped again - and the eclectic mix of dirt, turf and straight racing that awaits at Sha...

Maxime Guyon denied chance to join raiders on Derby day in Hong Kong
Seven visiting jockeys will make a hit-and-run mission to Sha Tin on Sunday week to ride on BMW Hong Kong Derby day, but recent departure Maxime Guyon will not be among them after being denied...

Sun about to rise for Glory in Class Four
Glory Sunshine won his only run in Melbourne before coming to Hong Kong and his last two outings highlight his prospects of adding another win locally now that he is down to Class Four and settled...

Zac Purton rings in quartet with opener Joyeux
Joao Moreira had his second successive shutout at Happy Valley as the night belonged to four-win hero Zac Purton, who narrowly denied the Magic Man his chance to break the prize-money record for a...

John Moore's Savvy Nature fails to make Hong Kong Derby field
John Moore-trained Australian import Savvy Nature has missed out on a place in the 14-horse field for next weekend's Group One BMW Hong Kong Derby after he was named first reserve today.

Young talent Jack Wong to be eased carefully into Hong Kong racing
Trainer Me Tsui Yu-sak says he will try to limit the workload of his apprentice Jack Wong Ho-nam to ensure a smooth transition into the pressure-cooker environment of Hong Kong racing for the new...

Amber Sky back on the radar for tilt at Dubai double
A sensational barrier trial by Amber Sky has put a shot at consecutive wins in the Group One Al Quoz Sprint firmly back on the agenda and left jockey Joao Moreira with a tough decision on who to...

Time to dig up dirt on Golden Shaheen race
Well, go figure. Who knew Hong Kong - the home of the turf world championships - would some day gravitate towards the centre of the universe for dirt sprinting?

A weekend when careless tweeting was worse than careless riding
In Japan, Frenchman Christophe Lemaire was stood down from riding on what was meant to be his first day of riding as a full-time jockey and given a stunning 30-day suspension to boot. For what,...

Zac Purton faces double dilemma - ride in Dubai or Japan
Championship-winning rider Zac Purton must choose between Group One rides in Dubai and Japan after partnering Super Jockey to a dirt track win at Sha Tin on Sunday, which secured a place in the US...

Gallant debut from Imperious O'Sullivan charge
The Paul O'Sullivan camp was bruised and battered after some near and unlucky misses on Sunday at Sha Tin, but the in-form trainer would definitely have taken some comfort in the debut effort of...

Able Friend to get Royal Ascot invite if he continues his winning way
Officials for England's premier race meeting, Royal Ascot, will roll out the red carpet for Able Friend should the world's equal-highest rated horse do as expected and win Sunday's Champions Mile at Sha Tin.

Blazing Speed just loves tame tempo
So what did we learn from the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup as horses head towards the season's final features here and to the last overseas target for the middle-distance horses in Singapore?

Ceramibo ready to Dash for Shum and Moreira
The quirks of the widest rail at Happy Valley will almost certainly ensure that Dashing Ceramibo goes out at short odds in the St George's Challenge Cup (1,200m) at Happy Valley...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Oriental Fantasia strode out nicely in a barrier trial last Tuesday and looks ready to finally get his first win at his 27th Hong Kong start. Natural Eight's trackwork suggests...

What are the big questions for the rest of the 2014-15 racing season?
With Joao Moreira holding a 30-win lead with 22 meetings left in a one-sided jockeys' championship, where do we look for late-season drama and storylines?

Purton 'fit to ride' after missing the QE II Cup but weight a concern
Zac Purton will be fine to ride at Happy Valley tomorrow night but will make decisions today on just how light he dares to ride after having to miss the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup with...

Seeing is believing for Size charge in Triple Trio closer
John Size-trained workhorse Sight Believer looks a reliable proposition as banker coming back to his favourite course and distance in the final leg of a tricky Triple Trio at Happy Valley...

Bolt from the blue as youngsters perform admirably
Two lightly raced youngsters caught the eye behind Diamond Mysterious on Sunday and go into the black book as likely winners before the season is done.

Milestones for Cruz, Callan after Blazing Speed QE II Cup win
When it comes to the early crow, Neil Callan could almost have called it after 100m of the HK$20 million Audemars Piguet QE II Cup yesterday when Blazing Speed seemed to just materialise...

Beaten QE II Cup favourite Criterion still bound for Royal Ascot
Defeat in the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup changed nothing for David Hayes-trained Criterion, who is still on a plane bound for Royal Ascot on Tuesday morning.

Plunge comes off as Gibson runs one-two in Sprint Cup
A one-two finish for the Richard Gibson stable arrived, although not in the expected order, as heavily backed underdog Dundonnell lived up to his trainer's billing by upsetting Gold-Fun in...

No Giant killer yet but Gibson's grey looks one to Treasure
Trainer Richard Gibson admits he erred and gave Giant Treasure "one run too many" in the lead-up to this year's Hong Kong Derby but he expects big things from his grey next term after a powerful...

Far from a Blizzard as on-fire Yiu packs plenty
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai had to wait 10 minutes for the stewards' panel to see things his way before Blizzard gave him a training double on one of the feature days of the season at Sha Tin.

Win Chance gives Almond Lee another season as a trainer
Keith Yeung Ming-lun had a double and helped his old boss Almond Lee reach the vital 15-win mark for the season when Win Chance broke his maiden in the Class Five opener. Lee came into the season...

Blazing glory for Tony Cruz in QE II Cup
Audemars Piguet QE II Cup day opened with a surprise of the highest order after which it was almost an anticlimax as Blazing Speed upstaged some of the biggest names in the sport to give Tony Cruz...

Blazing Speed gets his chance to cause a QE II Cup upset
Every now and then, a big name race comes along that looks ripe for an upset and that gives Tony Cruz-trained Blazing Speed a chance to play the spoiler in the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin today.

Zac Purton out of QE II Cup day but Military Attack passed fit
Champion jockey Zac Purton is out of today's feature Audemars Piguet QE II Cup meeting at Sha Tin, after waking in agony in the early hours of Sunday when his kidney stone issue flared up.

Gibson's Fun after Sprint Gold before potential Royal Ascot trip
A more grounded perpetration than his two biggest threats could be enough to swing the balance in favour of Gold-Fun in today's Group Two Sprint Cup and give his trainer Richard Gibson a reason...

Why top jockeys Joao Moreira and Zac Purton have nothing but respect for each other
Five seasons ago, had you asked then perennial champion Douglas Whyte and his challenger Brett Prebble to critique each other's talent the interview wouldn't have lasted long, the pair famously...

Criterion could lead the way for more Australian-trained horses to compete in QE II Cup
The HK$20 million Audemars Piguet QE II Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday is an intriguing puzzle wrapped in a morass of questions, but could also become an answer if David Hayes-trained Criterion is...

Smoking Sun proves to be a stubborn stallion
he Jockey Club is justifiably beaming at having a horse owned by the famous Niarchos family racing in Hong Kong for the first time in Sunday's Audemars Piguet QE II Cup, but someone forgot to tell...

Challenge for Caspar Fownes to prepare Military Attack for QE II Cup
Champion trainer Caspar Fownes says preparing Military Attack for Sunday's Group One Audemars Piguet QE II Cup has been one of the greatest challenges of his career.

Aussie jockey gives punters a bum steer after trousers fall down during race
It was sunny at Sydney's Canterbury racecourse on Wednesday but the moon was out as well when top jockey Blake Shinn finished a race with his pants down and rear bared to the breeze.

Why Hong Kong racing needs the Champions Mile to return to QE II Cup day
All racing eyes around the world turn to Hong Kong and to Sha Tin on Sunday for the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup, a race that shapes as a gladiatorial contest between our best middle distance horses...

Trainer John Moore unfazed by outside draw for Designs On Rome for QE II Cup
Trainer John Moore has put far more emphasis on Designs On Rome's rate of improvement than on an outside draw for the HK$20 million Group One Audemars Piguet QE II Cup on Sunday.

Veteran stayer Red Cadeaux set to top £5m in racing stake earnings
Racing's greatest traveller, Red Cadeaux, returns to a home away from home for the fifth time on Sunday, but for the first time in spring, chasing a piece of history in the Group One...

Messy Class Two race to have few Disciples
The Class Two sprint that finished the card on Wednesday night at Happy Valley was a messy affair and not to be trusted at face value when next these horses run, but there were at least two...

Jockey Joao Moreira records fastest 100 wins in Hong Kong racing
The Magic Man finally hit the magical century for the season, as Joao Moreira snared a Happy Valley double to put behind him perhaps his least efficient period since arriving in Hong Kong.

Gold-Fun among Hong Kong horses nominated for Royal Ascot meeting
Richard Gibson's miler-turned Group One-winning sprinter Gold-Fun was among the Hong Kong nominations for the Royal Ascot meeting yesterday and the trainer said it was "probable" the six-year-old...

Jockey Zac Purton rides rival runner Criterion in trackwork ahead of QE II Cup
Military Attack's jockey Zac Purton went behind enemy lines yesterday to ride rival runner Criterion, a horse whose co-trainer David Hayes says returns in much better shape than on his first...

Hayes engages 'enemy' Purton to gallop Criterion
Visiting trainer David Hayes described it as "sleeping with the enemy" as jockey Zac Purton partnered Criterion in a turf gallop ahead of Sunday's Group One Audemars Piguet QE II Cup.

Neil Callan feels 100 per cent as he returns aboard Blazing Speed for QE II Cup tilt
Jockey Neil Callan hopes giving up a Class Four winner at Happy Valley last week will turn out to be a nice investment in the winning of a Audemars Piguet QE II Cup on Sunday with Blazing Speed.

Hayes would have a lot more to offer
Seeing former Hong Kong champion trainer David Hayes back in town for the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup on Sunday will awaken memories of his success when based here and will probably have a few...

Fownes to decide if Lucky Nine runs in the Sprint Cup or goes straight to Singapore
Trainer Caspar Fownes will decide on Thursday whether Lucky Nine lines up in the Group Two Sprint Cup on Sunday or travels to defend his KrisFlyer Sprint title in Singapore without another race.

Three-year-olds on track after solid Sha Tin dirt trials
Manfred Man Ka-leung's three-year-old Spicy Sure followed up his surprising local debut with a solid trial outing on the Sha Tin dirt yesterday and seems set to continues his trainer's...

Trainer John Moore confident of Charles The Great after successful throat surgery
Throat operations are not something that horse trainers wish for, but John Moore could not be happier with three of his team which have been under the knife recently and is hoping Charles...

Opportunities, not age, the factor as Whyte and Prebble rekindle rivalry
The absence of the two apex predators of Hong Kong racing from the last two meetings has resulted in a renaissance of the "Douglas Whyte v Brett Prebble" rivalry, with the two seasoned...

Bubbles a winner in waiting, with even Luck
Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained Lucky Bubbles lost the lottery at his Hong Kong debut when he drew inside down the straight but the three-year-old did a good enough job under that disadvantage to...

Fantasy Thunders into contention for staying features
A brilliant pre-race plan and a faultless execution by Brett Prebble saw Thunder Fantasy steal the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy (2,200m) yesterday and set the John Size-trained...

Secret Weapon proves the killer blow in Whyte double
Slow and steady was Dennis Yip Chor-hong's secret weapon to finally winning the race with his five-year-old of that name, more than a year after Secret Weapon had looked a horse of some promise.

'Dressage horse' Pablosky far from one-dimensional
A drop in distance helped John Moore's "dressage horse" Pablosky rack up his third dirt win of the season, but the trainer and winning jockey Nash Rawiller both believe the four-year-old can perform away...

Hall's elation turns to grief after Yee Cheong Star demise
A mere 35 minutes separated delight and despair for trainer David Hall as he racked up another winner before seeing an emerging stable star die after a dramatic post-race incident yesterday.

Happy Man left Laughing after Dual success
Manfred Man Ka-leung's solid season continued with a double, but the trainer was taking no credit for the decision to bring Dual Happy to the Sha Tin turf after the six-year-old gave him the first leg...

Sky Lantern owner scores first win in Hong Kong
It was Olivier Doleuze's birthday and he celebrated by winning the opener on Richard Gibson-trained Fire Starter in some famous colours, but the French rider has had more birthdays than the four-year-old...

Olivier Doleuze pilots Gurus Dream to Interport victory
French jockey Olivier Doleuze captured his second Macau Hong Kong Trophy in three years after Gurus Dream relished a more forgiving surface and strong tempo to win the return leg of the Interport...

More delights await Siu family with Oz
The Siu family's famous black and red striped silks have another standout performer to look forward to in the form of beautifully bred three-year-old Thewizardofoz, who produced another forward trial...

Absent rivals a big factor for Whyte
In superb form and boasting a full book, Douglas Whyte can again make the most of the absence of his major rivals and win the Jockey Challenge today at Sha Tin.

"Trackwork Highlights"
Good Friends Magic has stepped up his work dropping in class, with two solid gallops in the last two weeks. Bamboo Dance's work has improved since he has gone back to...

Delusion or publicity stunt? Australian bookmaker's crazy QE II Cup market
OK, Sportsbet. You win. You went fishing for fools and while I thought I was being smart, avoiding the hook, I've instead been caught hook, line and sinker - simply by giving you promotion here....

Ambitious Dragon retired after injuries take their toll
Trainer Tony Millard labelled Ambitious Dragon a competitor whose dominant victories made him a fan favourite with Hong Kong racegoers after the two-time horse of the year was retired on Thursday...

Baby set to deliver down in grade with Whyte back on
Wah May Baby drops into Class Four for the second time and with a low draw and Douglas Whyte back aboard, the Tony Cruz-trained four-year-old stands out as banker in the opening leg of Sunday's...

Good draw key to Pakistan rising up ranks
Pakistan Baby got the job done after finally drawing a decent gate on Wednesday night and he is going to pay his way in Class Three in the immediate future.

Prebble finally gets to perform the Best Tango
As a younger horse, Best Tango won the Italian 2000 Guineas and contested some of his country's classics but it was a long way down to his first win in Hong Kong as the five-year-old broke through...

Able Friend frightens off foreign raiders
The colossal shadow of the world's joint top-rated racehorse, Able Friend, has left the Jockey Club unable to attract a foreign runner to the HK$14 million Champions Mile next month for the first...

Military ready for QE II Cup Attack after pleasing trial
Military Attack led the way on a good day for the Caspar Fownes team at yesterday's Sha Tin turf trials as the former horse of the year won his 1,600m hit-out in convincing style.

Sydney having a big say on Hong Kong's spring features
So The Championships is over and the announcements of invited runners for the Champions Mile on Wednesday and the Audemars Piguet QE II Cup last week remind us that the health of The Championships...

Injured jockeys from Sha Tin fall on the mend
Neil Callan has emerged from Sunday's sickening three-rider fall at Sha Tin with soft tissue damage, but is hopeful he will be able to take his place on mounts at Happy Valley tomorrow night.

The cyclical nature of success: How Paul O'Sullivan is planning to skip another sequel of The Hangover
The journalists surrounding in-form trainer Paul O'Sullivan at Sha Tin on Sunday looking for some "I'll win the championship" headline-making quotes were sorely disappointed.

Lad a more than handy substitute for Glorious Days
The Tom Brown's Syndicate retired Hong Kong Mile winner Glorious Days last week - he is apparently headed to England to continue his career - but Sunday saw the same ownership find a ready...

Champion jockey far from raising Whyte flag after four-timer
With Joao Moreira suspended and Zac Purton's day falling short of expectations at Sha Tin, 13-time champion jockey Douglas Whyte was happy to fill the void and take centre stage with a winning Sha Tin...

Emotional win as Eagle soars for grieving Fownes
The unexpected win by Quaternion Eagle provided a poignant moment as winning trainer Caspar Fownes paid tribute to his late father Lawrie and jockey Andreas Suborics dedicated the victory to the...

O'Sullivan experiences racing's dramatic highs and lows after horror fall
Paul O'Sullivan trained a double but left yesterday's meeting with mixed feelings after his sprinter Collagen was euthanised following a fall that saw jockeys Neil Callan and Howard Cheng Yue-tin...

It's child's play for Happy Chappy Yiu and his 'kids'
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai could legitimately claim the title "king of the kids", with both horses and jockeys, after notching his third double of the season yesterday.

Stayer Take To The Limit overcomes hurdles to salute
Richard Gibson-trained stayer Take To The Limit landed his first win at just his second outing for the yard in the Kowloon Cricket Club Centenary Cup (2,200m) even without quite having ticks in...

Jockey Leighton Aspell wins second Grand National in a row
Leighton Aspell became the first jockey for 61 years to win the Grand National on different horses in successive years as he powered Many Clouds to victory the world's most famous steeplechase on...

Hong Kong connections sparkle in Sydney
It was a tremendous day for Hong Kong connections at the second day of The Championships in Sydney, but it was not meant to be for John Moore and ex-Hong Kong Vase winner Dominant.

Tributes pour in for horseman who lived life to the full 
The death of former trainer Lawrie Fownes yesterday triggered an outpouring of emotional tributes for a man not only held in tremendous esteem professionally, but also remembered as someone who...

Sydney Cup a new mountain for Hong Kong Vase winner Dominant
John Moore goes into tomorrow's A$1.6 million (HK$9.5 million) Sydney Cup perfectly satisfied with Dominant, but all too aware of the mountain the stayer has to climb to give the trainer his first...

Awesome debut from Lee's Unique first starter
Almond Lee still remains one win off reaching his performance benchmark for the season but he keeps producing horses which will be winning races soon and the latest of them was Unique Awesome on...

Super effort required from Man's second starter in Triple Trio
The start of E-Super's career was delayed because of injury, but the three-year-old will be out to make up for lost time and stands out as banker in the opening leg of the Triple Trio at Sha Tin...

Caspar Fownes' emotional tribute to 'father, mentor and best friend' Lawrie
Caspar Fownes, Hong Kong's champion trainer, paid an emotional tribute to his father Lawrie, who has died aged 77

Hong Kong horse-training great Lawrie Fownes dies, aged 77
Lawrence Fownes, the former champion trainer of India and a pioneer of the sport's professional era in Hong Kong, passed away at his Tai Po home this morning, aged 77

Able Chairman's victory not without jitters, but he's the Friend of punters in the end
It definitely wasn't the Able Friend that everyone expected to see, and it might not have been the Able Friend everyone wants to see in the Champions Mile next month, but the colossal galloper is...

Hall relieved as Rad gets straight back to business in Bauhinia
For such a lightly raced horse, it has been a long road for Rad but trainer David Hall was thinking relief rather than triumph after the five-year-old claimed the Group Three Bauhinia Sprint...

Moreira stranded one short of magic century after treble
After racking up a rapid-fire treble it seemed inevitable that Joao Moreira would keep rolling through the middle of the programme to a magical milestone, but win 100 for the season will have to...

Purton celebrates a brace but momentum halted by suspension
Zac Purton's day started spectacularly with wins in two of the first three races but was soon soured by a three-day suspension that will have the in-form Australian cooling his heels in the lead-...

Lucky Lui double a matter of perfect timing
Francis Lui Kin-wai walked away from Sha Tin satisfied after bringing up his fourth double for the season but the trainer joked that he almost had two heart attacks as both winners almost threw...

Blueblood Strathmore dispatches of handy field with ease
In another place at another time, owner Iain Bruce might be looking at "stallion making" races for Tony Millard-trained Strathmore but he was just happy to see the three-year-old win his third...

Speedy conveyance Longwah headed higher
It might have been the night for the finale of the Million Challenge, but Wednesday was quite standard racing fare with not a lot to take away for the future, so Speedy Longwah stood out as the...

Wanted! International gallopers to run in Hong Kong's spring features
With Dubai done and dusted, there's a mini interval on the international stage - well, except for the fledgling The Championships in Sydney - but soon after, the intermission will be over and Hong Kong's spring features,...

All the best as Purton rules the Valley
Reigning champion jockey Zac Purton was the king of the shortcuts on Wednesday night at Happy Valley as he used the shortest way home to grab another four-timer and secure the Happy Valley Million...

Moment of truth for Hall's Apollo after dirt trial win
Apollo's Choice had his classic aspirations ended before they even started but the David Hall-trained Australian import may yet collect some cheques this season after a confidence-building dirt...

Sortie to World Cup meeting in Dubai was well worth the trip
A noble defeat in Dubai, while Aerovelocity racked up a new foreign Group One for a Hong Kong runner in Japan. That was the postscript of the weekend's elite sorties that collectively elevated...

'Refreshed' Dominant tipped for bold showing in Champions & Chater Cup
An Australian sojourn did not reap the results trainer John Moore wanted for Dominant, but he believes the Group One-winning stayer has returned from his midseason campaign "mentally refreshed" for...

Shum looks to make amends in TT after Kimberley shock
The biggest upset in years last weekend means the Triple Trio is boosted by a jackpot this weekend at Sha Tin and the trainer responsible for the blowout result, Danny Shum Chap-shing, can make...

Eye-catching return from Chang five-year-old
Yet another difficult meeting to find horses to follow on Wednesday night, since many of the performances might not be replicated on a different dirt surface at another meeting, but one horse...

Injured Joao Moreira ruled out early, but wins anyway
Superstar jockey Joao Moreira will be declared for rides at Sunday's feature meeting this morning despite suffering a painful back injury that ruled him out of all but the opening event at Sha Tin last night.

Lack of foresight hinders Jockey Club's search for new race caller
Sydney's best race caller, Mark Shean, knocking back the offer to replace Darren Flindell rings some alarm bells as far as the Jockey Club's aim of getting a "name" caller.

Healthy performance from blinkered Joyful
Expect Paul O'Sullivan's three-year-old Healthy Joyful to be sporting blinkers next start after the Aussie import produced a tidy trial wearing the headgear in atrocious conditions at Sha Tin yesterday.

Where are the horses? Torrential downpour fails to stop the show in Hong Kong
For the vast majority of the 777 races on the Hong Kong calender, the job of the "leading horse" cameraman is pretty simple. Film the leading horse. Job done.

Griffin race stands out on rain-affected Sha Tin card
Another day in May and another mediocre meeting on Sunday at Sha Tin with the lone highlight, a very solid Class One on paper, rendered pointless by the weather conditions so black bookers...

Havoc as Prebble storms to Lucky treble in heavy rain
Brett Prebble sealed a winning treble and the riding honours at Sha Tin in extraordinary scenes when a flash storm hit the racecourse just as jockeys and club staff were preparing to start a race.

'The ride of the season': Moore lauds Moreira after Bear-Pop success
Another week, another Joao Moreira contender for ride of the season. At least, that's the view of John Moore after the Brazilian jockey steered Bear-Pop to his second consecutive win...

Diamond can add some sparkle Man's attempt at a personal best season
Manfred Man Ka-leung is chasing a career-best season after another double and believes promising three-year-old Diamond Mysterious can help him achieve his goal after going...

Travel Brother more than just 'two stones lighter' but slowly finding best
An early season gelding operation stripped significant weight off Travel Brother's frame but trainer Caspar Fownes is confident the miler can now recapture his best form and already has...

Contrasting fortunes as Lane steers 244-1 winner and Lui faces potential show cause hearing
An unassuming Class Four mile produced sensations as Damian Lane rode the longest-priced winner in almost 14 years and Dicky Lui Cheuk-yin's career moved perilously close to a show cause with...

Hong Kong's dominance of the Kranji features will have Singapore - and the Jockey Club - concerned
It wasn't all cheers and hurrahs as Hong Kong swept Singapore's two features on Sunday night, and outside the Hong Kong bubble, the moans and groans drowned out any celebratory noises.

Rely on the 'Unique' types in the Triple Trio opener
The stars have aligned for Unique Awesome in a Class Four on Sunday at Sha Tin, where the Almond Lee-trained three-year-old stands out as banker in the opening leg of the Triple Trio.

Essence can reign Supreme if rain continues
Trying to make sense of Wednesday night's form at Happy Valley would largely be an exercise in futility since those conditions are unlikely to be repeated too often, but there was certainly...

Plenty of hits and misses on a tricky track
Joao Moreira won the Jockey Challenge and a double, Zac Purton scored a double and Douglas Whyte the night's feature cup race as Le French May flowed into Happy Valley, but the story of the...

Jockey Club gets just what it asked for in Joao Moreira
Joao Moreira's new record for wins in a season, and what will be a runaway first championship win likely to be followed by more, remind us that life is full of circles and sometimes getting...

Rad warms up for Sha Tin Vase test
David Hall's smart sprinter Rad was given a thorough fitness test ahead of his step up to 1,200m next week as a host of highly rated horses were readied for the upcoming end-of-season features...

Surgery signals premature end to Horse of the Year Designs on Rome's season
Reigning Horse of the Year, Designs On Rome will miss the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup next week in favour of surgery on Tuesday to remove a bone chip from his fetlock.

Cour Valant a sound banker option in Triple Trio chase
With the rail moving out tomorrow night at Happy Valley, barrier draws look a vital key to snaring the estimated HK$8 million Triple Trio dividend pool.

Age shall not weary them: How Hong Kong's horses defy Father Time
They weren't quite dad's army, and as it turns out they might just be getting started, but there were plenty discounting the chances of Hong Kong's five-horse raiding party on account of...

High Warrior ready to make his mark for Size
At this point, there would not be another trainer who is not envious of John Size's group of rising four-year-olds, but one of them finds his way into the black book after Saturday's racing.

Hong Kong raiders Aerovelocity and Dan Excel sweep the board in Singapore showpiece
Aerovelocity set himself up for a shot at massive payday in December with a win in the KrisFlyer Sprint and Dan Excel went back-to-back in the Singapore Airlines International Cup...

Record falls as Moreira shines bright at sha tin
The wait was over quickly at Sha Tin as Joao Moreira took only until the second race to topple Douglas Whyte's season win record and the Brazilian then set about showcasing his talent with...

Hard to go past 'tough as teak' Aerovelocity for Krisflyer Sprint in Singapore
Aerovelocity's unlikely rise from battling handicapper to one of the world's best sprinters can continue in Sunday night's Krisflyer Sprint at a meeting Hong Kong has made its own in recent seasons.

Head ready to taste Singapore entrée to Ascot
Freddy Head will be out to dash the dreams of Hong Kong race fans next month at Royal Ascot, but could get in early and cause an upset with Free Port Lux in tonight's Singapore Airlines International Cup.

Youngsters stamp credentials for fast finisher Shum
Trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing is probably better known as a fast beginner most seasons, but this term he is harnessing the power of the top jockeys and finishing the year like a runaway train.

Domineer catches Fownes with pants down
It was only when trainer Caspar Fownes was half undressed on Saturday that he realised he had gone off too early.

Six year drought over as Easy headlines Ho treble
A feature success was among Peter Ho Leung's first treble in 18 months yesterday, but it was a dirt Class Five victory that had the local trainer in raptures.

Lucky Nine not just in Singapore to make up the numbers
Caspar Fownes says he has the eight-year-old in prime condition aiming for a third KrisFlyer Sprint, and that the low draw favours Military Attack in SIA Cup

'Headstrong' Aerovelocity a handful for O'Sullivan as he prepares for Krisflyer
Aerovelocity is a dream on the racetrack but getting him there can be a nightmare and trainer Paul O'Sullivan prepared for the headstrong sprinter's inevitable pre-race antics with...

Consistent Celestial Smile to star again
A superior draw, superior tactical ability and the magic of Joao Moreira look the ingredients that will make Celestial Smile the horse to beat in the Skol Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin today.

Yiu a Happy Chappy after griffin trial
A two-year-old trial was the highlight of the Sha Tin barrier trial session yesterday morning, but rather than revealing any future superstars of note, it raised more questions over this...

John Moore upbeat despite Dan Excel's gate 10 draw for Singapore Airlines International Cup
Four of Hong Kong's five feature contenders got the barriers they wanted for Sunday's Group Ones - and even though Dan Excel was the odd one out, trainer John Moore is still confident of...

The continuing saga of Rich Tapestry's trainer Michael Chang
No Hong Kong trainer has had a more topsy-turvy season than Michael Chang Chun-wai and the roller coaster ride looks set to continue on Sunday night as he saddles up stable stalwart...

Moreira to sparkle in Triple Trio with record in sight
Joao Moreira needs only one winner to capture the record for most wins in a season, and if he somehow lucks out in the first four races, he can bring up the mark with first-starter Sun Jewellery...

Champion can bear Fruit with more experience
Another very plain meeting midweek at Happy Valley where black bookers were not easy to find among mostly well-explored and average talents, but Fruitful Champion showed enough to suggest he can win soon.

Treble adds to Magic Man's record menu
Joao "Magic Man" Moreira sits poised to claim the all-time record for winners ridden in a single Hong Kong season after levelling Douglas Whyte's benchmark at last night's Happy Valley meeting.

From dirt to turf for Rich Tapestry in tilt at Krisflyer Sprint in Singapore
Trailblazing trainer Michael Chang Chun-wai is used to challenging conventional thinking with Rich Tapestry and believes his sprinter's exceptional dirt form can be transferred to the turf...

It's a yes: Hong Kong superstar Able Friend confirmed for Royal Ascot mission
Hong Kong's most anticipated equine raid will go ahead, with the world's highest rated horse, Able Friend, given the green light to step into the global arena with a Royal Ascot campaign next month.

Eye on the blinkers for Size's wayward galloper
Trainer John Size has reached for the magic of blinkers in tonight's Sauternes Cup (1,200m) at Happy Valley and Eye On You will prove the one to beat if the gear change has the desired effect.

Atomic Blast bang on target after top trial
Francis Lui Kin-wai's three-year-old Atomic Blast was kept up to the mark with a strong 1,200m barrier trial at Sha Tin yesterday and looks like being hard to beat when he returns.

Blake Shinn should be a shoo-in to ride in Hong Kong
Three weeks ago, Sydney jockey Blake Shinn's backside was seen around the world. He could have ridden every Group One winner in Australia for the season without getting the kind...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Forgive And Forget's latest work has been spot on and he looks ready for a big run. Gerald Mosse has done plenty of work with Dashing Fortune and he looks on song.

Sha Tin's dirt doyen Jim Howard one of Hong Kong racing's unsung heroes
Jim Howard is fond of carrying in his shirt pocket a photocopied sheet with a short passage: "Do not seek praise. Seek criticism." And as the man in charge of maintaining Sha Tin's dirt...

Warrior can take Moreira one step closer to history
A better draw can help Baltic Warrior fill a space as banker in the middle leg of tomorrow night's Triple Trio at Happy Valley and move jockey Joao Moreira one step closer to history.

On a day to forget, California stands out
Saturday was more of a day to forget performances rather than follow them up, with the deteriorating track contributing to many failures by well-fancied horses in the second half of...

Gerald Mosse's 'conscience is clear' as he returns from ban with full card of rides
French jockey Gerald Mosse on Wednesday makes his first racetrack appearance since his controversial mid-season ban and the 47-year-old veteran says he feels rejuvenated and ready...

Happy faces all around as Moore's staying Star makes all in Queen Mother Memorial Cup
Neil Callan chased the ride and then made everyone else chase him as Helene Happy Star broke his Hong Kong maiden in style with a Queen Mother Memorial Cup victory at a soggy Sha Tin.

Glacier sees HKJC chairman Ip in the winner's circle on Chairmen's Day
Trainer Richard Gibson was just happy to grab a long awaited second win with Glacier Blue, but even more pleased to give the horse's owner, current Jockey Club chairman Simon Ip Sik-on, a win...

Next year's Queen Mother Memorial Cup a potential target for Razor Quest
Staying prospect Razor Quest brought up a hat-trick of wins with a dominant Class Three performance, but Michael Chang Chun-wai is thinking of Group Threes or beyond and hopes his horse will be...

Purton far from seeing red after putting medical issues behind him with double
After two weeks of problems with kidney stones and then more discomfort from the treatment for them, Zac Purton went to the races on Saturday ready to break into song, regardless of his results.

Hong Kong's Singapore International Racing Festival quintet arrive in perfect health
Hong Kong's highly touted five-horse team aimed at next weekend's Singapore features has been given a clean bill of health after arriving at Kranji early yesterday morning.

Gold-Fun's season over with Royal Ascot trip a no-go
Any thoughts of Group One-winning Gold-Fun packing off to the royal meeting at Ascot have ended abruptly and the six-year-old will have surgery instead before a holiday. Named last season's...

Sun Jewellery glitters for firing Size
Master trainer John Size has rolled out some big guns in his quest for an eighth championship in recent weeks and could have another newcomer ready to add to his win tally with...

Much of the same for Magic Man
Joao Moreira will continue on his record-setting ways with another big day at Sha Tin and seems set to collect another Jockey Challenge win.

"Trackwork Highlights"
Crimson Heart continues to look fit and well in the mornings. Colourful Profit looks to have made some small improvement.

Olympic stables trainers request move to end disadvantage
The four Sha Tin trainers based at the Olympic stables last night issued a press release stating that they have made a formal request that the Jockey Club allow them return to yards in the main...

Queen Mother Memorial Cup a rare event for Hong Kong's sparse staying stock
A rare Saturday meeting this weekend marks the beginning of the end of the Hong Kong racing season as the stayers step into the spotlight in the Queen Mother Memorial Cup.

Lean Journey hoping for better luck in Triple Trio
Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained Lean Journey can bounce back from a couple of batterings at his last two starts and break through for a maiden win in the opening leg of tomorrow's Triple Trio...

Surveys looks another Size debut winner to follow
Another day, another debutant for John Size as Happy Surveys made a winning entry to racing at Happy Valley on Wednesday night and the gelding is certainly going in the black book as one...

John Size surveys his happy chances in title chase after Valley victory with newbie
As the trainers title race moves into its final phase over the coming weeks, new horses with some upside will play a vital role and John Size produced the second one in two meetings...

Richard Gibson admits distance doubts over Got Fly for Queen Mother Memorial Cup
Hong Kong Derby runner-up Got Fly has been marked as a stayer-in-waiting, but trainer Richard Gibson is not convinced about his four-year-old's stamina heading into Saturday's Queen Mother Memorial Cup...

Champion jockey Zac Purton to miss Happy Valley meeting
Champion jockey Zac Purton will miss Wednesday's Happy Valley meeting after a follow-up medical procedure to his kidney stone complaint but says he will be back this Saturday at Sha Tin.

The real Able Friend is needed for Royal Ascot
To the eye, the Able Friend wow factor was back in the Champions Mile, even if the same quality was missing from the race itself.

Fownes' Delight leads charge towards title
Exciting New Zealand import Smart Delight looks primed for a first-up strike and could be a factor for Caspar Fownes as the trainer makes a late season run at back-to-back championships.

Universal suffrage for race fans after Able Friend becomes public property
So the hotly contested clash between Able Friend and Luger was a little bit of a let down, but there was plenty to get excited about post-race for every holder of a Hong Kong ID card.

Myth of on-pace bias makes for strange racing
An odd sort of meeting overall at Sha Tin, with many participants apparently feeling they had to be with the leaders on the day to stand a chance of winning, notwithstanding a lack...

World awaits Able Friend after Champions Mile romp
Hot favourite Able Friend romped to a convincing win in the HK$14 million Champions Mile while Luger was pulled out at the top of the stretch after jockey Zac Purton felt there was something wrong.

Moreira closes in on Whyte's record after Dashing five-timer
The day was Joao Moreira's even before the oohs and aaahs that accompanied Able Friend's stroll around in the Group One, and the Magic Man is closing in on the season win record after another five-timer...

Shum three-year-olds rely on Luck to put rivals to the sword
Trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing often matches three-year-olds Lucky Year and Bayonet in trackwork but when the pair were separated and let loose on the racetrack yesterday they stamped their class...

Callan treble capped by the return of the Go Baby Go of old
A return to form and a rare opportunity on his favoured straight course gave Dennis Yip Chor-hong's one-time boom horse Go Baby Go his first win in 18 months and delivered Neil Callan...

Rewarding Hero after invite for Yasuda Kinen
John Moore is hoping for an invite to next month's Yasuda Kinen in Japan for Rewarding Hero after the consistent six-year-old was only a length and a quarter behind his superstar stablemate...

American Pharoah fights off Firing Line to win Kentucky Derby
American Pharoah, using a sweeping move from the outside, won a thrilling duel with Firing Line to claim the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday.

A willing and Able Friend: Champions Mile favourite will be centre of attention at Sha Tin
Able Friend strikes an imposing figure when walking out for trackwork each morning and performs his trademark pause, ears pricked, at the edge of the track. He also has the racetrack record...

I walked away like a broken person, recalls Felix Coetzee of Silent Witness' upset
First came an almighty roar, the type that awaited Silent Witness in the final stages of each of his previous 17 starts, all of them wins, with the volume growing each time he ran.

Leaning to Friend in clash of the titans
The HK$14 million Champions Mile at Sha Tin today might not represent much of a betting opportunity but it certainly should appeal to the purists seeking an intriguing high level contest.

Luger's Zac Purton and Able Friend's Joao Moreira relaxed ahead of Champions Mile
There have been some famous upsets in match races, but jockeys Zac Purton and Joao Moreira are not feeling any extra pressure going into the Champions Mile.

American Pharoah favourite to win Kentucky Derby
American Pharoah is tipped to reign supreme over the Kentucky Derby with jockey Victor Espinoza gunning for back-to-back wins in the 141st edition of the prestigious showpiece.

Able Friend '100 per cent' for the Champions Mile after a final gallop by Joao Moreira
John Moore only had to see the smile on jockey Joao Moreira's face after Able Friend's leisurely final gallop ahead of Sunday's Champions Mile at Sha Tin to know he has the big chestnut right...

Groundbreaking globetrotter Mike de Kock uses Champions Mile win as blueprint for Kentucky Derby glory
Twelve months ago this weekend, Able Friend lined up as an odds-on favourite in the Champions Mile. He was beaten. Convincingly. A wily South African horseman, Mike de Kock - unmatched at...

Iron almost hot again after strong Valley run
From a standard meeting midweek, the black bookers are two horses with problems which might limit their scope into the future, but who are serving notice that they are ready to...

Valley master Caspar Fownes reigns supreme with four winners
The master of Happy Valley was back at the top of his game last night as reigning champion trainer Caspar Fownes reeled off a four-timer and then revealed that it was no happy accident.

Tony Kelly's appointment is part of the Jockey Club's vision for future
The Jockey Club will lose its executive director of racing, Bill Nader, and gain leading British executive Tony Kelly as the club reorganises its racing division to set itself up for an "expanded and more complex" future.

Reunification day is out for Karis Teetan, but injured Mauritian hoping to ride at final meetings
"Mauritian Magician" Karis Teetan is hopeful of a return to riding before the end of the season, but French jockey Olivier Doleuze has finished up after scans of his painful right shoulder revealed new damage.

Let cool heads prevail and a twilight twist added to summer meetings
Well may you snigger at John Moore's collection of safari suits, but he might be on to something, and the eccentric trainer is certainly the one having the last laugh as we swelter in stifling heat.

No Moreira gives Purton advantage
The absence of Joao Moreira has opened up Jockey Challenge betting and early money suggested Zac Purton could be the biggest beneficiary of the Magic Man's suspension.

Plum gate can help Kitaya open account in TT final leg
A better draw can help Kitaya breakthrough for his first local win and the Me Tsui Yu-sak-trained grey stands out as banker in the final leg of tomorrow's Triple Trio at Sha Tin.

Victory to continue the Magic for Moore
Any horses to follow at this stage probably have to be looking on to the 2015-16 season and John Moore certainly has Victory Magic going in the right direction.

Moore dashes four clear of Size in battle for trainers' title
A double extended John Moore's trainers' championship lead to four with four meetings remaining but he is nowhere near comfortable and won't dare call the title his until it is...

Guru more a 'coward' than a Hero for Moreira
According to trainer David Hall, Heroic Guru's name isn't at all fitting after a wayward display saw the "cowardly" miler nearly throw away victory as he ducked and dived on his way to the line.

Precious win for Size with emerging Jewellery
Sun Jewellery kept John Size in the championship fight by doing exactly what was expected of him in the final race at Sha Tin but left his trainer with a minor piece of juggling ahead going...

Purton on track to become term's second centurion
Last year's champion jockey Zac Purton saw the formality of his crown passing to Brazilian Joao Moreira during yesterday's Sha Tin programme but the Australian kept alive a slim hope...

Thor The Greatest a masterclass from French ace Mosse
Thor The Greatest doesn't sound like the easiest horse for a trainer but his handler Benno Yung Tin-pang was turning all the praise in Gerald Mosse's direction after the French ace guided...

Golden win for Jacky Tong with licence on the line
A rare winner on veteran sprinter Golden Bauhinia and a show of support from trainers has come at just the right time for Jacky Tong Chi-kit, with the embattled local jockey's career...

Teetan 'extremely unlikely' to ride at Sha Tin on Saturday
Jockey Karis Teetan last night declared himself extremely unlikely to ride at tomorrow's Sha Tin meeting as he awaited more information and analysis of his injuries from...

Accepted finally draws the right spot to break through
Caspar Fownes-trained sprinter Accepted has put the writing on the wall in his first two local starts and with an advantageous draw on the straight course he stands out as banker...

Happy Meteor to shine for Moore in title push
John Moore's pursuit of the trainers' championship gained one more player at Happy Valley on Wednesday night when Happy Meteor's first tilt at Class Four proved a very worthwhile one indeed.

Griffindor gives John Moore room in trainers' championship race
The trainers' championship tug of war continued in earnest on an eventful night at Happy Valley as John Moore and John Size pulled one up on Caspar Fownes at his traditional happy hunting ground.

Gun Pit fires in wet ahead of dirt start
Gun Pit has nothing to prove as far as his dirt track credentials are concerned and the Caspar Fownes-trained Breeders' Cup prospect looks in great order ahead of an all-weather track start next Wednesday.

So Caffe to find spark in special conditions Triple Trio contest
Ever since Sean Woods-trained So Caffe's solitary win last season he has been paying the price at the handicaps, but he now finds what should be a suitable special conditions Class Three...

Size juggernaut produces another Fast horse to follow
n light of recent events, it might be just as simple to put John Size into the black book than to keep adding his new stars like Sunday's winner, So Fast.

Title tussle continues as Moore maintains advantage over Size and Fownes
John Size produced a winning treble to move into second place in the trainers' championship but race leader John Moore wasn't to be outdone with a double that kept him clear as the title fight...

Size's abundance of spoils with promising three-year-olds
Few trainers can look forward to their three-year-olds turning four next season in quite the same way that John Size is right now, and he added yet another potential star to his team...

Rain dance pays off for Hall's Berlini in Members Cup
When the rain came, trainer David Hall wasn't totally certain what effect it was going to have on Berlini's chances in the featured Members Cup, but he was pretty certain...

Purton aims friendly fire at Moreira after Perpetual Treasure victory
Fiery finger pointing it was not, but Zac Purton still sent some friendly banter the way of Joao Moreira upon getting the better of his rival and winning a Class Four dirt race...

Lightweight competition fails to deter Teetan
Joao Moreira's record-breaking dominance has made life more difficult for Karis Teetan but a double kept things moving for the Mauritian as he gained valuable momentum heading towards...

Hong Kong Sprint on the radar for Diamond Jubilee Stakes winner Undrafted
Royal Ascot winner Undrafted could be set for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint after a thrilling win in Saturday's Diamond Jubilee Stakes. The Wesley Ward-trained five-year-old,...

Magic to return for master Moreira
Another meeting, another day where Joao Moreira is posted as an unbackable favourite in the Jockey Challenge, but with one of his strongest books this season, it looks a price well justified.

Sinclair ready to rule again on dirt
Lord Sinclair looked like he could get back near his brilliant best as he finished off a 1,200m dirt trial in style on Friday ahead of an upcoming test over further on his favoured all-weather track.

Who will be Hong Kong Horse of the Year - Able Friend or Aerovelocity?
The fallout from Able Friend's lacklustre performance in the Queen Anne Stakes continues to shake Hong Kong racing to the core, and there is now a growing suggestion that the giant chestnut may be...

Top two jockeys dominate second leg of Triple Trio
Following the top two jockeys in town and playing a double banker of Cheeky Too and Super Talent in the middle pin of the Triple Trio can open up options in the difficult first leg at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Sir John headed for higher after stable change
Trainer Chris So Wai-yin instantly got a winning tune out of Sir John in the Class Five on Wednesday night at Happy Valley and the speedy six-year-old did the job well enough to suggest...

Top two jockeys dominate second leg of Triple Trio
Following the top two jockeys in town and playing a double banker of Cheeky Too and Super Talent in the middle pin of the Triple Trio can open up options in the difficult first leg at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Sir John headed for higher after stable change
Trainer Chris So Wai-yin instantly got a winning tune out of Sir John in the Class Five on Wednesday night at Happy Valley and the speedy six-year-old did the job well enough to suggest...

Rainbow Chic lights up the Valley as Caspar Fownes shows he's in for title fight
Reigning title-holder Caspar Fownes produced a performance worthy of the champion trainer on Wednesday night, claiming the Happy Valley Vase with Rainbow Chic for the third successive year...

Able Friend unlikely to get a shot at Queen Anne Stakes hero Solow on home turf at Sha Tin
Fears of a firm track look likely to dissuade French trainer Freddy Head from bringing Queen Anne Stakes winner Solow for a rematch with Able Friend in December's Longines Hong Kong Mile.

Hong Kong's Able Friend fizzes out in attempt at Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot
Able Friend's much-anticipated Royal Ascot raid turned out to be a fizzer as fancied rival Solow galloped away with the Group One Queen Anne Stakes and Hong Kong's hero was left...

Master to cap his season in Happy Valley Vase
John Moore-trained Harbour Master has fallen only just short at the very best level this season and a class drop into the Happy Valley Vase (1,800m) tonight looks just the ticket...

Sun sparkles with Moreira away
A quiet trial session at Sha Tin yesterday morning with just the two heats as the season winds down, but John Size-trained Sun Jewellery showed he is headed for higher with an effortless trial yesterday.

Chad Schofield and Richard Fourie are welcome, but bringing in fresh riders can be tough on local talent
It's great that the Jockey Club has opted for two fresher faces in the jockey ranks next season in Chad Schofield, a first-timer, and Richard Fourie, a second-timer who made a good impression...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Sir John strode out nicely in a recent trial and looks primed at his first run for Chris So Wai-yin. Namjong Surprise is looking better in the mornings.

Coincidences and storylines point to "date with destiny" for Able Friend
A coincidence cleverly spotted by a loyal Happy Lucky Dragon Win reader during the week: the name of Able Friend's dam, Ponte Piccolo, is Italian for "little bridge".

Son of Glyn Schofield among new faces set to ride in 2015-16 racing season
Young Australian Chad Schofield will follow in the footsteps of his father Glyn when he returns to what is almost his second home to join the Sha Tin jockey roster in September for the 2015-16 season.

Reigning champion trainer Caspar Fownes aims for another title
Tomorrow night's Happy Valley meeting looms as a crucial juncture in the ongoing battle for the trainers' championship, and it appears reigning champion Caspar Fownes is the man...

Country Melody on song but Accepted a coming winner
Country Melody was back on his game with a draw and a firm track in the straight Class Three on Sunday and he is heading for the high grades, but Caspar Fownes' promising northern...

Shock cup victory as Secret Sham steps out of the shadows
John Moore-trained Secret Sham has long hidden in the vast shadow cast by some of his more illustrious stablemates, and so it was the case again yesterday despite a shock win in the final...

Tit-for-tat as Size and Moore ignite battle for trainers' title
It was a tale of two Johns at Sha Tin as Moore grabbed a treble, Size replied in kind and the trainers' championship remained the simmering thriller-in-waiting to this season.

Sore shoulder forces Doleuze to take hiatus, but retirement off the agenda
Outstanding French jockey Olivier Doleuze has been a fixture in racing for most of the past 13 years but has withdrawn his application for 2015-16 and will not be amongst the riders...

Purton still has sights on century after brace
Outgoing champion jockey Zac Purton kept his cool and kept his faint hopes of another century of wins alive with a winning Sha Tin double.

Suborics shows he has the goods as licensing committee meeting looms
Andreas Suborics recorded a timely winner on David Ferraris-trained Jolly Spring yesterday ahead of today's crucial licensing committee meeting. "It was great to repay David, who has...

Rivals see tough test for Hong Kong's Able Friend at Royal Ascot
As handlers of his rivals looked for a chink in Able Friend's armour, they promised a test of stamina over the straight mile in Tuesday's Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot that could bring John Moore's Hong Kong star undone.

Able Friend must bring A-game to prove his class at Royal Ascot
"We are here to prove Able Friend is the best in the world."Those were the words of George Moore, son of trainer John Moore, at a pre-Royal Ascot press conference on Thursday.

Not Listenin'tome to continue rise through sprint ranks in Premier Cup
The Group Three Prince Jewellery & Watch Premier Cup is a race which has launched rising stars from the John Moore yard in the past and, no matter how you slice it, promises to do the same for...

Moreira to get into winning groove
Joao Moreira flies out to London for his Royal Ascot mission tonight, but in the meantime he can return from suspension with a Jockey Challenge victory at Sha Tin today.

Laid-back Able Friend ready for the race of his life at Ascot
As Able Friend ambled past onlookers at Newmarket yesterday it was clear the monster miler was saving his best for the track and the team guiding his Royal Ascot preparations say Hong Kong's champion...

Jockey Club rejects appeal from Brazen Beau owners for Moreira dispensation
Joao Moreira is unlikely to be given the opportunity to extend his unbeaten record on Australian sprinter Brazen Beau at Royal Ascot next week even after owners pleaded for some...

Jockey Club rejects appeal from Brazen Beau owners for Moreira dispensation
Joao Moreira is unlikely to be given the opportunity to extend his unbeaten record on Australian sprinter Brazen Beau at Royal Ascot next week even after owners pleaded for some...

Hong Kong's Able Friend edged for favouritism for Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot
Able Friend might be Hong Kong's highest-rated horse ever and has beaten all before him at home, but he has taken a back seat both in betting and for the title of Royal Ascot's story of the week...

Amazing Kids to stamp classic claims for Size in Triple Trio
A trappy Triple Trio awaits punters at Sha Tin on Sunday, but despite a number of obstacles in his way, John Size-trained Amazing Kids can continue his progression and act as banker...

Strong showing lays Foundation for future wins
After only nine starts, Strong Foundation is on his third trainer and has clearly had plenty of physical issues, but his first run for Ricky Yiu Poon-fai on Wednesday night suggested that...

Patience is rewarded as Golden Chopsticks lands double for Almond Lee
Patience is a virtue for any horse trainer, and for Almond Lee, patience paid its way in spades as he led in a training double at Happy Valley last night.

Moore's focus split between a championship at home and Able Friend abroad
John Moore could have been forgiven if his mind was 6,000 miles away - with his superstar, Able Friend in England - but a humble Class Three win with Too Fast ensured the trainer's attention...

Prebble moves closer to greats after brace
Earlier in the season, Brett Prebble passed Gary Moore to be the second-winningest expatriate rider in Hong Kong racing history but he made a nice round number of it as a Sha Tin double...

Yung calls on his own 'Magic Man' Purton
Trainer Benno Yung Tin-pang reckons Zac Purton weaves some sort of magic with Class Four winner Winnam but the rider himself wasn't taking any of the credit after the workmanlike six-year-old...

Trillion proving a real Treasure for Schutz
Trainer Andreas Schutz pulled a rabbit out of a hat to manufacture a fifth win this season for sprinter Trillion Treasure, but admits finding a sixth victory might not be so easy.

Wong double includes first success for master Tsui
The jockey roster's most recent addition, 10-pound claimer Jack Wong Ho-nam has made a good start to his local career and added a winning pair at Sha Tin with the only surprise...

Purton to make a splash on return
Zac Purton returned from suspension in Australia yesterday and comes back to Sha Tin where a relatively small but select book of rides should see him salute as favourite in the Jockey Challenge.

Valley rematch for Derby pacesetters
"Derby failures" Contentment and Obliterator appear headed for an end-of-season showdown over 1,800m in next Wednesday's Happy Valley Vase after impressing in a dirt trial at Sha Tin on Friday.

"Trackwork Highlights"
Solar Hei Hei trialled well at Happy Valley on May 23 and he looks to have progressed from a nice debut down the straight. Exceedingly Excel has shown improvement in the mornings.

'Calm demeanour' key to travel plans for Able Friend
Trainer John Moore believes Able Friend's calm demeanour will hold him in good stead when the star miler departs for England early on Saturday morning for his shot at the Group One...

The drama of Hong Kong's jockey roster for next season
As the season winds down and the better horses enjoy a well-deserved break, conjecture off the track ensures that June is not such a write-off.

Jockey Club misled public in saying Olympic stables issue was resolved, says trainer Sean Woods
Relocated trainer Sean Woods believes the Jockey Club has misled the public over the Olympic stables situation after claiming issues for trainers based there have been resolved.

Millard's Secret to take Command in Triple Trio
It has been a frustrating season for supporters of Secret Command so far, but the South African import seems to have found the right race on Sunday at Sha Tin and can act as banker...

Win No 4 this season is possible for Sempiternal
Chris So Wai-yin-trained Sempiternal has won three times this season already, but his winning turn does not look finished after a nice return to racing on Wednesday night at Happy Valley.

Imperial claims glory to top off a Fownes treble
Imperial Champion finally claimed his first local win in the Cricket Club Valley Stakes, 1,000m, last night and the only thing that really surprised trainer Caspar Fownes was...

'Olympian revolt' averted at Sha Tin by move back to original stables
The "Olympian revolt" appears all but over after trainer Sean Woods on Tuesday moved his team back to the stables he had formerly occupied at the northeastern end of Sha Tin racecourse.

All systems go for Able Friend's 'biggest race of his career'
Trainer John Moore announced it was all systems go for Able Friend's Royal Ascot assault after the champion miler completed a crucial barrier trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning.

E-sports no longer cartoons for kids
For those who are seeing sports betting as the big competition for racing going forward, a small news item over a month ago suggests there is another player on the distant horizon.

Llaregyb packing plenty in final weeks
Much of the focus was on Able Friend but Andreas Schutz-trained Packing Llaregyb shaded the superstar in a 1,600m turf trial at Sha Tin yesterday and could break through for another win...

Redoute's Choice may be 'Thewizardofoz' but he is hardly a Hong Kong hero
Welcome to Hong Kong racing, where the world of thoroughbred breeding and pedigree analysis gets tipped upside down and the long-held local tradition of copycat culture seems to flourish in its place.

Glory awaits Cruz's four-year-old stayer in the coming weeks
Full Glory goes into the black book as a distance winner in waiting this season after a very tough effort by the Tony Cruz-trained four-year-old on the weekend.

Cruz wins epic Champions & Chater Cup battle with Helene Super Star
Trainer Tony Cruz won a third straight Champions & Chater Cup yesterday but not with the horse most punters expected, while Tommy Berry and Nash Rawiller clashed heatedly during the middle stages...

Listen, you can hear Moore's latest star roar after Sha Tin Vase success
John Moore has waxed lyrical for months about the prospects of Not Listenin'tome, and early on few - including jockey Joao Moreira - were willing to listen, but plenty are paying attention...

Vincent Ho to take a trip on red carpet, but apprentices shunned in champion awards
It's award season for Hong Kong racing and we're rolling out the red carpet for some, while sweeping a few apprentice jockeys under the carpet and wondering "what the hell is a Griffin, anyway?"

Gold awaits Yip with Lightning turnaround
One of the difficulties with black bookers at this stage of the season is that it's usually quite a wait ahead until they will run again, but that isn't the case with Lightning And Gold who is...

Game, set, match? Four for John Moore puts trainers' title within his reach
John Moore all but sealed his seventh trainers' championship with a stunning four-timer at Sha Tin yesterday and although a title seems assured he plans on taking fate into his own hands with a big finish to the season.

Mosse advances case for retainer with well-timed quartet of wins
While Gerald Mosse's status for next season is still to be decided as the Licensing Committee considers Manfred Man Ka-leung's retainership proposal, the French jockey wasn't letting...

Whyte ends season on high note with double
Top jockeys Douglas Whyte and Brett Prebble signed off for the season early as they commenced suspensions but it was surprisingly the Durban Demon who signed off with a winning double.

Purton ensures strike rate with Size remains lethal
Zac Purton made the most of rival Joao Moreira's suspension and maintained a deadly seasonal strike rate with trainer John Size as promising stayer Ensuring continued his...

Day of drama at Sha Tin, between dead heats and dead air
The Jockey Club posted only the second triple dead heat in its history at Sha Tin after the sixth race but no one will ever know if it actually was a shared result. A blanket finish to...

New moveable outside rail set to shake up Sha Tin sprint
A moveable outside rail will be used to alleviate wear and tear on Sha Tin's straight course next season, but Jockey Club officials say a "fast lane" track bias is not the primary reason behind moving the Kent & Curwen Centenary Sprint Cup.

Lifeline for Mosse as Man submits application to use French jockey as retained rider
Trainer Manfred Man Ka-leung has applied for embattled veteran Gerald Mosse to be his retained rider for next season and while the French jockey remained tight-lipped about the possible...

Sun shines brightly for favourite backers - and Prebble
Brett Prebble admits he didn't win any style points but he did the right thing by favourite backers as odds-on pops New Asia Sunrise and Solar Hei Hei found the line first, each following on from...

High Warrior gets Size within three in battle for trainers' title
Reunification Day was a day for the chasers in the trainers' championship, with leader John Moore drawing a blank while Caspar Fownes renewed his slim hopes with a pair and Nash Rawiller gave...

Woods keeps slim hope alive of reaching 15-win benchmark
It looks a forlorn hope for trainer Sean Woods to make it to the 15 wins required for the Jockey Club's performance benchmark but Neil Callan turned in one of the rides of the day...

Singapore void tough to fill at short notice, says Jockey Club
Jockey Club director of racing Bill Nader says the timing of the Singapore Turf Club's shock announcement to shelve its two international spring features will make it incredibly difficult to fill the void.

Apprentices the masters of the Triple Trio on National Day
The two 10-pound claimers will take centre stage in tomorrow's Triple Trio at Sha Tin when Kei Chiong Ka-kei and Jack Wong Ho-nam are given great opportunities in the final two legs respectively.

Hang's Decision on track for a victory as distances increase
Most eyes were on the tight finish between Winner St Paul's and London Master in the Class Four up the straight course but there looked a horse to follow back amongst the non-contenders in the run to the line.

Purton Leads the way as 'Winning' double proves his killer Instinct
The "power of Purton" plus two seven-year-old veterans was the "Winning" equation for Zac Purton as Winning Instinct and Winning Leader delivered a race-to-race double and a last-gasp Jockey Challenge...

Brett Prebble forges a new connection with the Richard Gibson yard
After 12 years and more than 700 winners in Hong Kong, it isn't that often that jockey Brett Prebble breaks new ground as far as a winning connection goes but the Australian dominated Glacier Blue...

Bamboo Dance continues stellar revival for on-again, off-again trainer David Hall
David Hall is hoping he has another Hit A Home Run or Solar Great on his hands with Bamboo Dance after the one-time cellar dweller continued his astronomical rise through the ratings...

Singapore sting - Lion City drops bombshell by cancelling its international races
Jockey Club officials will meet on Tuesday to discuss options for filling the top level race programming void left after the Singapore Turf Club bombshell that its international races...

Brave Karis Teetan ride from bad draw favours Modern Fortune
Trainer John Size wasn't too concerned when Modern Fortune drew wide over the all-weather sprint course and the gate paved the way to the five-year-old's maiden victory yesterday.

'Fried Rice' plentiful for Nash Rawiller and Michael Chang after Gem of a ride
Nash Rawiller is keen to forge more fruitful combinations with Chinese trainers and a breakthrough winner for Michael Chang Chun-wai may be the first of many if the trainer's post-race comments...

Gerald Mosse suspended but free to ride Kodi Bear in Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
Jockey Gerald Mosse picked up his first suspension of the season but will still be free to ride Kodi Bear at Ascot on October 17. Mosse's three-day ban, which begins the day after the British Champions...

Forget the Traveling Wilburys: celebrate some of the world's great travelling racehorses
Racing is in a unique position as a global sport, with some of our best ambassadors - the horses themselves - constantly appearing in all sorts of different countries and regions...

Trainer David Hall fires up Bundle Of Joy and Rad for National Day Cup
Trainer David Hall will be looking for big performances, and even a little future guidance, from top sprinters Bundle Of Joy and Rad at next Thursday's National Day card at Sha Tin.

Rugby Diamond set to sparkle in due course for Chris So
Rugby Diamond appeared earlier in his career in this space and remains winless, but he looks to have come back better for his second season judging by his flashing third to Ten Flames on Wednesday night.

Michael Chang, Peter Ho get off the mark with Valley wins
Almond Lee earned the dubious honour of being the last trainer still to saddle up a winner this season after Michael Chang Chun-wai and Peter Ho Leung put themselves on the scoreboard...

Rich Tapestry creates big impression before boarding flight to Japan
Rich Tapestry was scheduled to take a red-eye flight to Japan early this morning and jockey Brett Prebble wishes he was joining him after partnering Michael Chang Chun-wai's globetrotter...

Blessing in disguise: A strong mainland breeding industry would help lift the standard of Hong Kong International Races
Putting the next brick in the construction of China racing on Sunday, the Jockey Club might just have found the right way to enhance the appeal of the December international meeting in a fashion...

Huge Sha Tin trial session sees a plethora of stars return to the track
Straight track specialists Amber Sky and Rad went head-to-head in a trial yesterday before what promises to be an exciting clash in next Thursday's National Day Cup over the pair's pet course and distance.

Landmark Jockey Club partnership to focus on horse registration and breeding in China
Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges yesterday forecast that success at the Hong Kong International Races will become "a key indicator for the breeding industry in China" as the club...

Racing into reality: what would be Hong Kong racing's best reality television shows?
Reality television has done wonders for some sports of late - kind of weird in a way, because what are televised live sports if not the ultimate reality TV?

Former Melbourne galloper Roundabout to win in due course
Horses to follow were hardly thick on the ground at Sha Tin on Saturday at a lacklustre meeting with small fields and slow tempos, but the former Melbourne galloper, Roundabout,...

Quiet start for John Moore but off the mark with Sure Peace
Reigning champion trainer John Moore is normally one of the fast beginners on the trainer's roster and couldn't remember having had so few runners at this stage of the new season after...

Zac Purton returns a Hero after minor injury woes
Zac Purton made his belated start to season 2014-15 a success when Racing Hero scored first-up after a frustrating few weeks for the jockey.

Brilliant Dream helps David Hall join growing list of winners
David Hall's name came off the dwindling list of the still-winless when Brilliant Dream became part of Joao Moreira's five-win romp at Sha Tin yesterday.

Bachelor party as Brett Prebble's strength sparks a revival
Some old-fashioned strong-arm tactics from Brett Prebble seemingly have made the difference with one-time recalcitrant galloper Dragon Bachelor, with trainer Me Tsui Yu-sak crediting the jockey...

Callan finds some Joy despite withdrawal of Hard Ball Get
Neil Callan's day took a dive before the opening race when his best mount for the day was a late withdrawal but the first leg of a Dennis Yip Chor-hong double was just the pick up he needed.

Scratched from Japan: Lucky Nine not going to Sprinters Stakes after sixth in barrier trial
Caspar Fownes has scrapped a Sprinters Stakes start for Lucky Nine after an unconvincing barrier trial, but the trainer says his beloved veteran still has "something left to give" in what will be his final season.

Plethora of big names step out at Sha Tin dirt trials
Stars past, present and future held centre stage at yesterday's Sha Tin trials as Lucky Nine blundered, but Bundle Of Joy continued his encouraging return from injury and...

Zac Purton fit and raring to return at Sha Tin on Saturday
Leading jockey Zac Purton returns to action at Sha Tin tomorrow from an ankle injury with just four rides and knowing that the damage to his season is not behind him yet.

Call Me Achiever clearly on top but nice performances from beaten runners
A number of the beaten runners caught the eye on Wednesday night behind Call Me Achiever and should not be out of the winner's photo for too much longer.

Forget the Big Mac index, look to the Hong Kong Jockey Club's tote holds for an economic assessment
Could the Hong Kong Jockey Club's famed tote holds be the new "Big Mac index"? And if that is the case, are Joao Moreira's mounts the equine equivalent of Apple shares - in-demand, seemingly delivering time...

Popping Candy's above average Class Four looks sweet to follow
The standout race to follow in the bread and butter zone of racing from Sunday's Sha Tin meeting was the Class Four 1,200m event, won by Popping Candy.

Hong Kong Mile on agenda for Beauty Only after gutsy win
Jockey Neil Callan was comparing Beauty Only with his pin-up galloper, Blazing Speed, after the four-year-old put all his toughness and talent on show to claim the Kwangtung Handicap Cup...

Man of the moment Schutz maintains his momentum with a double
Man of the moment Andreas Schutz pointed to "a level playing field" as a key reason behind his powerhouse start to the season after the German trainer notched a double yesterday with Zachary and...

Karis Teetan cold as ice on Ricky Yiu's classic hope Blizzard
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained Blizzard returned bigger, better and more settled than ever and may have set himself on a path towards the Classic Mile with a comprehensive victory in the Chinese Recreation Club...

Bring more apprentices to Hong Kong, says trainer Caspar Fownes
Caspar Fownes pledged support for Jack Wong Ho-nam and called on the club to introduce more apprentice riders into the system after a win with back-up horse Popping Candy - the first leg of a double...

Change of tactics on Industrialist Way lands big betting plunge
A change of tack on Industrialist Way brought out the best in the Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained miler, who was at the centre of the biggest betting move of the day when backed off the map in the last.

Size four-year-old brigade more than just three stars
Friday's trials sounded a reminder that John Size has more than just his high-profile triumvirate of classic contenders this season as his reserve graders So Fast and Happy Surveys took...

Glorious days as Hong Kong horses continue their careers abroad
There are plenty of feature races across the globe this weekend, with Irish Champions Day, the St Leger meeting, the Golden Rose and the Arc trials, but for those that follow Hong Kong racing, some lesser races may prove to be of the most interest.

Chengdu a 'turning point' in establishment of world-class racing on mainland: Hong Kong Jockey Club chief
Hong Kong Jockey Club participation in the Chengdu meeting will be a one-off event for this season, but chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges believes the club and its training centre at Conghua...

Besieged Woods to call on Oxford Charley
Trainer Sean Woods is in pursuit of 15 winners this season to satisfy the performance criteria to secure his licence and Oxford Charley looks certain to give him at least one of those after...

Ricky Yiu hopes for third time lucky with Strong Foundation
Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai hasn't had much luck with the six-year-old so far, but he will be hoping to make the third time a charm with Strong Foundation at Happy Valley tonight...

Objection, m'lud - why local jockey Jacky Tong shouldn't have to prove himself worthy of a licence
We stand before you today, m'lud, in the matter of Jacky Tong Chi-kit versus the Licensing Committee. We appear for Mr Tong.

Contentment on track for Celebration Cup
One of the more intriguing open age prospects this season is John Size-trained Contentment and the versatile type looked in nice order in a barrier trial yesterday ahead of his return early next month.

Horse of the Year Able Friend on ice after minor training setback
Champion miler Able Friend has once again fallen foul of the wet all-weather training surface and suffered a minor setback last week that will see him bypass his scheduled first assignment of the season on October 1.

The world is Joao Moreira's oyster, and with Godolphin knocking, where will he base himself eventually?
Where in the world will Joao Moreira end up? It seems to be a case of choose your own adventure for the Magic Man who has myriad options to explore, one of which is to just keep on dominating here for however long he chooses.

Danny Shum fined and reprimanded after pair of verbal stoushes
Trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing has been fined HK$75,000 by stewards and issued a severe reprimand for his part in a pair of verbal stoushes that were both caught on video and circulated online.

Gibson and Whyte to get on with the job after stellar start to season
Richard Gibson and Douglas Whyte made a tremendous start to the season on Sunday and the pair can keep the momentum rolling when Massive Move lines up in the middle leg of the Triple Trio at Happy Valley tomorrow night.

Sidelined Purton has as good an opening day as could be expected
Sidelined jockey Zac Purton had a "good day" of sorts on Sunday when the rides he was forced to relinquish after being ruled out on medical grounds mostly ran well without the best of fortune.

Australia bids farewell to legendary horse trainer Bart Cummings
Australia paid tribute Monday to legendary horse racing trainer Bart Cummings with a state funeral at a packed St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney.

Chief Executive's Cup a changing of the guard as Caspar Fownes takes Charge
Trainer Caspar Fownes hopes I'm In Charge can take the next step and join the top echelon of sprinters after a convincing feature win, but hasn't given up on beaten stable stalwart Lucky Nine just yet.

Joao Moreira Packs plenty with promising miler Pins
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has never tried to talk down the potential of Packing Pins and he certainly wasn't backing away from bold claims after his exciting charge burst into possible big race calculations with another easy win.

Banner day for Douglas Whyte as he strikes Gold thrice on opening day at Sha Tin
It was just like old times as 13-time champion jockey Douglas Whyte hit the ground running with an opening day treble, scoring twice for Richard Gibson after an early win for David Ferraris.

Like father, like son for Chad Schofield on debut as he emulates dad Glyn
Yesterday was Father's Day in Australia and Chad Schofield produced the best possible gift for his proud dad Glyn, landing his initial Hong Kong winner on the first day of the season...

Injured Brett Prebble misses out on Diamond victory but back for Happy Valley
Brett Prebble was left to rue what might have been as an opening day winner went begging, but the rider expects to be cleared today to begin his season belatedly at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

From last to first as Andreas Schutz gets off to a flyer
Trainer Andreas Schutz opened a crucial season in exactly the right style with the first winner of the new term as Magical Beam managed to break a run of seconds and get across...

Resilient start: Club officials pleased with statistics on opening day of the season
There was no golden harvest with records tumbling as there had been 12 months before, but Jockey Club officials still came away with smiles at a "resilient start" to the new racing season on Sunday at Sha Tin.

And they're off: Jockey Club welcomes new season on a cautionary note
A towering start to last season has Jockey Club officials playing down the prospects of breaking records again on Sunday at Sha Tin after the bang the opening day gong and the absence of two stars...

Tough as nails: Hong Kong's first female apprentice in 15 years Kei Chiong Ka-kei is ready to ride with the big boys
After Kei Chiong Ka-kei leaves her own custom-made jockeys' room at Sha Tin today and rides Distinct Commander in race five, she will become the first local female to compete in Hong Kong...

Jetwings ready to fly once more after top trial
Forty-five trials in 18 days have given form students plenty to pour over from the preseason and some standout efforts in the mornings indicated big first day performances could be in the offing...

Large Triple Trio jackpot awaits punters at Sha Tin's season opener
Veteran jockey Gerald Mosse and new boss Manfred Man Ka-leung can get their partnership off to a flying start and help punters land a big Triple Trio when Motif returns from injury at Sunday's season opener at Sha Tin.

Fresh voice in Hong Kong: Taking a punt paid off for John Blance - the man behind the mike
New Hong Kong Jockey Club race caller John Blance admits he "spent more time in betting shops than lecture halls" while at university, but the apparent miseducation has helped the Englishman...

Patience needed before stable takes off, warns trainer Paul O'Sullivan
Paul O'Sullivan's turnaround was one of the stories of last season, but the New Zealand trainer has warned of a slow start to this term as the rebuilding project continues with a host of unraced horses...

Chad Schofield hopes to follow in dad's footsteps in Hong Kong
In a city where female jockeys are a relative rarity, Australian Chad Schofield still found himself on the road less travelled as he and this season's other new rider, Kei Chiong Ka-kei, were presented to the media yesterday.

Under a cloud: Zac Purton is injured after a freak accident on way to trackwork at Sha Tin
Leading jockey Zac Purton will have to wait until tomorrow to find out if he will even take part in Sunday's season-opening meeting at Sha Tin after a freak accident at yesterday's barrier trials.

Hong Kong Jockey Club set to launch composite bets for fans
In another world first using Longitude single-pool wagering technology, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will move further down the path of customer-devised wagers this season with "composite bets" from October.

Brett Prebble wavers over riding Rich Tapestry for Sprinters' Stakes in Japan
Top jockey Brett Prebble was satisfied with Japan-bound Rich Tapestry's barrier trial on Saturday but has not committed to riding the dirt star in the Sprinters' Stakes next month where his long-time...

'Magic Man' Joao Moreira casts his spell over Japan as he wins World All-Star title
Joao Moreira left Sapporo simply spellbound on Sunday as a four-win haul helped capture a win in the World All-Star Jockeys series and attracted what the champion rider hopes will be future big race...

Hong Kong Jockey Club chief cautious about new racing season amid global financial uncertainty
Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges has traditionally shot low with estimates for the new season's likely betting turnover, but worrying instability in the financial markets...

Star Joao Moreira hopes Japan mission sets him up for new season - and helps shrink his waistline
As knowledge of Joao Moreira's record-breaking exploits grew during the off season so did his waistline, and he hopes a heavy workload in Hokkaido this weekend will shed excess pounds ahead...

Irish jockey Neil Callan targeting Group race wins as new Hong Kong racing season looms
Not content with a career-best season, Irish jockey Neil Callan is hungry to not only ride more winners this term but parlay his success into better big-race chances.

New stakes record on the cards for Hong Kong trainer John Moore
Not even a soundness question mark over star stayer Designs On Rome has dampened John Moore's belief that he can smash his own towering prize-money record in the new racing season, which kicks off at Sha Tin on Sunday week.

Veteran sprinter Lucky Nine could line up at opener to racing season
Veteran sprinter Lucky Nine could be a surprise starter at the first meeting of the season on September 6 and trainer Caspar Fownes dropped another bombshell by announcing apprentice Jack Wong Ho-nam will ride...

Zac Purton reunited with speedball Amber Sky for new racing season
The wheel has turned full circle for Zac Purton, the jockey hoping to resurrect the career of top short-course sprinter Amber Sky in the new season's first Group race on October 1, the National Day Cup.

 

Spectacular Able Friend to scare away foreign milers after magnificent Premier Bowl win
Able Friend's spectacular last-to-first Premier Bowl win at Sha Tin might have impacted on Hong Kong's sprinters yesterday in the short term but it is the Longines Hong Kong Mile that might feel...

John Size more than Content after Sha Tin Trophy win for rising star
Contentment made the most of Able Friend's absence in the Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy with an authoritative win as last season's four-year-old form continued to stack up...

Icy reception as Blizzard takes down Wizard in Classic Mile prelude
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained rising star Blizzard boosted his Classic Mile credentials when he lowered the boom on Thewizardofoz, a horse that had been talked up as nominal favourite for...

David Hall in awe of Bamboo Dance after fifth straight victory
"Are entries for the Melbourne Cup still open?" It may have been tongue in cheek but trainer David Hall was beaming after one time cast-off Bamboo Dance made it five in a row in taking...

Brett Prebble snares treble to move to second in jockeys' championship
Brett Prebble's booming start to the season continued with a winning treble that looked for much of the day like it might upset the Jockey Challenge apple cart.

'Beast from the east' Able Friend back in business
Trainer John Moore had tongue firmly in cheek after the beast was well and truly back in the east and Able Friend erased the nightmare of failure at Royal Ascot with a breathtaking return to...

Fabulous One has 'Group race potential', according to Joao Moreira
Trainer Chris So Wai-yin made a bid for clemency from the handicappers when they assess Fabulous One's front-running Class Four win today. After the horse's first-up win Joao Moreira claimed...

Nash Rawiller is a 'heavyweight' jockey in a world of lightweights
The filet mignon is cooked to perfection - medium. Nash Rawiller is slowly slicing it and savouring every bite. An upmarket steak restaurant might seem a cruel choice for the location...

Hong Kong international races: 10 likely equine raiders for the December showpiece
The road to the Hong Kong international races begins in earnest on Sunday as 25 of the top 30 rated horses in Hong Kong step out in the Group Two Premier Bowl (1,200m) and the Group Two...

Ambassadorship ready to find winner's circle again
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has made a decent start to the term and one of his stable stalwarts looks ready to win again after Ambassadorship finished off nicely on Wednesday night at Happy Valley.

No sign of 'blues' for Joao Moreira with magic Happy Valley four-timer
Joao Moreira might have been passed over by Godolphin for a ride in the Cox Plate tomorrow, but the Magic Man shrugged it off with a Happy Valley masterclass last night that netted half the programme.

Just like old times: Karis Teetan to return on Able Friend in Sunday's Premier Bowl
Karis Teetan is uniquely placed to provide perspective on Able Friend before and after his Horse of the Year campaign and the stand-in jockey says John Moore's returning superstar...

Glenealy Prize ready to fire when he steps out
Early speed is a priceless commodity in racing and Paul O'Sullivan has a suitably fast prospect on his hands with the patiently handled sprinter Glenealy Prize.

Aerovelocity is not going as swiftly as before, says trainer Paul O'Sullivan
There are a few claimants to the title of world's best sprinter lately and Aerovelocity's credentials are as good as any but trainer Paul O'Sullivan is attempting to lower public expectations on...

Beginning of the end for the age of the betting ticket
The announcements re Composite Win betting were too late for inclusion in last week's column and these bets are relatively simple to understand anyway, but with each turn of the Longitude machine...

Why horse racing is lengths ahead of other sports when it comes to integrity, despite its bad name
The sports headlines in the last few weeks have featured a colourful mix of insider trading in fantasy sports operating on gridiron, five players from Nepal's national football team arrested for...

Ricky Yiu pinning hopes on a Sha Tin Mile Trophy start with rising star Packing Pins
Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has no options and his fingers are crossed going towards Sunday's Group Two Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy, as he struggles to gain a start for highly promising Packing Pins.

With a little Luck, more Joy awaits Richard Gibson in Triple Trio
Joy Luck Win was highlighted as a black booker at a recent meeting by the Post's racing editor Alan Aitken and looks a likely candidate as banker in the final leg of the Triple Trio...

Zac Purton has the last laugh as Caulfield Cup tactics work wonders with High Speed Metro
Zac Purton may have landed in hot water after a contentious Caulfield Cup ride, but following similar instructions and "riding for luck" was the key to High Speed Metro's success as...

Three wins and a fall in a day of drama for Joao Moreira
Four of Joao Moreira's booked mounts won at Sha Tin yesterday but the records will ultimately show that the Brazilian wizard only got a percentage cheque for three of the victories.

Triumphant Danny Shum 'Dancing' after straight track double
The faultless debut of Dancing Flames kicked off a double for Danny Shum Chap-shing at Sha Tin yesterday and the trainer said he never had any doubt the forward-looking youngster could overcome...

Bubble Chic in fashion again with stunning return to form for David Hall
After a year in the wilderness, former French Derby runner-up Bubble Chic came back fresh and free in his action from the summer break and shook off his blues to score a narrow, but well overdue win...

Caulfield Cup winner Mongolian Khan, runner-up Trip To Paris likely Hong Kong Vase visitors
A Chinese-owned Caulfield Cup winner and an Ed Dunlop-trained runner-up looks a recipe for the Jockey Club to feel relatively confident about getting the quinella from Saturday's Australian Group One...

Why the Caulfield Cup, a 'mere handicap', attracts more Hong Kong interest than Champions Day
Long live the handicap, the future of racing. Well, the future in many places, even if its importance is slowly being eroded in Australia - as seen by the disgrace that was the two-kilogram spread...

Derek Cruz quinella offers up a winner-in-waiting in King Of Smarts
Derek Cruz won the opening Class Five race at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, but he also offered up a black booker in the shape of runner-up King Of Smarts.

Versatility key factor in Speedy Happy Valley success
Versatile was the word of the night at Happy Valley and underpinned the Hong Kong Country Club Challenge Cup win by Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained Speedy Longwah.

World's leading jockey Ryan Moore joins Hong Kong roster on short-term contract
The inaugural winner of the Longines World's Best Jockey award, champion Briton Ryan Moore will head up the European winter influx with his first six-week club contract based at Sha Tin in January.

Sprinters beware - Able Friend shaping up for Premier Bowl in long-awaited return to action
John Moore says "sprinters beware", claiming Able Friend is in better shape than at the same stage of last season after a cobweb-clearing trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning with...

Purton to Partner Fownes' charge Royal at Valley
The last time Royal Partner turned up at Happy Valley for a trophy race, he was a beaten favourite but different circumstances tonight for the Hong Kong Country Club Challenge Cup...

Ryan Moore great coup for Jockey Club and racing fans
Even if it is just for a brief winter stint, snaring Ryan Moore for a club jockey contract is a great coup for the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Decisions, decisions: Joao Moreira's toughest challenge in Hong Kong is making choices
The toughest part of Joao Moreira's life isn't riding horses: he is pretty good at that, if you hadn't noticed. If only it was that simple. The trickiest aspect of riding in Hong Kong for...

Zac Purton not expecting successive Caulfield Cup wins with Fame Game
At least three Hong Kong-based jockeys take to the air for Group One assignments in both hemispheres this weekend, although Zac Purton revealed serious doubts about his prospects of making...

Form trainer Me Tsui set to continue hot streak in Triple Trio
A pair of in-form runners from the Me Tsui Yu-sak stable can give Triple Trio players a leg-up as bankers in the first two legs at Happy Valley tomorrow night and continue their trainer's strong start to the season.

Impressive Lucky Bubbles shapes up as black type galloper
Not a vintage day on Saturday for the quiet, out of view horse to follow, but certainly a day when a couple of rising stars confirmed their promise and Lucky Bubbles was one with the wow factor.

Ricky Yiu Pins his Hong Kong Mile hopes on rising star Packing after Lukfook Jewellery Cup win
Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has his sights set on a start in the HK$23 million Longines Hong Kong Mile for Packing Pins after he turned the Lukfook Jewellery Cup into...

Female apprentice Kei Chiong claims maiden Hong Kong victory on Hearts Keeper
Kei Chiong Ka-kei was the centre of attention when she became the first female jockey to win a race in Hong Kong for more than 15 years, edging out fellow apprentice Jack Wong Ho-nam in a photo on a big day...

Hong Kong international sale provides Peter Ho with double
The Hong Kong international sale has been a happy hunting ground for Peter Ho Leung and he was again celebrating after saddling up a double with sales graduates Leading Horse and Unbeatable Guts yesterday.

Classic Mile hopes dented for Joao Moreira mounts, but Circuit Land soothes blow for the Magic Man
Bubbles were bursting all over the place yesterday as a pair of four-year-olds sent around as odds-on fancies disappointed with Joao Moreira aboard, but the Magic Man at least put another...

Lucky Bubbles returns from the summer break 'a man', says Brett Prebble
The rest of the world needed just over 69 seconds at Sha Tin to find out what Brett Prebble and Francis Lui Kin-wai already knew - that Lucky Bubbles has returned from his summer break a serious talent.

Hong Kong jockeys to ride in features in Australia, England but formal review announced
Jockey Club chief Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges confirmed "no abrupt shift in policy" regarding jockeys going overseas for Group One rides, but added that there were legitimate concerns as...

Gold-Fun back on track for Premier Bowl after nice trial effort
An improved trial outing from Gold-Fun at Sha Tin yesterday raised hopes that Richard Gibson's star will be there when the big guns roll out two weeks from now in the Group Two Premier Bowl.

Magic Man Joao Moreira to atone for missed meeting in Jockey Challenge
It would be irresponsible to suggest with any seriousness that Joao Moreira's rivals have much chance of beating him in the Jockey Challenge today and his dominance is reflected in one of the...

Derby champ Luger suffers another setback but trainer John Size says it's only short term
Derby winner Luger has suffered another injury setback and the timing of his return to racing is uncertain, but trainer John Size is confident the five-year-old's latest health concern...

Unlucky Matthew Chadwick to miss eight weeks for knee reconstruction surgery
Matthew Chadwick will undergo a knee reconstruction and miss up to eight weeks of riding, putting possible big-race rides in doubt, after injuries suffered in a barrier mishap last week...

Rich Tapestry, the underrated pioneer of Hong Kong racing - and it may not be over yet
In all the hoopla of last weekend's racing - stranded jockeys, Arc triumphs, major preparations for the Breeders' Cup and the Melbourne spring - the story that has been all but forgotten...

Joao Moreira's magic crucial for Circuit Land in Triple Trio closer
Circuit Land caught the eye first-up and - with a step up to a mile, another low draw and Joao Moreira aboard - the four-year-old jumps off the page as a banker in the final leg of...

Little Luck and no Win, but Joy will come soon for Gibson galloper
Joy Luck Win had a sad story at his first run for Richard Gibson on Wednesday night at Happy Valley, but the good news going forward is that he should soon make amends.

Hong Kong Jockey Club to introduce Composite Win bets later this month
The Jockey Club will take another step down the path towards customers one day designing their own bets with the world-first roll out of three styles of Composite Win wagers this season.

Francis Lui moves into second in trainers' title race after brace of winners
Francis Lui Kin-wai has had a boom start to the new season and was unusually bullish at Happy Valley on Wednesday night about getting more wins out of two horses he has turned right around in recent weeks.

Cost of missing stars overstated
Not for nothing is the spring racing carnival in Australia considered a silly season and Zac Purton and Joao Moreira missing Sha Tin due to their flight being unable to land during Typhoon...

Sea a Ruby in rough dirt trial session at Sha Tin
The after-effects of Typhoon Mujigae were still being felt at Sha Tin yesterday as squally conditions meant nine turf trials were cancelled and a make-up session scheduled for Friday.

The Terminal: Jockeys Edition, starring Joao Moreira and Zac Purton
Overreacting is what sportswriters do best, especially on Mondays. But if there is something to take away from Sunday's Typhoon Mujigae-inspired stranding of Hong Kong's two top riders...

Ensuring continues to fly under the radar
John Size's Ensuring flew under the radar to some extent last season and never really carried much reputation but he goes in the black book after his fourth resuming from the break on Sunday.

Golden chance for Rad to snare Dubai invite in National Day Cup
With the help of an advantageous draw and a light weight, David Hall's Rad can solidify his place among the best straight track specialists in town with a win in the Group Three National Day Cup...

Unwavering faith in top elect Moreira
Joao Moreira's loyal band of Jockey Challenge supporters came away from Sha Tin empty handed on Monday but it appears they haven't lost faith in their hero.

Joao Moreira runs riot with six-timer as Thewizardofoz returns to Classic Mile favouritism

Champion jockey Joao Moreira closed out a brilliant 2015 with a six-timer at Sha Tin, topped off in no uncertain terms as Thewizardofoz put the lie to a lacklustre trial and put himself...

John Moore's 'million-dollar baby' People's Knight impresses with Griffin Trophy win
John Moore seems more relieved than excited each time his "million-dollar baby" People's Knight notches a victory and the reaction was no different after a Griffin Trophy win that wasn't...

Flu fails to stop Zac Purton from scoring a double
Like quite a few at Sha Tin, top jockey Zac Purton was showing the after effects of influenza but it didn't stop him getting straight back amongst the winners after an enforced break.

Large group of absentees as festive season hits Sha Tin
Plenty of trainers were celebrating away from Sha Tin with three triumphant trainers not present for their winning presentation pictures as they took time off for the festive season.

People's Knight to take Griffin Trophy spoils for John Moore
John Moore-trained People's Knight comes back to his own age in the Griffin Trophy (1,400m) at Sha Tin today and the benefit of a run under his belt this season should see him the one to beat.

Magic, Mosse, Moore and Mongolians: the SCMP's most-read racing stories in 2015
With the Longines Hong Kong International Races in the memory bank and 2016 on our doorstep, the festive season is a time for reflection after what has been an interesting calendar year for racing.

Treble below par as 'Joao Show' rolls on
It was another "Joao Show" at Happy Valley on Wednesday night as Joao Moreira produced a sub-par effort and only won three races but French riders Gregory Benoist and...

Japan, already a racing giant, set for more simulcasts
The Japanese impact on the international meeting has been significant for many years on the track but could have even more of an impact in a different way in the future.

John Size three-year-old Stuns with first trial
John Size looks like he might have found one out of the box with the aptly named Mr Stunning after the newcomer hit the ground running in his first local trial yesterday at Sha Tin.

Joao Moreira phenomenon: Ryan Moore, the Jockey Challenge and how the 'Magic' is wearing thin for some
For the Jockey Club, the imminent arrival of superstar Ryan Moore can't come soon enough - he begins on January 17 for six weeks, and the Englishman should act as a circuit...

Derek Cruz's McQueen catches the eye with ninth at long odds
Talk about Classic Miles and Derbies is going to increasingly take up more space in the coming weeks as eyes turn to the four-year-old features.

Surprised and chuffed: Glyn Schofield fills void in Hong Kong jockey ranks
Jockey Glyn Schofield is surprised and delighted to have been asked to "pinch hit" at Happy Valley on Wednesday night with his first ride in Hong Kong since July, 2006.

Cult horse Bamboo Dance continues dream run for David Hall and Joao Moreira
Joao Moreira's record-breaking run is the story of the season but as far as the feel-good factor is concerned the career turnaround of David Hall's eight-year-old...

Jockey shortage forces Glyn Schofield, father of Chad, to return to Hong Kong riding ranks
An already depleted jockey roster was stretched beyond breaking point at Sha Tin yesterday, causing the withdrawal of one runner and forcing officials to relicense veteran Glyn Schofield...

High Achiever: Jack Wong loses 10-pound claim after victory on 'non-winner'
For any apprentice rider, losing part of his or her weight allowance is a badge of honour and Jack Wong Ho-nam was only "taking the positives from it" after steering Call Me Achiever to a surprise win.

Benno Yung in a Happy Place after 'heart-in-mouth' double
Trainer Benno Yung Tin-pang broke a month-long drought in style with a double at Sha Tin but his heart was in his mouth when Diamond King went up in the air at the start.

Alex Lai puts it all together as Circuit Land electrifies
Jockey Alex Lai Hoi-wing claimed his first winning double in almost two and a half years as connections of Circuit Land collected a HK$750,000 high achievement bonus in a race...

Christmas comes early for Tony Millard, but not on hand for double
Christmas came early for trainer Tony Millard, who was absent from Sha Tin with the festive season in mind but still managed to score a winning double after Great Run garotted punters...

Moments seeking Joy after hard luck
The task for Joyful Moments isn't made any easier by a tricky pace scenario in the Tung Wah Group Of Hospitals 145th Anniversary Challenge Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin...

Hall's Rad on track for Bauhinia defence
Rad's career has been punctuated as much by injury as it has brilliant performances but David Hall appears to have his straight track specialist back on track for a second straight...

2015 Hong Kong International Races memories: The Seekers, spilt dessert and a tale of two riders
The pure, almost mournful, tones of Australian soprano, Judith Durham, wistfully singing again and again about Commedia dell'arte characters Pierrot and Columbine, provided a somewhat...

David Hall to dominate Triple Trio with contrasting types Bamboo Dance, Hard Ball Get
David Hall-trained pair Bamboo Dance and Hard Ball Get have been heading in opposite directions as far as their trajectories in the ratings, but they have a few things in common tomorrow...

Wednesday winners Lucky Profit, Strong Foundation to repeat up in grade
Two horses who are going to make the grade up in grade after winning on Wednesday night are Lucky Profit and Strong Foundation, despite both carrying a tag of talented but troubled.

Joao Moreira builds Strong Foundation as he chalks up a four-timer at the Valley
Twenty-six months after stepping out for his first run under trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai, Strong Foundation finally won him a race as part of a Joao Moreira domination of Happy Valley...

Blinkers bring Joy to David Hall's Bundle ahead of Bauhinia Sprint Trophy
Blinkers seem to have had the desired result with Bundle Of Joy and he looks ready to seize a rare upcoming opportunity on the straight course after a fast dirt trial...

Able Friend story didn't have the fairy-tale ending it should have
The Jockey Club vets faced a difficult, perhaps thankless task in examining Able Friend before a Longines Hong Kong Mile run on Sunday that was clearly affected by his sore foot..

Sounds of silence: HKIR trainers doing a disservice to racing by avoiding media
Racing's biggest stars can't speak, sadly, so as much as we would love A Shin Hikari to tell us what goes on in that nutty little hooded head of his, and how he felt after breaking the hearts...

Joao Moreira to build bridges and strengthen relationships in Triple Trio
oao Moreira gets a chance to continue his great association with one trainer and begin to build on a low strike rate with another when he partners a pair of horses that look ideal bankers...

Beauties out of luck in Hong Kong International Races, but Prince set to reign in short time
The 'Beauty" horses missed out in the big ones on Sunday at Sha Tin but at least one of the lesser colour bearers, Beauty Prince, did enough behind Winston's Lad to suggest his winning...

Trainer Aidan O'Brien finally enjoys success in Hong Kong Vase with Highland Reel
Coolmore maestro Aidan O'Brien put behind him some poor previous form at the Longines Hong Kong International Races to claim the Vase with Highland Reel after a typically...

'Beast From The East' dethroned, as Japan's Maurice takes title with defeat of Hong Kong's Able Friend in Mile
So who is the real Beast from the East now? Much to the disappointment of the home fans, the title changed hands in a Sha Tin showstopper yesterday as Japanese star Maurice climbed...

Leave it to me, Joao: Peniaphobia decides tactics for Moreira in Hong Kong Sprint
As Joao Moreira sat in starting gate number 14 on Peniaphobia in the moments before the Longines Hong Kong Sprint, he still didn't know what his tactics would be: go forward...

Japanese steal the show as cloud shrouds Able Friend on Hong Kong's big day
Hong Kong champion Able Friend provided the question mark of the day, Japan's A Shin Hikari the exclamation mark and the "turf world championships" shone as the best-ever...

Recap all the action from the 2015 Hong Kong International Races and our live blog with Andrew Hawkins
And with that, the Hong Kong International Races are over for 2015. A fireworks display is about to set alight Sha Tin, and then, it's party time. Thank you for joining us on our live blog...

Trainer Chris So has Hong Kong Sprint ambition for rising Fabulous One
The international day undercard has long been a pointer to future success and Chris So Wai-yin certainly hopes the trend can continue with Fabulous One after the exciting...

Legendary horse trainer Andre Fabre gives Hong Kong seal of approval - but one thing is missing
Just the presence of Andre Fabre at Sha Tin on Sunday can be read as a statement that the Longines Hong Kong International Races have made it to the top, but the legendary French trainer...

Hong Kong Jockey Club racing chief Bill Nader bows out having brought the world to the city
When Bill Nader started as executive director of racing at the Jockey Club in 2007, the four international features were watched by an insular fan base unfamiliar with the horses flown...

Moving mountains for Mongolia: How two horse lovers have taken the racing world by storm
As a brisk wind whips across Sha Tin racecourse on an unseasonably cold morning at trackwork, trainer Ganbat Enebish pauses, places his hands together and prays as he looks up to...

John Moore's Rome, built up slowly after surgery, peaking for the Hong Kong Cup
Defending champion Designs On Rome might not be first-up in today's HK$25 million Longines Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin but John Moore can still count it amongst his most...

Able Friend to see off Maurice in battle for 'Beast From The East' crown in Hong Kong Mile
Able Friend up against Maurice, a battle of wits between jockeys Joao Moreira and Ryan Moore and the pride of Hong Kong up against the might of Japan - the Longines Hong Kong Mile...

Dariyan to follow in dam's footsteps and break hoodoo for three-year-old males in Hong Kong Vase
Three-year-old males have an atrocious record in the Longines Hong Kong Vase, but six years after his dam took out the HK$16.5 million feature, Dariyan can add his name to the...

Third time's a charm: Richard Gibson out to turn silver into Gold in Hong Kong Sprint
Gold-Fun's lead-up form has been faultless and the Richard Gibson-trained veteran's versatility makes him a good bet to go one better on his recent international day results...

Frankie Dettori crowned with World Best Jockey title
Italian jockey Frankie Dettori celebrated in Hong Kong on Friday night after being awarded the second Longines World Best Jockey title in a ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention...