Tony Cruz's Peniaphobia out to prove he is Hong Kong's best sprinter
A better draw than last start and favourable set weights conditions can help Peniaphobia to cement his position as premier sprinter in town with a win in the...

Contentment to give John Size a sixth Stewards' Cup
John Size-trained Contentment ran below his best in the Hong Kong Mile but his performance since under handicap conditions on New Year's Day still makes him hard...

Hong Kong's top horses need more races, says Tony Cruz - but he's not planning Dubai trip
Top trainer Tony Cruz believes Hong Kong needs more races for its elite horses - but is not looking overseas to expand the assignments of his best after Sunday's Group

Moreira to return to winning ways
Strong rides in the Group One features and a deadly strike rate with trainer Paul O'Sullivan should see Joao Moreira climb back to the top of the Jockey Challenge at...

"Trackwork Highlights"
Kim Glory didn't beat much in a recent trial but won pretty comfortably, leading all the way. Giddy Giddy performed poorly last start, but a subsequent trial suggests...

Baffled trainers hope for best as Luger and Aerovelocity return from heart irregularities
Heart irregularities remain a mystery of modern racing and two high-profile horses - Luger and Aerovelocity - head into the Group One features at Sha Tin on Sunday...

Hong Kong upgrades bulk of Group races to international status
Nearly all of Hong Kong's Group races will be thrown open to international competition from the start of next season in a watershed move for the status of the existing...

Hong Kong's anti-illegal betting model an example for the world, says Asian Racing Federation chairman Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges
In his role as the Asian Racing Federation chairman, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges has called on member jurisdictions of the organisation to take up Hong Kong's model...

Peniaphobia and Gold-Fun a class double act for Triple Trio riches
Counting on the class of star sprinters Gold-Fun and Peniaphobia as double bankers in the final leg of Sunday's Triple Trio at Sha Tin can pay off in what looks an...

Helene Paragon shows plenty of quality for Derby tilt
John Moore may have emerged from last Sunday's Classic Mile with the BMW Hong Kong Derby favourite in runner-up Werther, but a race earlier he produced another...

Doleuze fighting fit for a possible return to Hong Kong racing
Having fine-tuned his fitness in a remote Thai kickboxing camp, popular French jockey Olivier Doleuze resumes riding in Macau tomorrow night ahead of a possible return to...

Global acceleration of illegal gambling a massive threat to world racing, warns Hong Kong Jockey Club chief
The movement of illegal and unregulated gambling operators from a domestic to a global footing represents the greatest of a widening range of threats to...

How to fight the illegal operators? Give the punter better prices
The bogeymen under the bed were bigger and scarier than ever before at the opening of the Asian Racing Conference but the pricing of racing's betting has much to do with...

Hong Kong dirt stars on wish list as Korean racing goes global
South Korea will make a bold bid towards becoming a prominent international racing jurisdiction with the establishment this year of two rich races open to global...

Richard Gibson looking to bounce back from frustrating international meet with Gold-Fun and Giant Treasure
Sunday's Group One features at Sha Tin provide trainer Richard Gibson the chance not only to bounce back from a "frustrating" international race day last month but also...

Roaring with delight as Sun Jewellery defies breathing condition
Call it being blinded by science, baffled by veterinary terminology or just plain information overload, how many of you went cold on Sun Jewellery in Sunday's Hong Kong...

Sun Jewellery shines bright for John Size and Ryan Moore in Classic Mile
It was beaten trainer John Moore who emerged confident of taking the BMW Hong Kong Derby in March after John Size broke his hoodoo in the Group One Classic Mile...

Makeshift measures to battle cold weather at Sha Tin turn to gold for Zac Purton
Zac Purton came prepared for the polar vortex with a neck-warmer he turned into a makeshift mask, a skivvy, earmuffs and even thermal socks, but admits he nearly...

Silvestre de Sousa extends stay in Hong Kong - and then his winning reputation
After announcing he will extend his short-term stay, Silvestre de Sousa immediately went to work in building on his already considerable support with a double that...

True Comment delivers statement of intent for Neil Callan at Sha Tin
While there were other riders feeling the pinch in Sunday's icy blast at Sha Tin, Neil Callan wasn't one of them and looked right at home as he grabbed an early double.

Reality bites as Tony Cruz's Anticipation faces compulsory retirement
Trainer Tony Cruz might have to sit down and plan his programming for Anticipation with rival trainer John Moore if the five-year-old is to avoid compulsory retirement.

The Griffin in London: World's Best Racehorse Awards a start, but global racing ceremony still a pipedream
The Griffin had the honour of being in London (or was it Paris? Victor Espinoza certainly thought so...) for the Longines World's Best Racehorse Awards last Tuesday...

Thewizardofoz to prove best four-year-old and claim Classic Mile for John Size
The barrier draw has made the race less clearly defined than it might have been otherwise but John Size-trained Thewizardofoz should throw down the gauntlet to...

Lucky Bubbles' relaxed style key to his Classic Mile chances
Jockey Brett Prebble says Lucky Bubbles' tractability is the key to his Group One Hong Kong Classic Mile chances as the relatively unheralded prospect faces rivals...

John Size hopes to break Classic Mile hoodoo with Thewizardofoz and Sun Jewellery
The HK$10 million Classic Mile has been a hoodoo race for trainer John Size, but the seven-time champion trainer says even that shocking record is not dimming his enthusiasm...

Victory Magic to continue on path to Hong Kong Derby in Triple Trio
John Moore has elected to skip the Group One Classic Mile with Victory Magic but the four-year-old can instead take a big step towards his ultimate target with a win...

Damp Happy Valley an unreliable guide for future
When it comes to the black book, there is just one thing that has to happen with Wednesday night at Happy Valley and that is to throw the whole meeting out as a guide to the future.

Timely double for Me Tsui is also Ryan Moore's Silver lining
Jockey Ryan Moore did not take long to notch the first win of his club jockey tour, throwing Silver Dragon over the line to score in the second race last night at Happy Valley...

Blizzard tipped to kick up a storm in Classic Mile
A good sprinter's class can carry him a long way in an age-group race like the Group One Hong Kong Classic Mile and Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is also taking heart that Blizzard...
Able Friend takes world's top sprinting honours in official year-end summaries
Champion Able Friend is now ranked the world's top sprinter and has headed two different categories as Hong Kong's elite horses and races again punched above their weight...

Private Purchase rules making it harder to find qualified horses
Overnight in London, the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings (WBRR) were announced for the year of 2015 and it's time to pat ourselves on the back once again...

John Moore hopes Werther can spoil Size's Hong Kong Classic Mile party
John Moore admits that rival John Size appears to have a stranglehold on Sunday's Group One Hong Kong Classic Mile with his star two-horse team but is banking on the...

Revitalised Aerovelocity in good heart for Group One Centenary Sprint Cup
Trainer Paul O'Sullivan has left no stone unturned with star sprinter Aerovelocity as the gusty competitor was given a clean bill of health after completing a strong trial...

Crash Course: Classic Mile edition, featuring Hong Kong racing's version of home breds
In a winter hibernation since the excitement of last month's Longines Hong Kong International Races? Never fear, we get it. There hasn't been much to get excited about...

Big day for John Size, taking trainers' championship lead and unveiling Hong Kong Derby contender
Seven-time champion trainer John Size finally burrowed his way through to the season's championship lead yesterday, twice, and unearthed his Hong Kong Derby...

Dirt dilemma for David Hall has him eyeing Dubai for 'gutsy, determined' Master Kochanwong
Master Kochanwong has been punching above his weight since the day he arrived with David Hall and the diminutive dirt tracker again left his trainer and long-time jockey...

Sea Ruby's victory provides hope to John Moore for Able Friend rehabilitation
John Moore called it a miracle that Sea Ruby was able to get to the races, let alone win, and will be hoping for similar recuperative powers from superstar Able Friend as...

A little Luck all the difference as Joao Moreira resumes his winning ways
Champion jockey Joao Moreira said Hit A Home Run might have unwittingly helped round out the education of House Of Luck yesterday when the slow-maturing five-year-old...

Vincent Cheminaud bids 'au revoir' as Hong Kong stint ends So Fast
French jockey Vincent Cheminaud finished his short-term winter stint on a high with a win in the last on John Size-trained So Fast and leaves with a glowing reference from...

Feast all around for Almond Lee as Fish N' Chips breaks through
What's in a name? Well, maybe the calories have bulked Fish N' Chips up this season but the added strength saw trainer Almond Lee creep closer to his 15-win target for the...

Eastern Express to spoil Bamboo Dance party and emerge as legitimate Derby contender
A wide draw and lack of tactical speed are the aspects of Bamboo Dance's game that could bring his memorable winning run to an end in the Lok Sin Tong Cup...

Icy cool Mosse tests out Blizzard
The famed soft hands of French jockey Gerald Mosse were put to the test as Ricky Yiu Poon-fai's star Blizzard was given a quiet trial at Happy Valley yesterday ahead of a step up...

With 'World's Best Race' to be awarded, what makes the best horse races great?
Next week, the curtain will come down on the racing world for 2015 once and for all with the world's best horses and the world's best races of the last year to be celebrated...

Thankfully, he's only here for six weeks: Joao Moreira 'welcomes' Ryan Moore rivalry
Ask Joao Moreira about the arrival of superstar jockey Ryan Moore and he gives all the right answers; he welcomes the competition, says it will improve the overall...

Right Call to go back-to-back in a Triple Trio dominated by John Size and Joao Moreira
John Size-trained Right Call gets the help of a better barrier when he goes in search of back-to-back wins on Sunday at Sha Tin and the no-fuss four-year-old stands out as banker...

Superoi to keep on firing despite difficulties at Happy Valley
Superoi's owners have already had some fun with the five-year-old this season but his effort at Happy Valley on Wednesday night left no doubt that the story isn't over yet.

Brett Prebble the 'Heroic Guru' in absence of Joao Moreira at Happy Valley
Australian jockey Brett Prebble jumped on the scales after his third winner at Happy Valley last night and declared, "I feel like Joao Moreira!"

Four-year-olds slow off the mark as the Classic Mile looms
The striking thing about Monday's release of the nominated horses for the first of the four-year-old classic races is how far behind the eight ball most of them are at this point.

Classic Mile looms for Lucky Bubbles
Lucky Bubbles may not have the profile of some of his prospective Classic Mile rivals but the flashy chestnut's trial at Sha Tin yesterday compared favourably with a few of the horses...

The English horse names for Hong Kong racehorses are crazy enough ... but what about their Chinese names?
Hong Kong's distinctive English horse names are a lot of fun and one of the most distinctive aspects of racing here, but most of us only know the half of it.

Trainer Peter Ho looks to have the 'Right' stuff in ISG for the Triple Trio
Trainer Peter Ho Leung seems to have a knack with graduates from the Hong Kong International Sale and star ISG Mr Right can continue his progression in the middle leg of tomorrow...

Yip's Bunny more than 'Radiant' on return, with winner's circle looming
There was plenty of confidence behind the resumption of Radiant Bunny down the straight course on Saturday and the four-year-old should be quickly about justifying that with..

Amazing Kids is among the next crop of top Hong Kong sprinters, says Brett Prebble
Jockey Brett Prebble says John Size-trained Amazing Kids is one of the young horses becoming the next generation of top Hong Kong sprinters, while the trainer is just relieved nobody...

From villain to hero for Douglas Whyte as heavily backed Jun Huo salutes
The parade yard regulars will have to find a new whipping boy after 13-time champion jockey Douglas Whyte silenced their haranguing by landing a monster plunge on Jun Huo...

Paul O'Sullivan passes benchmark with a Smile and a nod
There was no round of handshakes or exuberant celebrations as Paul O'Sullivan's season began to gather steam with Healthy Joyful and Celestial Smile bringing up a running double...

Brazilian flavour at Sha Tin even in Joao Moreira's absence with Silvestre de Sousa on the board
Suspended Joao Moreira was missing from Sha Tin but the Brazilian flavour was not as Britain's reigning champion jockey, Silvestre de Sousa, wasted no time getting...

Dennis Yip overcomes 'the yips' and a century of outs with a double
On a day for drought breakers, trainer Dennis Yip Chor-hong overcame a case of "the yips" as he broke a long run of outs with the help of a top-shelf ride from Chad Schofield.

Alvin Ng recalled from suspension to replace ill Keith Yeung
It was not a first but it was unusual when Alvin Ng Ka-chun was given special dispensation to ride in just one race at Sha Tin before returning to the suspended list.

Able Friend makes mockery of 2016 racing predictions, but what else can be expected from the year ahead?
Of course, as the old saying goes, one misstep and "the best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew." And so it was, after writing 1,000 words about how Able Friend...

SCMP big winner with coverage of 2015 Longines Hong Kong International Races
The South China Morning Post has swept the 2015 Longines Hong Kong International Races journalism competition, with Andrew Hawkins taking the honours over his Post...

Amazing Kids to eclipse Fabulous One in Sha Tin feature
John Size-trained Amazing Kids had to play second fiddle to Fabulous One on international day but the talented gelding can end that horse's winning streak in the Pearce...

John Size's Sun Jewellery and Luger wind up for features in top trial
John Size-trained pair Sun Jewellery and Luger looked in ominous form ahead of upcoming feature assignments as they crossed the line locked together in a star-studded...

Hong Kong Horse of the Year Able Friend sidelined for rest of the season
Able Friend's season is over after the champion miler suffered a rare tendon injury in his troublesome right front foot and trainer John Moore will request that his horse...

David Hall looks to the future with Andoyas and Otouto
David Hall's team continues to fire well and Andoyas and Otouto looked to have their hoof on the till despite defeats at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

Derek Leung takes the January Cup on Flame Hero, but trainer Peter Ho pays tribute to Olivier Peslier
Local jockey Derek Leung Ka-chun gave a faultless display to bring home Flame Hero in the Group Three January Cup at Happy Valley last night, but it was to champion French rider...

South African ace Gavin Lerena to ride in Hong Kong for two months
2015 Longines International Jockeys' Championship winner Gavin Lerena will spend two months based at Sha Tin from late next month as part of a mid-season licensing shake-up...

US$1 million bonus on offer as the Chairman's Sprint is added to Global Sprint Challenge
Officials hope the addition of the Group One Chairman's Sprint Prize to the Global Sprint Challenge, announced on Tuesday, will encourage more Hong Kong connections to chase...

The impossible just got harder in racing's speed series; that's why nobody cares
Perhaps the reaction from many racing fans to Tuesday's announcement that the Chairman's Sprint Prize will join the Global Sprint Challenge (GSC) was less along the lines...

Short-term stints in Hong Kong can be hit or miss, but Gregory Benoist and Vincent Cheminaud deserve credit
Where in the world is a seven per cent strike rate considered an outstanding effort? Right here, right now in Hong Kong, where it is hard enough to succeed as...

Almond Lee searches for 'gold' as licence threat nears
Trainer Almond Lee is walking the plank again this season, needing to meet the performance criteria to prevent a 'show cause' situation, but Wingold looks ready to make...

Multivictory swoops to Chinese Club Challenge Cup success for Tony Cruz
Tony Cruz-trained Multivictory is in a purple patch of form at present and managed to do something no-one expected in breaking through for his first Group Three win...

Joao Moreira's magic ride halted by immediate suspension on disappointing day
The Joao Moreira juggernaut has been put on hold after a mixed day where he came away with a double and stewards slapped the record-breaking jockey with a careless riding ban...

Absent Caspar Fownes rings in new year with French flavour
Trainer Caspar Fownes was absent on holidays for only the last 21 races but made it three wins in that time when Double Point and Gonna Run gave him a welcome New Year's double.

Record crowd turns out for New Year's Day fixture at Sha Tin
A bumper New Year's Day crowd was declared a record by Jockey Club officials and turnover bounced back in a big way as well with more than HK$1.5 billion bet at the...

Here's cheers to the arrival of 2016 for John Size's Contentment in Chinese Club Challenge Cup
Contentment wasn't quite up to winning in international Group One class but he was far from disgraced in the Hong Kong Mile and comes back to something easier in the Group Three...

What were the biggest moments in horse racing worldwide in 2015?
One of the most memorable years in horse racing history has come to an end with 2015 passing onto 2016.

Jump legend Tony McCoy leads British sports stars in New Year Honours List
Legendary jump jockey Tony McCoy was awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours List out Wednesday, in which British sports stars including Chris Froome were...

Griffin Trophy appears a strong form race going forward
Last Sunday's 1,400m Griffin Trophy is a race which has highlighted the future prospects of some decent horses in the past and this year's edition won't be any different.

And the 2015 Super Awesome Elite Horse Name of the Year, presented by Happy Lucky Dragon Win, is ...
The genesis of this blog, Happy Lucky Dragon Win, was a direct response to the ludicrously absurd horse names in this part of the world.

Shoeing changes should be a shoo-in for Hong Kong punters ... but they're not
Doyeni's defeat as favourite in the second-last race on Sunday had more to it than met the eye, or reached the stewards' report, and perhaps suggested an area where the Jockey Club...

UK champion Silvestre de Sousa joins Ryan Moore to boost jockey stocks in Hong Kong
Hong Kong will now host both of Britain's best jockeys next month with Silvestre de Sousa to join the Sha Tin colony for three weeks from January 9 to shore up the available numbers.

Tommy Berry returns to the fray as Designs On Rome rules for Gold Cup king John Moore

Designs On Rome returned to his brilliant best yesterday at Sha Tin but trainer John Moore will eschew rich overseas options and said his superstar will instead stay at...

'Content' galloper the latest Group One horse for John Size after Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup win
If there's a better-named horse in Hong Kong than the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup winner, Contentment, then trainer John Size said he doesn't know what it might be...

Paul O'Sullivan on fire after race-to-race double with Towering Storm and Washington Heights
Of the tasks ahead for any experienced import, winning first time out in Class Three might not seem the toughest of them but it remains one achieved infrequently so Zac Purton and...

Prominent Indian families hit Heights at Sha Tin
The big week for the Melwani family continued at Sha Tin yesterday as import Washington Heights made an impressive debut and connections confirmed that...

Injury-enforced break works wonders for 10-pound claimer Kei Chiong
It seems an injury-enforced lay-off for Kei Chiong Ka-kei has been a blessing in disguise, or at least had some benefits, for the young apprentice after she enforced...

Just like the good old times for Tommy Berry and Designs On Rome
They said he trialled badly and they said he wasn't the same horse, but after Australian jockey Tommy Berry renewed his great partnership with Designs On Rome...

Gold-Fun to capitalise on missing Wizard in Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup
The scratching of a rising star has robbed the Group One Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup of what could have been a tantalising clash and left the HK$10 million feature at the...

Giant Treasure to stamp Dubai Turf claims with victory in Hong Kong Gold Cup
Richard Gibson-trained Giant Treasure has a test today at 2,000m but he also has some of the freshest legs in the HK$10 million Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and can...

Designs On Rome ready to run a big race in Hong Kong Gold Cup
Buoyed by Designs On Rome's strong final gallop on Friday morning, John Moore believes his former horse of the year is on track for back-to-back wins in the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup.

Farewell Lucky Nine, the end of an era for one of Hong Kong racing's true champions
This weekend's Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup looms as a fascinating crossroads for a number of horses, but it is unlikely that it will produce as good a finish as that of four years ago.

Much-fancied Thewizardofoz out of Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup after early morning health scare
The nominal favourite for Sunday's Group One Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup, John Size-trained Thewizardofoz has been scratched this morning with a health scare that has...

Zac Purton picks Aerovelocity over Gun Pit with Joao Moreira to ride dirt star in Dubai
Joao Moreira will ride Gun Pit in both of the dirt star's Dubai starts after rival jockey Zac Purton made the agonising decision to forgo rides on the world's richest race night...

Bid for consistency with Tony Millard's galloper in Triple Trio
Hit The Bid has been a model of consistency on the dirt and even with top weight the Tony Millard-trained sprinter has the look of a dependable banker in the opening leg of...

Plenty of joy to come for trainers' championship leader John Size
John Size is enjoying a bumper season all round and especially with his new, unraced horses, so Perpetual Joyance looks one of the next ones to win after his impressive...

Dubai beckons for Domineer after Happy Valley Trophy win
Trainer Caspar Fownes will seek an invitation for Domineer to run in the Dubai Golden Shaheen on World Cup night after the gelding returned to his very best on an eventful...

Pace the issue for Giant Treasure in Gold Cup
Giant Treasure tackles 2,000m for the second time in Sunday's Group One Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and his trainer Richard Gibson playfully suggested on Wednesday...

Caspar Fownes aims Gun Pit at Dubai World Cup, but first gets a warm-up race in Meydan
Caspar Fownes has his sights set on the world's richest race with Gun Pit, indicating he will push for a start in the US$10 million Dubai World Cup by throwing the dirt star...

Lucky Nine retired: Caspar Fownes, Brett Prebble pay tribute to warhorse
Warhorse tends to be a term that is overused in racing, but if there was ever a modern thoroughbred to fit the bill it was Lucky Nine, the sprinter whose long and distinguished...

History says Derby winner was probably on display in Classic Cup
Time is running out if there are any Hong Kong Derby pretenders waiting in the wings to make their way to victory by another path but the overwhelming evidence of recent...

International Jockeys' Championship winner Gavin Lerena takes first step towards permanent Hong Kong position
Longines International Jockeys' Championship winner Gavin Lerena hopes that a two-month stint in Hong Kong, which starts on Sunday, will lead to a full-time contract...

Whether it is classics or Class Five, current crop of riders a coup for Hong Kong
Has there ever been a better group of jockeys competing at a single non-international day meeting at Sha Tin than last Sunday? What about a better group for a month-long stretch?

Francis Lui's favourite a Strong Foundation as Triple Trio banker
The "class drop" into extended band races can be a trap but Francis Lui Kin-wai's prodigal son Strong Foundation still looks the one to beat in the final leg of...

Unlucky Lucky Girl catches eye but Mighty Maverick the one to follow
Most eyes will have been on the unlucky Lucky Girl in the final race on Sunday but fourth placegetter, Derek Cruz-trained Mighty Maverick, is the one added to our black...

Class prevails as Sun Jewellery completes Classic Mile and Classic Cup double
The boot was on the other foot as top jockeys Ryan Moore and Hugh Bowman took centre stage in another titanic Group One clash between Sun Jewellery and Werther...

Chad Schofield makes most of quirks of fate for first Hong Kong treble
A late pick-up ride gave jockey Chad Schofield the final piece of his first Hong Kong treble at Sha Tin yesterday as he set about making up for the time he has lost this...

Joao Moreira keeps up record pace with hard-fought treble
A treble kept Joao Moreira on record-breaking pace but the Brazilian was made to work for every cent of his prize money percentage on a trio of seemingly reluctant winners.

Zac Purton goes back to basics on Line Seeker for narrow but gutsy victory
Not even an impressive last-start win coming from last convinced Zac Purton and Paul O'Sullivan to do anything but get back to the basics with Line Seeker, who made it two...

Women's touch the key as Benno Yung finds himself in a Happy Place
Benno Yung Tin-pang seems to be finally getting the best out of Class Three winner Happy Place, but the trainer was deflecting all credit to his French trackwork rider...

Joao Moreira keeps good strike rate with Peter Ho in check on Be There Ahead
It seems Joao Moreira has become the go-to guy for trainer Peter Ho Leung after the pair continued an incredible strike rate that stretches back to the Magic Man's 2012 win...

How Joao Moreira and Silvestre de Sousa went from scrapping as Sao Paulo apprentices to joining world's best jockeys
So what is it about these Brazilians? In less than three years, Joao Moreira is already chasing his own extraordinary riding records in Hong Kong and now his countryman...

Brazilian jockeys to the fore across the world, not just in Hong Kong
Joao Moreira and Silvestre de Sousa may be the best-known Brazilian jockeys, but they aren't the only ones to excel from a group that includes an all-time great both...

Classic Cup often a spoiler's race, but Sun Jewellery to prove more popular and give John Size number four
The Classic Cup has produced more than its share of upsets in a brief history but it won't be the biggest shock on its honour roll if John Size-trained Sun Jewellery...

Prebble tests new ride Contentment
John Size-trained Contentment is never one to do anything flashy in trackwork or trials but the five-year-old looked in great order on Friday ahead of a drop back in distance...

Great expectations: Werther will win the Hong Kong Classic Cup, says confident trainer John Moore
John Moore is not only supremely confident he will win Sunday's Group One Hong Kong Classic Cup with Werther, a horse he has seen physically transform over the...

How Hong Kong's racing media landscape leads to some interesting and bizarre stories
There are many features of Hong Kong racing that make it unique, but one that is often overlooked is the multilingual aspect - and for the media, that creates an interesting landscape.

How Hong Kong's racing media landscape leads to some interesting and bizarre stories
There are many features of Hong Kong racing that make it unique, but one that is often overlooked is the multilingual aspect - and for the media, that creates...

Victory Magic to win his way into Hong Kong Derby after avoiding Classic Cup
John Moore has bypassed the Group One Hong Kong Classic Cup with Victory Magic and, even though he is still a maiden, the Derby-bound import looks a solid banker in...

Dropping into Class Five to coincide with form turnarounds for Telephatia, All Times Lucky
A couple of well-beaten commodities at Happy Valley on Wednesday will find things easier when they next front up at the races and punters should keep a close eye...

Brazilian Eurico Rosa Da Silva, Kiwi Opie Bosson to join Hong Kong jockey ranks
Maybe it was a case of "if you can't keep De Sousa, get Da Silva" as the Jockey Club added yet another accomplished Brazilian to the riding ranks with Canadian-based...

Trainer John Size seeks to buck trend of upsets in Classic Cup
The Classic Cup has been a graveyard for favourites and three times John Size has won it with surprises but Hong Kong's form trainer isn't expecting "that kind of...

Bullish Smart emerges as candidate for rich Million Challenge after Happy Valley win
Tony Cruz-trained Bullish Smart may be headed back to Happy Valley next week for a surprise crack at the Million Challenge after putting himself into contention...

Danny Shum lucky to Profit from return of Joao Moreira
It's a familiar tune, but the switch to champion jockey Joao Moreira and some key race changes should see Lucky Profit back in the winner's photo after the...

Don't underestimate the power of jockeys in moving markets
The power of the jockey's tip over Hong Kongers was something this writer first encountered as a young journalist in Sydney.

Blazing Speed fires while Designs On Rome struggles as stars prepare for Hong Kong Gold Cup
Blazing Speed showed he is right on track for the upcoming Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup with a robust dirt trial at Sha Tin yesterday after key rival Designs On Rome earlier put...

Matthew Chadwick back in action early after nasty fall for Keith Yeung
Matthew Chadwick's comeback for a long lay-off has been brought forward four days to tonight's Happy Valley meeting after Keith Yeung Ming-lun was injured in a nasty...

Fourie's fall: How one South African jockey proves how much the Hong Kong racing world has changed in three years
Hong Kong in 2013 was a safer place in many ways: booksellers specialising in Chinese politics went about their business, street hawkers in Mong Kok sold their...

Silvestre De Sousa to continue hot run of form in Happy Valley Triple Trio
Silvestre De Sousa's highly successful winter stint is quickly coming to a close but the Brazilian can keep his hot streak going on Graceful Kingdom in the opening leg...

Class Four sprinters look headed for higher after top efforts
Top of any list of black bookers from Sunday's racing had to be the Class Four sprint quinella of Momentum Lucky and Molly's Jade Star, but there are a couple to like for...

John Size turning trainers?title into one-act affair at halfway mark of season after four-timer
John Size is in danger of turning the trainers' title race into a hollow eighth championship win after slipping 10 victories clear with four wins from five runners at...

Father and son: Schofields create history with rarest of doubles and a family quinella
Father and son jockeys Glyn and Chad Schofield weren't content with just making some racing history by riding on the same card, they went right through with the job by...

Silvestre de Sousa the only jockey that could challenge Joao Moreira for championship, says Tony Cruz
Trainer Tony Cruz says Brazilian dynamo Silvestre de Sousa could challenge countryman Joao Moreira's supremacy if he made a full-time move to Hong Kong, but...

John Moore's Year of the Monkey resurgence continues with a double
Maybe John Moore was right after his midweek double at the Lunar New Year meeting - the pendulum is beginning to swing for his stable in the Year of the Monkey, with the

Michael Chang the master after third victory in five days
A debut win is always a great sign but trainer Michael Chang Chun-wai fears that knee injuries may not only limit Dragon Master's output but also keep him confined to straight racing.

Innocent football game and social media whispers behind bizarre plunge on Imperial Concorde?
Welcome to the age of social media? The HK$5 million of all-ups that saw Imperial Concorde open a surprise hot favourite for the sixth race might have been the result of...

O'Sullivan preparing strong team
The Paul O'Sullivan stable seems to be shaping for a big second half of the season and three-year-old Moment Of Power could join the growing number of winners soon...

Glyn Schofield and son Chad to create Hong Kong racing history
Glyn and Chad Schofield will become the first father-son duo to ride in the same race in the professional era of horse racing in Hong Kong at the Sha Tin meeting on Sunday.

Hong Kong's Rich Tapestry takes out dramatic Al Shindagha Sprint in Dubai
Hong Kong racing's premier globetrotter Rich Tapestry added another trophy to his burgeoning cabinet overnight, taking out a dramatic Group Three Al Shindagha Sprint...

John Moore's Peace looks Sure to fire in Triple Trio
John Moore's solid dirt tracker Sure Peace looks a sure-fire banker for Triple Trio players in the TT closer on Sunday at Sha Tin and can keep the trainer's momentum...

Easy does it with John Size's unlucky three-year-old
Easy Hedge had a flashing light and sirens on him in the final race but there were other less obvious horses for the black book from the big Lunar New Year meeting on Wednesday.

Joao Moreira works his magic to get John Size's Thewizardofoz back into the winner's circle in the Chinese New Year Cup
Tarnished idol Thewizardofoz scrubbed up all right again after the Chinese New Year Cup win that has probably set him on a Group One path again, even if it isn't the path...

John Moore looks for 'auspicious' year after timely Lunar New Year double
John Moore has endured the typical trainers' championship hangover through the first half of the term but the trainer believes an "auspicious" Lunar New Year double could...

Silvestre de Sousa earns rave reviews for gallant treble
Silvestre de Sousa's short-term winter stint continues to go from strength to strength as the lightweight Brazilian jagged a treble and earned more rave reviews from trainers...

Michael Chang aiming for rare double across country borders as Rich Tapestry aims for Al Shindagha glory
Michael Chang Chun-wai could be heard for miles around with his hooting and hollering after the win of Our Folks in a Class Three on Wednesday, but his cheers could ring...

Richard Fourie to cut short Jockey Club contract after tough season
South African jockey Richard Fourie remains unfit to ride on the weekend but has already applied to cut short his club jockey contract. Fourie injured his lower back on...

It may be the Year of the Monkey but it was the Year of the Brazilian at Sha Tin
There were discussion points at Sha Tin from trainers Derek Cruz and Dennis Yip Chor-hong about the significance of the Year Of The Monkey but the huge crowd...

Tony Cruz saves the day with King Genki providing speed for Hong Kong Derby
Thankfully, Tony Cruz came to the rescue after his rival trainers at Thursday's barrier draw for the HK$18 million BMW Hong Kong Derby went searching for speed in the...

Dark horse: Blizzard can come in from the cold and win the Derby, says trainer Ricky Yiu
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai doesn't mind admitting that when he goes to Melbourne's major yearling sale each year he is looking for another Sacred Kingdom, but what he found...

Seven Hong Kong runners confirmed for Dubai World Cup night as likely fields released
The Hong Kong raiding party on the world's richest race meeting, Dubai World Cup night, has been confirmed at seven after the Dubai Racing Club released likely fields...

Chad Schofield holds ace hand in tricky Triple Trio on Derby day
Chad Schofield's record probably doesn't adequately match the good impression he has made in his first season and he will be looking to end a frustrating run of outs on...

Magical Beauty to continue his rise through the ranks after impressive Happy Valley win
Like a lot of the International Sale Griffins, Magical Beauty has been an exercise in patience for his connections but there are more wins in store for him after breaking his...

Almond Lee secures licence for next season after reaching benchmark with treble
Trainer Almond Lee laughed in relief that he had "one more year, again" after his first winning treble for more than six years at Happy Valley last night secured his licence...

Japan turns to Joao Moreira as the Magic Man takes Champions Mile ride on superstar Maurice
Joao Moreira will turn from friend to foe in front of his adoring fans at Sha Tin in just over six weeks when he rides champion Maurice in the Champions Mile as he...

Trainer Richard Gibson hopes Consort will go from bust to boom in Hong Kong Derby
Trainer Richard Gibson may yet salvage something from the messy soap opera that has been Consort's BMW Hong Kong Derby campaign, but it seems nothing will save...

Global commingling on the agenda as Japan plans to begin overseas simulcasting with Arc
In that quiet, deeply bowed manner that Japanese have made their own on the international racing stage, an important announcement only just squeaked out between...

Dubai-bound sprinters Peniaphobia, Master Kochanwong, Domineer ready after top trials
Three Dubai-bound sprinters were the star attractions at yesterday's Sha Tin barrier trials as Peniaphobia, Master Kochanwong and Domineer rounded out their...

Ticket to ride: What is it about the Hong Kong Derby that makes owners look to bring riders in from abroad?
Perhaps it is brand name recognition or the once-in-a-lifetime allure of the Hong Kong Derby that convinces connections to go that extra frequent flyer mile, but there is...

Magical Beauty to provide timely reminder of strength of Hong Kong International Sale in Triple Trio
With blinkers on for the first time, not to mention barrier three and Joao Moreira back aboard, Magical Beauty is likely to start one of the favourites at Happy Valley...

Black bookers few and far between at wet Sha Tin but Gracydad on track to win soon
It was easier to find a place in the sun at Sha Tin on the weekend than it was to find black bookers, with the rain and some curious tactics rendering the racing a non-event...

Prominent owner Tung Moon-fai looking for the crowning of his Jewel as Derby day looms
The man who developed the legendary Black Caviar, Melbourne's leading horse trainer Peter Moody answered a call from owner Tung Moon-fai in the Australian spring of...

Just rewards for John Moore's consistent top-liner after Hero outguns Derby winner Luger
John Moore was surprised and elated by Rewarding Hero's win over odds-on favourite Luger at Sha Tin yesterday, John Size probably not as surprised and would have liked...

Nash Rawiller sets sights on another season after timely double
Nash Rawiller has never been one to back down from a challenge and after a momentum-building double yesterday the champion Australian rider says he is gearing...

Magic Man Joao Moreira lords over Sha Tin with heroic treble
Taking his record to two from two on Hammer King was part of a treble for the Magic Man, Joao Moreira, but even he was surprised at the sudden onset of 'wow factor' in

All in the family as Mighty Maverick breaks through for Derek Cruz
A plan came together for the Cruz clan when Mighty Maverick broke through for trainer Derek Cruz and gave the family a first Hong Kong winner to come through his sons'...

Derek Leung first victim of new careless riding penalty system designed to alleviate jockey shortages
For his efforts on Soul Achiever in the final race, Derek Leung Ka-chun had the dubious distinction of being the first jockey punished under the freshly drafted...

Forget 'terrible' Giovanni trial: Moreira
Leading jockey Joao Moreira gave a refreshingly honest appraisal of Giovanni Canaletto's unimpressive trial effort as he was one of five BMW Hong Kong Derby...

'Warhorse' Dan Excel retired as tributes to hard-knock three-time Group One winner roll in
A simple look at the record books tells only some of the story when it comes to courageous racehorse Dan Excel, an overachiever whose whole-hearted efforts were...

Let the River run: the Hong Kong Derby winner who opened the gates to the world
The main headlines in Hong Kong racing this week, those grand stories of the chase for classic glory and daring international raids, evoke all sorts of memories, ...

Caspar Fownes to control Triple Trio with stable transfers So Caffe and Apache Spirit
Caspar Fownes has off-season stable transfer So Caffe heading in the right direction and with a step up in trip and a drop down in grade the five-year-old has a great...

John Size far from volatile with his lightly raced runners
It doesn't take a lot of imagination to join in with John Size's young horses but it is a sure path to finding coming winners and Volitation joined the queue of Size Private...

Outsiders rain on damp Happy Valley as Neil Callan dominates again at city track
It was all about being inside or outside and no in-between at Happy Valley last night where outsiders rained down and Neil Callan reigned supreme.

2016 Hong Kong Derby final field: Lucky Girl a surprise inclusion at the last minute
A lucky boy named Lucky Girl was the only surprise when the BMW Hong Kong Derby field was officially released yesterday, although there was confirmation from...

Peter Ho and Joao Moreira look to have the Right stuff in Police Cup
Peter Ho Leung-trained Mr Right is in a golden patch of form and gets another great opportunity to advance his record and land some silverware when he tackles the..

Blinkers spark Consort into action as Richard Gibson's colt prepares for Hong Kong Derby
Blinkers seem to have clicked with Consort after the expensive import again looked a different horse in a 1,600m turf trial at Sha Tin yesterday ahead of the BMW Hong Kong Derby.

Caspar Fownes' Dubai plans come together as Gun Pit sneaks into World Cup and Frankie Dettori snares Domineer ride
Trainer Caspar Fownes not only managed to sneak a horse into the world's richest race in Dubai later this month, he has pulled off a coup by booking legendary big race...

Listen up: here's a real pointer to the Al Quoz winner
Who would have thought it? Ryan Moore gets a gig in this space two weeks in a row but this time it's just to remind him to call his old mate, John Moore.

Kei Chiong and Nanako Fujita out to break stigma against female jockeys in Asia
It's fair to say that in Asian racing, the fairer sex is underrepresented, especially in the riding ranks, but two of the region's leading lights lit up the track last weekend with...

Pace the key to Ricky Yiu and Zac Purton finding Treasure in Triple Trio
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai's Po Ching Treasure only just missed out last start in Class Four and he looks to have an ideal opportunity for a local breakthrough tomorrow night at...

Zac Purton's Banner day could have been even more Jolly after luck deserts Ricky Yiu's horse
Zac Purton had a big day on Sunday with four winners but the one that got away was Jolly Banner for Ricky Yiu Poon-fai in the fifth race.

Trainer hopeful Hong Kong dirt star Gun Pit will be confirmed for US$10m Dubai World Cup
Trainer Caspar Fownes hopes to know on Tuesday whether Gun Pit has earned a place in the world's richest horse race, the US$10 million Dubai World Cup on...

Dashing ride from Zac Purton gives John Moore a fourth Hong Kong Macau Trophy
Local dominance of the interport races continued when John Moore picked up the Hong Kong Macau Trophy with Dashing Fellow as part of a huge day for him and...

Riders wanted for Group One contenders Not Listenin'tome, Helene Paragon after Sha Tin wins
Not Listenin'tome and Helene Paragon are headed to big race assignments in great form after impressive handicap wins yesterday but their trainer John Moore is still...

Leonardo Salles scores first Hong Kong success to boost Michael Chang's spirits after Rich Tapestry flop
Trainer Michael Chang Chun-wai had some sobering news on his sprinter Rich Tapestry after landing a Brazilian-ridden winner at Sha Tin that was as unexpected as...

Kei Chiong gears up for Happy Valley test with Lucky victory
A confidence-building win on Lucky Ever and the ride of her life on former Group One hero Amber Sky has 10-pound claimer Kei Chiong Ka-kei on a high ahead of her...

Gerald Mosse facing lengthy period on sidelines after two careless riding charges
The Sha Tin crowd held its collective breath after Chad Schofield and Hard Ball Get crashed to the ground in a sickening fall in the straight in the last race but,...

Locked and loaded: Gun Pit to head to Dubai World Cup after game Maktoum Challenge second
Caspar Fownes is allowing himself to dream of Dubai World Cup glory later this month after Gun Pit all but booked a place in the world's richest race with a brave second on...

Apollo set to rule in interport feature
A tweaking of his gear, the addition of Joao Moreira and the likely strong pace are the factors that give Apollo's Choice a leading role in the Hong Kong Macau Trophy...

Travel plans for Dubai World Cup Carnival on hold for David Hall's stable stars
David Hall has Dubai travel plans on hold for two of his stable stars, but knows a big performance by Rad tomorrow at Sha Tin certainly won't harm the sprinter's chances...

Pivotal weekend for Hong Kong racing: out with the old and in with the new?
In the space of 24 hours this weekend, the past and future of Hong Kong racing will be on display on opposite sides of the continent, sitting in stark contrast and presenting...ont>

Hong Kong's best maiden? Molly's Jade Star aims for breakthrough victory in Triple Trio
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai's four-year-old Molly's Jade Star steps up in distance at Sha Tin on Sunday looking to end a frustrating sequence of second placings and he seems...

Veteran Business As Usual approaching another win after strong Happy Valley effort
A strange night's racing at Happy Valley, with jockeys or connections not quite sure which way they wanted to go, and half the races run too fast and the other half at a dawdle.

Dubai's Super Saturday: Al Maktoum Challenge Round Three offers Gun Pit chance to secure World Cup berth
Trainer Caspar Fownes was on the ground at Meydan on Thursday morning to see all he wanted to see from Gun Pit ahead of the gelding's vital Group One test on Saturday night.

Paul O'Sullivan continues hot run of form as he takes haul to seven winners from 10 days
Most fans are already looking at John Size as the season's champion trainer but they might just be looking at an "Anzac" quinella too after Paul O'Sullivan continued his...

Joe Lau hopes to restore Macau pride at Hong Kong interport with his horse The Alfonso
If veteran trainer Joe Lau can't win Sunday's Group Three Hong Kong Macau Trophy with The Alfonso then he at least hopes one of his fellow visitors can restore some...

Ricky Yiu's Fantastico out for his first win in almost two years at Happy Valley
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai-trained Fantastico looks back to his best and the timing couldn't be better as the gelding looks the one to beat in the Hong Kong Football Club...

Magpies Bridge to bring his French form to Hong Kong after promising trial effort
John Size-trained Magpies Bridge made a nice first impression at yesterday's turf trials at Sha Tin as the highly rated French import started slowly but built up steam...

Eurico da Silva realises dream of Hong Kong stint
Brazilian jockeys might be the flavour of the month in Hong Kong but if it wasn't for the trailblazing efforts of new arrival Eurico da Silva, and the veteran's generosity, reigning...

Ryan Moore and Silvestre de Sousa have the punters baying for more
And so, with Sunday's card gone, so is Ryan Moore as a full-time fixture in the jockey colony at Sha Tin and the sun still rises in the east, but the additions of Moore and...

Do Hong Kong barrier trials actually mean anything?
Barrier trials. Some punters swear by them and others believe they are a fast path to the poorhouse. Whichever way you look at what is essentially a practice match for...

Too early to say Able Friend will race during Melbourne spring carnival, warns trainer John Moore
Trainer John Moore has played down his son's revelation of tentative plans to race injured champion Able Friend at the Melbourne racing carnival later this year, saying...

Happy Valley king Caspar Fownes to produce a masterpiece in Triple Trio
Caspar Fownes flies out to Dubai tomorrow night to oversee the final stages of Gun Pit's preparation for the Group One Al Maktoum Challenge Round Three at Meydan on...

Howard Cheng rides show promise with midfield efforts
Good For You hasn't had a lot to show for his nine starts so far but the three-year-old is nearing the cellar grade and punters should look for good support for him when that...

It's over: Andreas Schutz loses appeal to keep his training licence
Trainer Andreas Schutz has had his appeal against a licence refusal by the Hong Kong Jockey Club's licensing committee dismissed and his career in Hong Kong is ostensibly over.

Jockey Club sabotaged me, says angry trainer Sean Woods
Sean Woods will seek legal advice on potential avenues of action to regain his Hong Kong trainer's licence after show cause and appeal hearings which he described...

The 2015-16 season to be remembered as that of the jockey in term marked by resilience
It's nearly a decade since the Chris Munce arrest, and real scandal or controversy in racing has become a dinosaur so, like other recent terms, 2015-16 was a campaign...

Joao Moreira's magical season - but he was no one man show
Joao Moreira's 168 winners - more than twice the number of the next best rider - would indicate that his performance in 2015-16 was something of a one-man show, but the season had...

John Size clearly on top, but the true action among the trainers was at the bottom of the ranks
Normal service resumed with John Size reclaiming the trainers' championship - his eighth in 15 seasons, but first in four years - and just like many of his winners, the title...

Disappointing year for Hong Kong horses at home and abroad, but plenty of promise on the horizon
Disappointment and defeat during the 2015-16 season was countered by a spark of hope among the young guns that will carry the Bauhinia flag in years to come in Hong Kong.

What were the top five rides of the 2015-16 Hong Kong racing season?
It is sometimes easier to remember the bad rides rather than the good, but from almost 800 races, Michael Cox has found the five rides that showed elements of...

Optimism for bumper new racing season, says Jockey Club chief Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges
More meetings, more races, more commingling and hopefully more overseas horses for more international events - that's what the new season promises when Hong Kong racing...

Rejected: Andreas Schutz and Sean Woods lose Hong Kong licences
Trainers Sean Woods and Andreas Schutz failed to show cause before the Licensing Committee on Thursday and their applications to train in Hong Kong next season...

Spanish find Helene Paragon gives John Moore weight of numbers heading towards Hong Kong Mile - but Able Friend's still number one
John Moore metaphorically handed over the baton as champion trainer to John Size at Sha Tin yesterday but without misgivings as he approaches next term with a rare...

Joao Moreira sets sights on another record after setting new benchmark of 168 wins in a season
Every year, Joao Moreira has threatened to improve himself for the next season and, scarily, has carried out that threat in full but he issued the same warning after...

Coronation for Kei Chiong with most popular jockey and Tony Cruz Award wins, but Hong Kong legend issues challenge to young rider
The post race awards ceremony took on the feel of a coronation as the new queen of Hong Kong racing, Kei Chiong Ka-kei, not only hoisted the Tony Cruz Award, but...

Nash Rawiller wins first and last race of 2015-16 season - and it's all thanks to his son Campbell
Nash Rawiller has credited his teenage son Campbell for helping spark a late-season revival brought about by better relationships with local trainers.

Champagne moments: Joao Moreira crowns brilliant season with surprise defeat and an unwanted record
Champion jockey Joao Moreira crowned his brilliant season with five winners, a surprise defeat and one record that he probably did not want, but having his mother...

Young guns: go behind the scenes at the South African Jockey Academy and meet the two riders touted as the next Douglas Whyte and Karis Teetan
For over a century, the first Saturday in July has sparked a festival of celebration across South Africa. It is to the nation what the first Tuesday in November means...

Jacky Tong's final wish as his riding career comes to an end
Battling jockey Jacky Tong Chi-kit has one simple wish for Sunday's season finale at Sha Tin, his final day of race riding - one more win.

Away and racing: Gates crash back on starter Tony McGovern's retirement
In horse racing, the job of starter can be thankless; you are only noticed when something goes wrong, and nowhere in the world is the pressure greater than in Hong Kong.

John Moore's Dashing Fellow to upstage stablemates Helene Paragon, Joyful Trinity in season-ending Sha Tin Mile Trophy
John Moore-trained Dashing Fellow gave Sun Jewellery plenty to think about at his most recent start and the four-year-old can upset his better-fancied stablemates...

The Griffin in Durban: does South Africa hold one of racing's best kept secrets?
Through the course of the last year, The Griffin has had some wild and wacky experiences, all in the name of racing - dancing (badly) to famed Bollywood producers in Mumbai, rubbing...

Big night for John Moore as Werther is crowned Hong Kong Horse of the Year
Top high stakes trainer John Moore swept the boards again at the annual Champion Awards with Werther giving his yard a fourth successive Horse Of the Year title.

Significant prize money boost for Hong Kong racing as Champions Mile, Chairman's Sprint Prize purses elevated
Ahead of tonight's Champion Awards for the season's outstanding performances, the Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced significant prize money lifts for two of...

 

Alan Aitken's 10 horses to follow for the 2016-17 Hong Kong racing season
A slightly disappointing season for the SCMP stable in 2015-16 in that the 10 to follow list failed to unearth a Group One winner for the first time in quite a few years, even though Amazing Kids,...

Hong Kong Jockey Club to focus on customers, China and commingling in 2016-17, says chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges
The 2016-17 Hong Kong racing season will not be so different from the recent past - an environment dominated by "C words" but the club's emphasis on customercentric will share the top...

Joao Moreira dealt tough hand in quest to retain All-Star title in Japan
A seemingly weak group of rides means Joao Moreira needs to be at his magical best to defend his World All-Star Jockeys title at Sapporo Racecourse this weekend and finish...

Tragic end: Gold-Fun euthanised after shattering a leg in France
The European odyssey of top Hong Kong galloper Gold-Fun came to a tragic end on Sunday night as he was euthanised after shattering a leg in the final stages of the...

Name changes hurt racing's image and don't honour the history of the sport
A recent conversation between two racing fans: "Really looking forward to the National Day Cup" "Wait, you mean the Celebration Cup?"

Hong Kong Derby hopeful California Joy out to record back-to-back victories at Sha Tin
A trio of 2017 BMW Hong Kong Derby hopefuls, led by Tony Cruz's well-bred prospect California Joy, will be looking to take another step up the ratings ladder...

Green Dispatch can provide in-form trainer Danny Shum with another winner
The Danny Shum Chap-shing stable has picked up in the same good form in which it concluded the last campaign and what is especially encouraging is that Shum has...

And then there were three: Caspar Fownes and Vincent Ho are Both Lucky at Happy Valley as the countdown continues
The countdown is on with two more jockeys and two more trainers getting their first wins for the season at Happy Valley last night, and Vincent Ho Chak-yiu made the most...

Once Moore - big-race king John Moore eyes back-to-back victories for Not Listenin'tome in National Day Cup
National day at Sha Tin on Saturday means the first Group races of the new season and that means top big-money trainer John Moore climbs back into his playground with...

Cobwebs are Neil Callan's only concern for Happy Valley specialist Speedy Longwah
Speedy Longwah could end up proving to be a bargain buy if the honest galloper can win in Class Two for his new owners but jockey Neil Callan fears there could be a few cobwebs...

Packing Pins finds perfect distance in Group Three Celebration Cup
Life can be tough for a "tweener" - a horse not quite a sprinter nor a pure miler, but somewhere in between. Packing Pins fits that category and he gets a great chance at...

For Danny Shum, the Citi Sprint Challenge Cup is Mission Possible
Danny Shum Chap-shing has been one of the form trainers of the season so far and the top local handler can keep the ball rolling in the Citi Sprint Challenge Cup, 1,200m...

Fast starter So unlikely to be there when whips are cracking for trainers' title
As we come into that part of the season where trainers and jockeys are all looking to have ticked off that first victory and suddenly there is a spotlight on those who haven't yet.

Howard Cheng's riding career at the precipice as 'telephone messages' inquiry added to handling charge
Top Chinese jockey Howard Cheng Yue-tin stands at a crucial and potentially career-ending moment after being charged with a running and handling offence on Monday while...

Casper Fownes determined to reclaim title as 'King of Happy Valley'
Caspar Fownes is determined to reclaim his "King of the Valley" tag this season and a couple of Class Five hopes lead the way as the popular trainer sends...

Richard Gibson's Winfield is one worth following
It would be hard to nominate a bigger flashing light horse so far this season than Richard Gibson-trained Winfield when he finished just behind the placings on Sunday at Sha Tin.

I told you So: trainer Chris So delivers on pre-season prediction and rockets to top of championship
A career-best day of four winners and an early season trainers' championship lead weren't entirely unexpected occurrences for Chris So Wai-yin as the young trainer's...

Slow start? No worries as life's a beach for Joao Moreira
Joao Moreira's slow start might have had some fans overthinking things but it wasn't worrying the Magic Man, who returned with a treble on Sunday after spending the previous...

Nash Rawiller's hot streak cooled by the stewards
Nash Rawiller's early season hot streak may have been cooled by copping a two-meeting suspension but the Australian still has plenty to look forward to later in the term...

Mr Picasso needs to relax to produce a masterpiece, says David Hall
It was hokey pokey time for favourite backers and trainer David Hall before the fourth race at Sha Tin when favourite Mr Picasso had to be put into the gates,...

Brett Prebble after a birthday win before big-name returns
Brett Prebble is building up a tidy bank of big race rides but the champion Australian jockey will be hoping lesser light Merion can deliver some much needed early-season...

Lansbury can reward the patience of trainer David Hall
Lansbury's first local win has been longer arriving than probably trainer David Hall or the gelding's owners might have hoped but the six-year-old gets a great chance...

Magic Man ready to make up for lost time
Joao Moreira is back and it is business as usual as the Magic Man takes his customary position atop Jockey Challenge betting with a string of short-priced favourites.

Able Friend fine, but new path might be needed as he heads to Hong Kong Mile
Champion galloper Able Friend's path to the HK$23 million Longines Hong Kong Mile in December has a low-key, belated start this morning when trainer John Moore will...

Michael Cox highlights Hong Kong's five most fascinating Group horses for 2016-17
October 1 signals the start of the feature races for each season and the Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) and Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) kick things off.

Nash Rawiller can guide I'm The Won For U to a breakthrough victory on the dirt at Sha Tin
Punters could do worse than follow in-form Australian jockey Nash Rawiller after his first ever four-timer at Happy Valley on Wednesday and I'm The Won For U looks ready...

Black book: Follow Vara Pearl and King Bountiful
Trainer Tony Millard looks to have a coming winner in Vara Pearl after his eye-catching run at Happy Valley on Wednesday night behind Caga Force put him high on the black book list.

Aussie blitz: hard work pays off for Nash Rawiller as he clinches four-timer
Nash Rawiller has carried his late-season momentum through to the new term in style and the Australian jockey charged into second place on the table at Happy Valley with his...

Big-name sprinters Peniaphobia and Not Listenin'tome warm up for National Day Cup
Star sprinters Peniaphobia and Not Listenin'tome squared off in a turf trial on Tuesday ahead of what looms as an explosive straight track showdown between the pair...

Sign of the times as internet creates Pakistan Star phenomenon
It was something that John Moore talked about with Able Friend and no doubt Sydney's leading trainer, Chris Waller is experiencing it with Winx, but the internet "ownership" of exciting...

Tony Cruz-trained I'm A Witness ready to win at Happy Valley
I'm A Witness had his chance first-up and could not quite sustain his effort but the honest Tony Cruz-trained sprinter gets his chance to atone on Wednesday night in the...

Zac Purton is riding in terrific form and can extend his premiership lead at Happy Valley
Zac Purton has an early season roll on and the Australian can keep the momentum going with a couple of race-fit chances on Wednesday night at Happy Valley.

Everyone knows Pakistan Star is a black booker, but Marvel Hero and Citron Spirit can be winning soon too
It would hardly be imaginative to put an even bigger flashing light on Pakistan Star than there is already but for a black booker it won't be unreasonable to try the next best thing...

Zac Purton celebrates a four-timer by forging strong relationships with key players in the Hong Kong racing scene
Zac Purton's four timer came with the kicker of riding another winner for one of Hong Kong racing's most famous families as the Australian continues to forge relationships with key players.

Issues with his irons can't stop Olivier Doleuze from notching his first winner of the season
There was something weird going on with jockey Olivier Doleuze's irons on Sunday but, in between a slipped buckle and a banged foot, he did manage to put himself on the scoreboard for the season.

HK$8.5 million horse Jing Jing Win on a potential Hong Kong Derby trail after winning debut
Trainer David Hall was already dealing with BMW Hong Kong Derby questions minutes after Jing Jing Win put aside a near-mishap in the barriers with an exceptional debut win...

The exceptional Pakistan Star exceeds expectations - again
As far as keeping lids on things or hosing down expectations went, Pakistan Star's second race start at Sha Tin on Sunday was an utter failure - in every other way it was exceptional.

Pakistan Star has all the ingredients to be one of racing's cult heroes
So what ingredients go into making a "cult horse"? A horse with the type of wild popularity that transcends the sport and reaches into the mainstream, that brings people back to the track.

Watch: Pakistan Star does it again with another come-from-behind victory at Sha Tin
Having become a viral sensation with a stunning debut win in July, Pakistan star repeated the feat by claiming victory in similar fashion in the Tsuen Lok Handicap under...

Go wide with Douglas Whyte for the Jockey Challenge on promising day for the champion rider
Douglas Whyte's book of rides includes a couple of genuine chances on Sunday but it is a pair of his outsiders - Hastily Feet and Flying Force - that the horses' respective trainers...

Heathy Joyful can deliver a victory for new trainer Danny Shum
Useful five-year-old Healthy Joyful has had a change of scenery with a move to Danny Shum Chap-shing this term and the gelding looks well placed to get their new...

HK$8.5 million purchase Jing Jing Win out to justify hype on debut
Pakistan Star has hogged most of the headlines out of last season's Hong Kong International Sales graduates but Jing Jing Win was the top lot and the beautiful mover debuts...

A charitable cause: Big turnout at Mong Kok Stadium as soccer stars parade skills with Hong Kong jockeys
A long range goal from jockey Nash Rawiller with his first touch in the first minute of play was the highlight of the match at Friday afternoon's exhibition match featuring...

Korean racing's rise is inevitable as Asia becomes centre of the universe, but progress is slowed in the sand
The go-ahead vibe from the Korean Racing Association leading into Sunday's international races should be reason for excitement, not just in Korea but in the region, as another...

Bank on Green Card to anchor the Triple Trio at Sha Tin on Sunday
A jackpot of nearly HK$20 million makes Sunday's Triple Trio worth chasing and John Moore-trained sprinter Green Card is the one to bank on in the final leg.

Self-imposed handicap the only one Chad Schofield has to fear as he builds on nice debut
Starting off a three-meeting handicap this season isn't going to bother Chad Schofield as long as the jockey can shed himself of another self-imposed handicap, suspensions.

Black Book: Danny Shum Chap-sing's Gorgeous Again can take the next step
There wasn't much to recommend international sale griffin (ISG) Gorgeous Again from his barrier trials but the son of Fastnet Rock did enough behind Fairy Twins on Sunday...

Star international jockey Silvestre de Sousa will return to ride in Hong Kong next month
Brilliant Brazilian jockey Silvestre de Sousa will be returning to Hong Kong late next month as a club rider looking to pick up where he left off last season as the Jockey Club...

Managing expectations: Jockey Matthew Chadwick cautious ahead of Pakistan Star's return
Matthew Chadwick, one-time wonder kid and record-breaking apprentice, knows all about expectations, so it may be fitting he is now the calm voice of reason...

Gate-gate: Sha Tin all about barriers, both for good and bad
Barriers proved more costly for some than for others at Sha Tin yesterday but not in the usual way, and Zac Purton was on both ends of the equation.

Precision planning: Hong Kong's Super Jockey rides ideal preparation to easy payday in Seoul
There was a touch of The A-Team to trainer Tony Millard's post-race reaction after Super Jockey reigned supreme in Seoul and turned the US$700,000 Korea Sprint into...

Breakthrough: Sam Clipperton lands Sha Tin double to get off the mark in Hong Kong
Jockeys respond to breakthrough wins in different ways and for Sam Clipperton's first success in Hong Kong there was no hooting and hollering, just time for...

Douglas Whyte gets the edge over Joao Moreira as Smiling Glory bounces back at Sha Tin
It isn't too often that other riders get the chance to take a winner these days from under Joao Moreira's nose but 13-time champion Douglas Whyte managed to sneak...

Scintillating: Hong Kong's Super Jockey claims dominant win in Korea Sprint
Dirt specialist Super Jockey put in a dominant display to land the US$700,000 Korea Sprint on Sunday in Seoul.The trailblazer was the first Hong Kong runner to race...

Grand plans: Ambitious Korea Racing Authority eyeing Group One events in six years' time
The introduction of turf racing is seen as key to the growth of Korean racing as the emerging jurisdiction sets out on an ambitious six-year plan to have top tier Group One...

Joao Moreira breaks Sydney drought with a double, but misses out in Golden Rose
While he didn't capture the Group One feature, Hong Kong's superstar jockey Joao Moreira broke his Sydney drought in style with a double at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Caspar Fownes to take Charge of Kwangtung Handicap Cup in bid to upset Joyful Trinity
John Moore-trained Joyful Trinity might become the best horse in Sunday's Kwangtung Handicap Cup (1,400m) one day but the likely favourite is vulnerable and I'm In Charge could be...

Former American Wild Dude the one to beat in Korea Sprint
Chinese owner Zhang Yue-sheng purchased Wi ld Dude wi th the US$700,000 Korea Sprint specifically in mind and a sire-making win looms if the former American star...

Tony Millard surprised by "heavy" sand course in Seoul ahead of Super Jockey's Korea Sprint bid
Trainer Tony Millard arrived in Seoul for his first look at Super Jockey ahead of the Korea Sprint on Friday morning and got a shock, yet it was the softness of the sand track...

Wanted: two expatriate horse trainers for Hong Kong. Who are the main candidates?
WANTED: Expat horse trainers to fill one of two recent vacancies at Sha Tin. Group One-winning experience preferred, youth a plus but a proven ability to adapt to challenging...

Joao Moreira out to make his mark after sluggish start to season
Champion jockey Joao Moreira's fans will have itchy trigger fingers going to Sha Tin on Sunday, knowing that the Brazilian must be about to explode after a lukewarm start...

Dreary return to Happy Valley a good one looking to future for Matthew Chadwick
Wednesday night was not a night for horses in front on the rail but I'm A Witness did enough from that position to suggest he will be ready to win again when he steps out again.

Super Jockey draws gate two for Korea Sprint, but pressure now on rider Karis Teetan
Super Jockey came up with a seemingly ideal barrier for Sunday's Korea Sprint at the draw held on Thursday morning but the inside gate has now placed jockey Karis Teetan in the hot...

What a Marvel as Fownes gets Speedy treble
Caspar Fownes was busy reclaiming his title as the King Of Happy Valley on Wednesday night but for others it was a night to get pumped up on the way to some bigger targets...

Joao Moreira hits back at critics down under as he sets sights on snaring Australia's biggest races, beginning with the Golden Rose
Joao Moreira has taken the world by storm, but ahead of his return to Sydney to ride a Group One favourite on Saturday, the Magic Man has dismissed his critics in Australia...

Second-year blues? Jury still out on jockey Kei Chiong as pressure to perform mounts
There used to be a thing in elite team sport competitions that was referred to as second-season syndrome, maybe there still is.

King Of Mongolia to give lethal pair Joao Moreira and Danny Shum second trophy win for season
Joao Moreira and Danny Shum Chap-shing took the first trophy of the season last Saturday with Lucky Year and they should keep their unbeaten partnership for the term...

Blaze Stamina ready for new campaign
Tony Cruz-trained sprinter Blaze Stamina showed he might yet have some more wins in store after a front-running barrier trial display on the dirt at Sha Tin on Tuesday.

"Trackwork Highlights"
Rugby Diamond is hit and miss but looked very good in a recent trial. King Of Smarts and Smart Gain finished alongside one another in a recent trial down the...

Rely On Leading Man Bogart for Stellar Start at Valley
On paper Mr Bogart looked to be well exposed on his Australian form but the burly type showed some signs of upside late last season and can continue his progression with...

Opening day throws up Brilliant horses to follow
One of the lessons from the opening day of every season is that the horses which ran well without winning will be hard to beat at their second run back, when they will hold...

Say what? Danny Shum stuns all, including Joao Moreira, with Japan plans for Lucky Year after Chief Executive's Cup victory
There are times when the post-race story comes from so far out of left field that the race itself starts to take a back seat and trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing produced just such...

Moore manure: horror day for leading trainer as Able Friend escapes major injury before string of favourites struggle
John Moore's day at Sha Tin opened up with manure when champion galloper Able Friend suffered a minor injury on the track, then things continued pretty much the same vein...

A day at the races: glimmer of hope for apprentices amid Sha Tin chaos
Accidents, racing incidents, and in the end, winning. These were the hallmarks of an eventful opening day for Jockey Club apprentices, with Jack Wong Ho-nam emerging...

Jack Wong takes inspiration from Singapore's swimming sensation Joseph Schooling with Sha Tin double
Jack Wong Ho-nam was watching the Rio Olympics during the off-season when his mind began to wander: he was sick of being "ordinary", a fire was seemingly lit and...

Roundabout rising: second season sees Chris So's grey break through
Roundabout's win dropping to Class Four put trainer Chris So Wai-yin and jockey Douglas Whyte on the season's scorecard but neither thought it was all about the grade.

Off with a bang: Record turnover and a bumper crowd welcome new season at a sunny Sha Tin
The most prevalent gear change at Sha Tin was "sunglasses on" as the enforced Saturday opening for the new racing season stunned on the blue sky side with a dose...

Back-to-back titles? More meetings doesn't make task any easier, says reigning champion trainer John Size
No trainer has won back to back trainer's titles since John Size last did it 12 years ago and the reigning champion makes a low-key return for the new season at Sha Tin today knowing...

Shum Chases Luck in Cup
Lucky Year's form to date has much in common with the early days of Town Of Fionn, the last horse trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing produced to win the HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup...

End of the road? Retirement looms large after trailblazer Rich Tapestry withdrawn from Korea Sprint
Globetrotter Rich Tapestry has been withdrawn from next week's inaugural Korea Sprint and even though trainer Michael Chang Chun-wai is leaning towards retiring the horse...

Viral sensation: exciting galloper Pakistan Star set for return to races after easy Happy Valley trial
Pakistan Star is already the internet's favourite racehorse and his trainer Tony Cruz says the budding superstar is back, bigger and better than ever, as he revealed an eagerly...

John Moore's Derby favourite Rapper Dragon to face Hong Kong Cup test before classic quest
John Moore was given a green light by owner Albert Hung Chao-hong during Wednesday's stable bai-sun ceremony to change course with nominal Derby favourite Rapper Dragon towards...

Test of time: six years and 6,000 miles later, Chad Schofield and Sam Clipperton prepare to do battle in Hong Kong
In six short years, Sam Clipperton and Chad Schofield have gone from fresh-faced apprentices riding at provincial racecourses in Australia to budding superstars competing against...

American dream: Caspar Fownes looking at Breeders' Cup for Gun Pit after Korean plans shelved
Dirt specialist Gun Pit is set to become the second Hong Kong-trained horse to compete at the Breeders' Cup in November after trainer Caspar Fownes opted out of a trip to South Korea...

Top vet Brian Stewart returns to Jockey Club to focus on China's Conghua training centre and South Africa regulations
Renowned vet Dr Brian Stewart is returning to Hong Kongas the Jockey Club pushes towards completing the Conghua training centre in Guangzhou and attempts to open up...

Fan favourite Kei Chiong under enormous pressure to repeat breakout season, says riding legend Felix Coetzee
Felix Coetzee believes last season's breakout star Kei Chiong Ka-kei "has to expand her skills" if the star apprentice is to take her career to the next level, but the South African riding...

When six isn't enough: Joao Moreira on a high for Hong Kong after taking Japan by storm
Joao Moreira has bad news for his rivals in Hong Kong after an extraordinary six win haul at Sapporo Racecourse: he is only just approaching full fitness and is determined to improve...

Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther ruled out for three months after freak trackwork injury
The new season is still six days from opening but Hong Kong's elite stocks have already taken a hammer blow with reigning Horse of the Year Werther ruled out for three months...

Trainer Tony Millard delighted with Super Jockey's trial ahead of Hong Kong Sprint
A typically smooth all-weather track trial by Super Jockey has trainer Tony Millard sensing a big fresh effort on the turf by his dirt specialist in next Sunday's Group One...

Back a Ricky Yiu reserve runner in the market but don't bet your life on one of John Size's horses on the dirt
Sometimes a bit of research takes us down a path that leads to something good and sometimes it's just time tossed down the drain.

Wayfoong Vinnie to continue John Size's good run at Happy Valley
In-form John Size goes to Happy Valley tonight with some excellent chances of adding to his great November results and foremost among them is lightly raced Wayfoong Vinnie in...

Mark down Unicron Jewellery and Go Beauty Go in your black book
A good, even pace brought out the best of two relative newcomers on Sunday at Sha Tin in the sixth race and both Unicron Jewellery and Go Beauty Go look a couple of improvers...

There's no mistaken celebration - Brett Prebble knew he was nutted by Gonna Run in the Chevalier Cup
Onlookers might have thought that Brett Prebble was having a "Greg Hall moment" just past the line after a hard-fought Chevalier Cup on Sunday but the Australian jockey...

It's a school of hard knocks, but Hong Kong stint will make Oisin Murphy a better jockey
Welcome to the life of the jockey on a short mid-season stint, Oisin Murphy. It's a tough school, but as fellow visitor Damian Lane can attest, one that can make good riders even better.

Apprentice jockey Dylan Mo on notice - no more careless riding suspensions
Chief steward Kim Kelly has warned apprentice Dylan Mo Hin-tung that he needs to lift his performance to avoid causing interference in races but the youngster...

It doesn't matter if it's turf or dirt, champion trainer John Size keeps getting winners
Champion trainer John Size rounded off an excellent November with another training treble at Sha Tin to move past a few more on the table, and again showed uncanny accuracy...

Australia's Takedown confirms spot in Hong Kong Sprint and trainer Gary Moore says he can win
Seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey Gary Moore has claimed his first international Group One race as a trainer in Perth, and declared giant sprinter Takedown can win...

Star jockey Joao Moreira responds to Godolphin rumours and says he's staying in Hong Kong ... for now
Joao Moreira insists rumours linking him with the number one job at Godolphin Australia are purely speculative but the superstar says he would consider...

Solar Hei Hei gets all the favours for the Chevalier Cup at Sha Tin
Solar Hei Hei may not be the best horse David Hall has trained but there's no questioning his attitude and the tough and willing five-year-old gets the set up to win...

British speedster Profitable out of Hong Kong Sprint, Gary Moore's Takedown a chance to get his spot
British speedster Profitable has been withdrawn from the HK$18.5 million Longines Hong Kong Sprint next month, leaving a vacancy which may be filled by the Gary Moore-trained Takedown.

Joao Moreira sticks with the Hong Kong horses but says Maurice has the 'best winning chance' at HKIR
Leading jockey Joao Moreira will ride Hong Kong-trained horses in three of the four international day features but warned local fans not to glean too much hope from...

Pakistan Star will race on international day and yes, Matthew Chadwick retains the ride
So cult hero Pakistan Star will run on international day, December 11, and jockey Matthew Chadwick will retain the ride.

It's a tall task to win your Hong Kong debut but David Hall's Little Giant is up to the challenge
It is a tough ask for an inexperienced import to win at their local debut but the David Hall-trained Little Giant should have the necessary class for a successful first-up strike...

Mambo Rock and Super Clan go into the black book after their efforts at Happy Valley
The David Hall-trained Mambo Rock was a flukey sort of winner over 1,200m as a griffin in May but he probably gave a better pointer to his future with an eye-catching...

Look out Hong Kong - the Japanese raiders are coming in record numbers for International Races
The last time the Japanese landed in such significant numbers in December, 1941, Hong Kong was occupied for three years and the list of invitations for the HK$83 million...

Jockey Ben So bounces back with a winning double after a 'dizzy' month on the sidelines
St Yazin and Sunny Win gave local rider Ben So Tik-hung a night to remember at just his second meeting back from injury, but the day that laid him low still remains a mystery.

Chinese jockey Howard Cheng suspended again
If anyone thought the travails of top Chinese jockey Howard Cheng Yue-tin had ended with his six-month suspension in October after refusing an order to provide financial

Classy Highland Reel the standout as he tries to defend his Hong Kong Vase title
Classy globetrotter Highland Reel returns via a proven route chasing back-to-back wins in the Group One Hong Kong Vase, where he will not only face a favourites' curse, but also...

With Maurice and A Shin Hikari, Japanese hold the aces in Hong Kong Cup
When the Japanese turned up in force for the QE II Cup last April and went away empty-handed from a race they were expected to dominate, it appears only to have strengthened...

Returning superstar Able Friend the key stopping a strong Japanese duo in Hong Kong Mile
Maybe it appeared an evenly matched local group led by Able Friend dodged a bullet when Maurice opted out of the $23 million Group One Hong Kong Mile...

Peniaphobia, Aerovelocity and Lucky Bubbles lead fight against foreign invasion in Hong Kong Sprint
Holding off the might of the Japanese could be the theme of this year's Longines Hong Kong International Races and it's no different in the HK$18.5 million Sprint...

Injured Military Attack selected for Hong Kong Cup as Japanese raiders descend in record numbers
Trainer Caspar Fownes is "hopeful" Military Attack can overcome a leg injury in time to shore up n already shaky-looking local defence on December 11 as Japanese horses...

When it comes to race falls, it is the insurance company who is liable, not the guilty jockey
In the wake of falls at successive Happy Valley meetings, we've had questions asked by readers about jockey liability when riders are injured in falls where another jockey...

Joao Moreira and barrier one can help The Sylph return to the winner's circle at Happy Valley
Joao Moreira doesn't have quite the strike rate with David Ferraris that he has with other yards but he should improve that tonight in the second division of the...

Trainer David Ferraris confident of a big night at Happy Valley
The "barrier gods" have smiled on Triumphant Light as resurgent trainer David Ferraris heads to Happy Valley looking for another big return at the city track.

Joao Moreira and Caspar Fownes in Class Five is a winning combination at Happy Valley
A couple of the most profitable early season plays for punters have been backing Joao Moreira in Class Five and when he is on Caspar Fownes-trained runners.

Locals need to lift or the foreign invasion will reign supreme at the Hong Kong International Races
Hong Kong horses, that was ordinary, you've got less than three weeks to get your stuff sorted, and you better be ready because the Japanese are on their way and they...

Dennis Yip unleashes his Secret Weapon, flashing home to win Jocky Club Cup at Sha Tin
When Nash Rawiller scored on Secret Weapon in the Group Two Jockey Club Cup, he already knew suspension would prevent him from riding the horse three weeks later...

Not Listenin'tome shocks rivals in Jockey Club Sprint thanks to a gun ride from Hugh Bowman
John Moore was confident he might win the Jockey Club Cup or the Jockey Club Mile but came home from Sha Tin with the prize that he least expected when Not Listenin'tome returned...

Boom horses prove their own worst enemies as Pakistan Star and Mr Stunning go under
On a day that was set to showcase the major equine talents in town heading forward, there was still a lot of the great uncertainty of horse racing on show at Sha Tin...

Karis Teetan hopes to deliver his second Group race win of the weekend in Jockey Club Cup
An upbeat Karis Teetan returns from a successful Singapore mission, where he collected another confidence-building overseas feature, primed for the pressure ride...

Don't write off Blazing Speed in Jockey Club Cup, warns Neil Callan
When Neil Callan gets pumped up and starts talking about his beloved Blazing Speed, a horse he feels is perpetually underrated, it's almost as if he starts channelling...

Star sprinter Aerovelocity set to bounce back in the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint at Sha Tin
Aerovelocity has gone from the world's best sprinter to forgotten horse in the space of 12 months, but favourable conditions in the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint...

Joao Moreira's the man when it comes to the Jockey Challenge
Waiting for in-play value about Joao Moreira in the Jockey Challenge at the last two meetings has been an exercise in futility and taking the "starting odds" again...

Blazing Speed has the runs on the board to show he can prevail in Jockey Club Cup at Sha Tin
He may be underestimated by many but Tony Cruz-trained Blazing Speed has a proven record at the top end and the weapons he needs to prevail in a fascinating Longines...

Damian Lane to join Hong Kong's jockey ranks as Chad Schofield cops one-month suspension
The Jockey Club has moved to head off a jockey shortage and enlisted Melbourne's Damian Lane for a two-week stint - even as the situation worsened when Chad Schofield...

Happy Valley's racetrack might not be 'cursed', but it's got a crazy history
It has been a crazy month at Happy Valley racecourse, with torrential rainfall, a spate of accidents and the world's most costly garden rake causing HK$126 million worth of bets...

Hong Kong's top miler Beauty Only can show his best, says jockey Zac Purton
Beauty Only carries a reputation as the top miler in town despite having won one race in a year but his jockey Zac Purton is just hoping for an even speed in the Jockey Club Mile...

Rising stars Pakistan Star and Mr Stunning to create their own headlines at Sha Tin
The three Group Twos provide plenty of wow factor on Sunday at Sha Tin but after the features a couple of Hong Kong's future stars, Pakistan Star and Mr Stunning, will keep fans...

Wayward Vinnie has the appetite to win again
The figures didn't read particularly well for Wayfoong Vinnie when he broke his local maiden status on Wednesday but he is worth following to repeat the dose next start.

Why Hong Kong racing fans are beginning to think Happy Valley track is cursed
Jockey Matthew Chadwick narrowly escaped serious injury in another spectacular Happy Valley fall last night as the city track's woes continued - and he even made it back...

Champion jockey Ryan Moore lands plum Maurice Hong Kong Cup ride
Champion jockey Ryan Moore has beaten out some hot competition for the ride on Maurice when the Japanese horse of the year contests his much-anticipated swansong...

Jockey Brett Prebble adds Eastern Express to already impressive feature race rides
Brett Prebble already had a couple of terrific chances in the upcoming big races but now the jockey merry-go-round has gifted him the gun ride on exciting staying prospect...

Foot problem forces John Moore's Rapper Dragon to miss Hong Kong International Races
John Moore will revert to Plan A and aim Rapper Dragon at the 2017 Hong Kong Derby after the international day hopeful succumbed to a niggling foot problem after...

Amid all the injuries, Jockey Club should roll the dice with an up-and-coming rider
With last Wednesday's fall throwing more unforeseen fuel on the fire as far as jockey numbers are concerned, Umberto Rispoli's bad luck might at least give the Jockey Club...

New Zealand jockey Opie Bosson hoping to end his Hong Kong stint with a winner
It has been a long two months for Opie Bosson but it seems the New Zealand jockey has been given some going away presents in the form of some rare genuine chances...

The right barrier can help Danny Shum's Green Dispatch land back-to-back victories
The right barrier draw can prove the winning difference for Green Dispatch in a highly competitive Japan Racing Association Trophy, 1,800m, at Happy Valley...

Christophe Soumillon can get the best out of Giant Treasure, says trainer Richard Gibson
Trainer Richard Gibson admits that Stewards' Cup winner Giant Treasure may not always have his head in the right place to show off his best but says owner Pan Sutong has...

The records say D B Pin didn't run, but don't forget his 'Rakegate' performance
Search D B Pin's name on the Jockey Club website and there is no record of him running this season, but run he did, and the talented John Size-trained sprinter....

Black book: Danny Shum's Seasons Bloom very unlucky in Hong Kong debut
The scoreboard shows that Seasons Bloom finished eighth behind Western Express on Saturday but there's a good argument to suggest he should have opened his Hong Kong...

Chris So's Racing Supernova proves he's no one-trick pony, sprinting away with the Panasonic Cup
Racing Supernova might just have made his life a whole lot easier on Saturday when he put behind him any questions about stamina with a brilliant win in the...

In a driving finish, what makes the difference? It can be technique, strength or just plain old luck
The locals call it "fried rice style" but Nash Rawiller prefers the term "kitchen sink technique" - whatever the case, it trumped Joao Moreira's famous finesse in a classic close finish.

Olivier Doleuze fights off 'the Moreira effect' to land a winner for good friend Michael Chang
Michael Chang Chun-wai teamed with Olivier Doleuze to deliver a dirt track win but the trainer was lamenting "the Moreira effect" that has left the lesser lights...

Jockey Club eyeing off another lightweight rider with Umberto Rispoli ruled out for three months
The Jockey Club is on the lookout for another suitable lightweight jockey to take up a club contract after surgery to Umberto Rispoli's damaged left knee on Saturday will likely...

High five for Joao Moreira, including a double for champion trainer John Size
On a day when three tight photo finishes made the difference between Joao Moreira riding five winners or an astonishing eight, the Brazilian helped champion trainer John Size...

Able Friend on target for Hong Kong International Races, says Joao Moreira
Joao Moreira was reunited with Able Friend in a key trial at Sha Tin on Friday and came away convinced the superstar can still be a contender in the Group One Hong Kong Mile...

From hunter to hunted - all eyes on Mr Bogart in the Panasonic Cup
The John Moore-trained Mr Bogart will be the hunted rather than the hunter in the Panasonic Cup but he has earned his place as favourite and looks the one they all have...

Owner Larry Yung has all points of the compass covered, but Joao Moreira says his horses are heading up
Larry Yung Chi-kin already has a potential star on his hands with Eastern Express but Joao Moreira believes the high profile owner could have two more directions covered...

Not content with challenging laws of physics in horror fall, jockey Umberto Rispoli now taking on medical science
Jockey Umberto Rispoli will undergo knee surgery and could miss up to eight weeks but the plucky Italian is already planning to beat his surgeon's recovery timeline...

New jockey Oisin Murphy counting on pluck of the Irish in breaking through in Hong Kong
The recent record of visiting Irish jockeys isn't great but Oisin Murphy might not be your average newcomer and hopes experience riding in similarly styled Australian races...

Umberto Rispoli joins long list of injured jockeys after scary Happy Valley tumble
The fallout from Wednesday night's horror fall at Happy Valley continues with Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli stood down from Saturday's meeting at Sha Tin with leg injuries...

Joao Moreira is the man to follow if you want a slice of the HK$17.6 million Triple Trio jackpot at Sha Tin
A key gear change and Joao Moreira back aboard can extract an extra length of effort from Electronic Phoenix and help deliver Triple Trio players a share of a big jackpot...

Black book: Paul O'Sullivan's Expedite ready for his annual victory
There are better horses running around under the Paul O'Sullivan stable banner but not many more honest than Expedite and the rising eight-year-old is calling out loud...

Apprentice jockey Jack Wong breaks ankle in dramatic fall at Happy Valley
A nasty fall rounding the home turn at Happy Valley on Wednesday night left top apprentice Jack Wong Ho-nam with a suspected fractured left ankle but Umberto Rispoli suffered...

Chaos theory: would Eastern Express have won the Ladies' Purse if Helene Paragon wasn't there?
It's hard to dislike chaos theory. You know, the old "butterfly effect" about unintended consequences that they make movies around? A butterfly flaps its wings...

Strathmore can make presence felt in Hong Kong Sprint, says Neil Callan
A minor setback meant Strathmore missed the early season sprint skirmishes but jockey Neil Callan believes the time off could benefit the strapping type in the Group Two...

It's 'Goldilocks material' for Paul O'Sullivan's Who Else But You at Happy Valley - everything is just right
Who Else But You should finally get all the right ingredients to get back into the winner's circle on Wednesday night in the Wayfoong Centenary Bowl, 1,200m, at Happy Valley.

Consider Dinozzo your special agent to help catch the expected HK$14 million Triple Trio dividend at Happy Valley
A HK$9 million-plus jackpot makes the Triple Trio worth a shot on Wednesday and a step up in trip has the John Size-trained import Dinozzo ready to breakthrough...

Black book: Dennis Yip's fast-finishing debutant Generous Heart is one to follow
The restricted three-year-old race on Sunday didn't look anything special before the fact, but it polished up nicely after the event with more than one black booker...

Helene Paragon flashes Hong Kong Mile pedigree, but Horse Of Fortune reigns supreme in Sa Sa Ladies' Purse
He might not have landed the Group Three Ladies' Purse at Sha Tin on Sunday, but the John Moore-trained Helene Paragon was the story of the race as the rising star...

Joao Moreira is the Class Five king - he gets the best out of Hong Kong's worst horses
Being called the"King of Class Five" can be a bit of a backhanded compliment, but for Joao Moreira the crown sits comfortably and his remarkable recent record continued...

Injured jockey Derek Leung to reclaim prized Baba Mama ride
Peter Ho Leung has promised that Derek Leung Ka-chun will be back aboard Baba Mama when he resumes but a return date for the ailing jockey is still undecided.

Tony Cruz says his stable is building, but isn't a championship contender this season
Tony Cruz has made a solid start to the season, one that is only going to get better as his new imports turn up, but the dual championship winning trainer doesn't see himself...

Joao Moreira says "great chances" the reason he's riding nine of John Size's runners at Sha Tin
Joao Moreira riding nine horses at a single meeting for John Size might look like "Dream Team 2.0" but the jockey says his big day out for the champion stable is simply...

Tough to stop Eastern Express in the Sa Sa Ladies' Purse at Sha Tin
The Group Three Sa Sa Ladies' Purse, 1,800m, at Sha Tin on Sunday looks the right springboard for Eastern Express to advance himself up the ladder and the John Size-trained...

German-born jockey Tylicki paralysed below waist after Kempton fall
German-born jockey Freddy Tylicki has been told by doctors that he was paralysed from the waist down after sustaining spinal injuries in a fall at Kempton Park in England,...

John Size to welcome handicapper's wrath if Eastern Express successful in Ladies' Purse
If Eastern Express can win Sunday's Group Three Sa Sa Ladies' Purse trainer John Size will be in the rare situation of welcoming a big jump in the ratings as he pushes...

Comment: The Alfonso is good for Hong Kong racing's diversity; the same rich guys winning over and over again isn't
Random entries from Macau weren't what Jockey Club officials had in mind when they opened the vast majority of Hong Kong's lucrative Group races to all-comers, but the arrival...

Karis Teetan booked to stay on local favourite Designs On Rome for Hong Kong's richest race
The jockey roundabout heading towards the HK$83 million Longines Hong Kong International Races is well under way and Karis Teetan is the beneficiary of one of the first...

Trust John Size and Joao Moreira to give you a slice of Sunday's HK$11.5 million Triple Trio jackpot
Punters should have faith in a John Size-trained trio with just two previous race starts between them when making Triple Trio selections for a jackpot-boosted pool...

Black book: Michael Chang's Equine Doctrine has found his niche at Sha Tin's dirt track
The stock of Holy Roman Emperor seem to be able to do pretty much anything here and one of his lesser lights might find his niche on the all-weather track if Wednesday night...

For Chris So and Team Fortune, good things come in threes at Sha Tin's all-dirt meeting
Chris So Wai-yin's treble took him to within a win of his former boss Caspar Fownes at the top of the trainers' championship as Team Fortune continued his remarkable...

On The Rails: Showcasing Hong Kong racing more important than rushing back for a dirt meeting
Only a head margin and perhaps an internal bleeding issue saved the Jockey Club from being caught in a ticklish situation after the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

Oisin Murphy to join Hong Kong's jockey roster, Sam Clipperton's stay extended, Opie Bosson gets early release
New Zealander Opie Bosson will pull the plug early on his battling club jockey stint but the news is better for Australian Sam Clipperton, whose ticket to ride has been...

Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli keen to chase more big race success in Hong Kong
Italian jockey Umberto Rispoli is back for a long mid-season stint and although well aware of the tough task ahead, the always feisty Italian vows he isn't here...

A switch in surface looks set to suit Tony Cruz's Circuit King
The Tony Cruz-trained Circuit King goes to the dirt for the first time on Wednesday night in the Hebe Hill Handicap, 1,200m, and his breeding says it might get him...

Chad Schofield is perfectly placed to fulfil his Melbourne Cup dream with Oceanographer
Top jockey Chad Schofield is poised to fulfil his Melbourne Cup dream aboard second favourite Oceanographer, but for a moment on Saturday he feared he could have been...

Black book: Trainer change means Giant Turtle can pick up the pace
We have seen so often that a stable change is a golden switch for horses and one-time Derby hopeful Giant Turtle looks to have benefitted sufficiently from his move this...

Switch to dirt could do the trick as Caspar Fownes tries to eke another win out of Victory Marvel
Victory Marvel has already won twice this season but crafty trainer Caspar Fownes may have a trick left up his sleeve when he tries his sprinter on the all-weather track...

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

No fun in this house - Jockey Club handicapper's heavy-handed treatment unfair
When trainers complain about the heavy-handed treatment of horses like Pakistan Star or Jing Jing Win, there is usually at least an escape clause for the handicapper.

Tony Millard's Horse Of Fortune has the form to win the Group Three January Cup at Happy Valley
Winning any upper grade trophy with the top weight is a good ask but Horse Of Fortune looks to have the form to do it in the Group Three January Cup (1,800m) at Happy Valley...

Chad Schofield's been a Bad Boy but aims to come 'back with a bang' on Sunday
Chad Schofield has been granted a golden opportunity to remind everybody he is still around when he returns from a long suspension on lightweight chance Bad Boy in...

A Wisky chaser can remedy a painful last start defeat for John Size's miler at Happy Valley
Wisky was a tragedy beaten last start and a return to the same course and distance will see the John Size-trained five-year-old win his way out of Class Four in the Kingston Handicap...

Mark down talented types Infinity Endeavour and Star Of Patch in your black book
John Size won't recall New Year's Day as one of his highlights of the season, coming away empty-handed after appearing likely to rack up multiple winners as the day began.

Blizzard storms to victory in Chinese Club Challenge Cup at Sha Tin, eyes bigger prizes
Underrated Blizzard has come to a fork in the road after a comfortable victory in the Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup over 1,400m on Sunday.

Richard Gibson the latest to suffer in transfer merry-go-round
Tony Cruz's typically to-the-point quote regarding stable transfers, after billionaire Pan Sutong pulled four horses from Richard Gibson's yard, describes perfectly the "what have you...

Zac Purton kick-starts the New Year with a quartet at Sha Tin
In some jurisdictions, where the seasons run from January 1, Zac Purton's four winners to open 2017 would have him roaring out of the blocks in the jockeys' title chase but the Australian...

John Moore begins 2017 with a bang, collecting a treble at Sha Tin
John Moore had a spring in his step after starting the New Year with a treble, despite watching one of his horses, Invincible Dragon, look incredibly unlucky when finishing second...

John Size chasing Contentment in 1,400m Chinese Club Challenge Cup at Sha Tin
The John Size-trained Contentment is a multiple placegetter in top mile races but there has always been a suspicion that he is at his best over 1,400m and he has some...

Big stable support gives Joao Moreira the edge in Sha Tin Jockey Challenge
The Jockey Challenge again looks a two-jockey race but big stable support means Joao Moreira might just have more horsepower than rival Zac Purton.

Stray rakes and ratings whines, it's time for Hong Kong racing's 2017 resolutions
Like many other people, Hong Kong racing's jockeys and trainers have New Year's resolutions, so what are they?

John Size debutants ready to strike as the master takes championship lead
John Size hit the front in the trainers' championship with a treble on Tuesday but a strong team including talented first starters Bond Elegance and Infinity Endeavour could see...

John Moore's Beauty Generation highlights his Hong Kong Derby credentials
Derby is the word on everyone's lips now and we saw quite a few on Tuesday at Sha Tin who will be looking in that direction with varying degrees of expectation...

With Joao Moreira in the saddle, Pakistan Star makes light work of Griffin Trophy
Trainer Tony Cruz has offered champion jockey Joao Moreira the chance to stay with Pakistan Star in the Group One Classic Mile on January 22 after the pair put away a moderate...

Classic questions for trainer John Size as a Sha Tin treble takes him to the lead in the championship
The turn of the year will see reigning champion trainer John Size on top of the title race for the first time this season after a treble at Sha Tin on Tuesday that could have been...

Rapper Dragon or Pakistan Star? Hong Kong Derby decision looms large for Joao Moreira
With the rich four-year-old series looming large, Joao Moreira has some big decisions to make - Rapper Dragon or Pakistan Star for the Hong Kong Classic Mile. Who would you choose?

Silvestre de Sousa justifies confidence with a HK$40,000 Sha Tin treble
There were two surprises for Silvestre de Sousa after a treble at Sha Tin on Tuesday; one, that he didn't ride even more winners, and two, that one of them was 21-1 shot Amazing Always.

Pakistan Star looks a moral in the Griffin Trophy at Sha Tin
The Griffin Trophy (1,400m) is the feature at Sha Tin on Tuesday, for all intents and purposes, but something would need to be horribly wrong for Pakistan Star not to win...

Sha Tin's Jockey Challenge a showdown between Joao Moreira and Zac Purton
The Jockey Challenge appears to be a race in two on paper but Joao Moreira looks the most likely winner, with 12 points seemingly already banked courtesy of Pakistan Star.

Gold Ship, Orfevre, the 'Spinner' and His Madness - the lovable racetrack rogues of Japanese racing
While there seems to be a correlation between leading vote-getter in Japan's biggest "all-star" race, the Arima Kinen, and Horse of the Year honours, in recent years those horses...

Beauty Generation can impress, but My Darling should warm punters' hearts at Sha Tin
John Moore's high-profile purchase Beauty Generation makes his local debut on Tuesday at Sha Tin but superior fitness makes fellow four-year-old My Darling the one to beat...

Black bookers: Almond Lee's Agiaal and Danny Shum's Glory Star are two to follow
Backing winners isn't only about horses going somewhere and it's with that in mind that we submit two lower grade black bookers from Happy Valley on Thursday.

Giving Joao Moreira the Pakistan Star ride to 'change luck' could be just a one-off, says Tony Cruz
The booking of Joao Moreira to "change the luck" for Pakistan Star in next Tuesday's Griffin Trophy at Sha Tin could be a one-off engagement, according to the boom...

With good draw and Joao Moreira aboard it won't be a shock this time for Super Form
Super Form shocked punters early in the season but hasn't drawn a barrier since and a kinder draw can help the Tony Millard-trained gelding in the Class Four...

Agree that John Moore's UK import and Dennis Yip's Bring It On are ones to follow
It's that time of year when four-year-olds, and those about to turn four in a couple of weeks, start to show what they're made of and there were a couple worth following...

Sam Clipperton needs to be good to ride John Moore's Bad Boy in the Group Three Bauhinia Sprint
The handicapper is going to play a big role in Sam Clipperton's Christmas and New Year celebrations after Bad Boy trotted up with the Lukfook Jewellery Cup on Saturday to make...

Cold weather and holidays a heavy combo for jockeys
"Making the weight" is a game within the game for jockeys, and as the winter weather sets in, shedding that one extra pound becomes increasingly difficult - something even the...

Douglas Whyte celebrates the new year with a Sha Tin double
There had to be a silver lining to a month's suspension and 13-time champion jockey Douglas Whyte said that it will be when he sees in the new year with his loved ones.

John Size continues his good December form with a Sha Tin double
Champion trainer John Size's traditional December move up the standings continued with a Sha Tin double that put him into joint second on the table and closing fast...

Neil Callan keeps things simple for Tony Cruz's Regency Bo Bo
Everything went wrong for Regency Bo Bo last start but Neil Callan helped keep things simple for the talented youngster on Saturday by spearing the three-year-old into a prominent position.

Hong Kong's new lightweight jockeys Alexis Badel and Nooresh Juglall are a hit with trainers
Mid-season arrivals can be tough for jockeys but it might be a case of right place, right time for natural lightweights Alexis Badel and Nooresh Juglall as heavier riders struggle...

Ryan Moore, Joao Moreira, Hugh Bowman, but what about Zac Purton? The trouble with naming a 'world's best jockey'
When racing people proclaim such-and-such to be the "world's best jockey", or give out an award or ranking (like there is some definable, quantifiable measure of that) there only...

Progressive John Size stock can propel Joao Moreira to a big day at Sha Tin
While taking nothing away from the sheer horsemanship and dedication of John Size, jockey Joao Moreira says there is another simple foundation to the master trainer's stunning...

John Moore's Bad Boy can turn good down the Sha Tin straight
The John Moore-trained Bad Boy looked a potential Group class horse when he struck form towards the back end of last season and the four-year-old gets the right race to break back...

Baba Mama is on a path to the big time but Unicron Jewellery is ready to transform
Trainer Peter Ho Leung may have Group One BMW Hong Kong Derby aspirations for Baba Mama but a big weight pull and better barrier swing things in favour of fellow four-year-old...

There's no mystery, put down the Wisky and mark these diamonds in your black book
Even Helen Keller would have spotted the unlucky run by Wisky at Happy Valley on Wednesday night but the black book also received an entry for Diamond Mysterious.

Just like old times: Douglas Whyte and John Moore snare a double to celebrate at Happy Valley
They might only have been a couple of lower grade races on a low-key Wednesday night, but Douglas Whyte's double for John Moore at Happy Valley turned the clock back...

The less obvious takeaways from HKIR - the issues of Japanese jockeys and owners' instructions
There are many takeaways from Sunday's Longines Hong Kong International Races. Among the more obvious were the qualities of Maurice, the usual strength of Hong Kong sprinters...

Amber Sky sparkles in Sha Tin trial ahead of Bauhinia Sprint
Amber Sky hasn't won since 2014 but the speedster is showing signs of his former dash this season and another impressive trial has the seven-year-old primed for next month's...

Shergar jockey Walter Swinburn dies aged 55 - 20 years after life-threatening race fall at Sha Tin
Former outstanding jockey Walter Swinburn, who was almost killed in a spectacular race fall at Sha Tin in 1996, has passed away at the age of 55 in London.

Hong Kong Open likely to switch dates to avoid another clash with Hong Kong International Races
Organisers of the UBS Hong Kong Open are "doing all we can" to find a new date for next year to avoid another clash with the Longines Hong Kong International Races.

A tweak in tactics can see John Moore's promising sprinter Sea Jade win again at Happy Valley
It might require some tactical tweaking but the John Moore-trained Sea Jade looks to have the Hong Kong Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation Centenary Gold Cup...

Adding breeding value and attracting more Australian horses on Jockey Club's HKIR wish list
Spreading the recruitment net wider and seeing the growth of the Longines Hong Kong International Races as a value adder for stud careers are two of the aims left for...

Champion jockey Douglas Whyte will not appeal against one-month suspension
Champion jockey Douglas Whyte will not appeal a one-month suspension handed down by Perth stewards on Friday over his defeat on Scales Of Justice in the Kingston Town Stakes.

Happy Valley and Vincent Ho can work again for John Size's Wisky
A switch to Happy Valley from Sha Tin worked wonders for two John Size runners last Wednesday and Wisky should be the next to benefit from a change of scenery...

John Moore unveils a strong batch of new imports in Eagle Way, Booming Delight and Let Us Win
The John Moore-trained Eagle Way got all the attention, but he wasn't the only Private Purchase from the stable to show on Sunday that there are good things to come.

Maurice further elevates his status with one of the great HKIR performances
It took the blink of an eye for racegoers to fear that Japanese champion Maurice had missed his chance to win the HK$25 million Longines Hong Kong Cup and not much longer...

Heroic in defeat, Highland Reel will get to do it all again next season
At the end of the day, it's a horse race. Some nominated Maurice as the day's sure thing in the Longines internationals, for many others it was Highland Reel.

Joao Moreira bags full HKIR set in record time with Satono Crown upset
It's just a measure of the way that Joao Moreira does things that collecting wins in all four international races had taken him only seven rides when Satono Crown overhauled...

Japan beckons for Beauty Only after showing class in Hong Kong Mile
Tony Cruz was denied the chance to take Beauty Only abroad last term but a dominant win in the Group One Longines Hong Kong Mile has put an end-of-season overseas...

John Moore has found his 'new' Werther in impressive Hong Kong debutant Eagle Way
John Moore came away from the major races empty handed but was thrilled to have yet another Hong Kong Derby contender on his hands after Eagle Way "did a Werther" and...

We can't compete for World's Best Jockey award, says Purton
Ryan Moore used two wins at last year's Hong Kong International Races as a launch pad to winning the 2016 World's Best Jockey but Zac Purton believes it is virtually...

Trainer Paul O'Sullivan eyes return to Japan for triumphant Aerovelocity
There was a time not too long ago where connections feared Aerovelocity's career was over but the dogged veteran could now return for a shot at a second Group One in Japan.

Trainer Noriyuki Hori remains coy about Maurice's future after Hong Kong Cup victory
Maybe trainer Noriyuki Hori was being coy in the afterglow of what must be his greatest triumph, winning twice on foreign soil at international level, or maybe he was hoping...

'We are the greatest show on turf,' says HKJC chief after setting new standard
More people, more betting, some remarkable on-track achievements and an atmosphere that embraced them as the Longines Hong Kong International Races wound up at Sha Tin...

Bravest of the brave: Aerovelocity again rises to the occasion in Hong Kong Sprint
Paul O'Sullivan called Aerovelocity the bravest horse he has saddled up but the superb training effort to have the tenacious but troubled veteran peak for a second Group One...

HKIR live blog: Maurice bows out with stunning Cup victory

Jockey Club chief executive believes quality of Hong Kong International Races is 'best ever'
The Jockey Club has long promoted the HK$83 million Longines Hong Kong International Races as a unique meeting place for the world and chief executive...

Maurice to finish his career on a high by taking out the Longines Hong Kong Cup
The world's best horse of 2003 Falbrav bowed out of racing with a stunning international win at Sha Tin and 13 years later, the HK$25 million Longines Hong Kong Cup...

Japanese raider Logotype to upstage Able Friend in Longines Hong Kong Mile
Tipping against Able Friend around these parts is borderline heresy, but here goes nothing - Japanese raider Logotype can again play giant-killer and upset the local hero...

Lucky Bubbles leads local hopes in Longines Hong Kong Sprint
The best hope for local success in any of Sunday's Group Ones rests with Lucky Bubbles in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint.

The Longines Hong Kong Vase is at Highland Reel's mercy
In modern racing's globalisation era there are great horses and tremendous travellers - but Highland Reel is both and has a second straight Hong Kong Vase at his mercy.

Douglas Whyte banned for a month over Scales Of Justice ride in Perth
Douglas Whyte's love affair with Perth racing soured on Friday, with the South African jockey suspended for a month over his failure to ride Scales Of Justice to the line...

Maurice and Highland Reel are the headline acts at HKIR, but stables provide little insight
Maurice and Highland Reel seem like the perfect travellers, for whom fly-in, fly-out Group One missions have became the norm - now, if we could just train the two...

Trainer Yasutoshi Ikee counting on Lovely Day for Japan on Sunday
When trainer Yasutoshi Ikee was in Hong Kong last season, he forecast that horses from his country would arrive in growing numbers for the major events and...

Good gates, poor timing for John Size's runner at Longines Hong Kong International Races
Champion local trainer John Size doesn't have the best of memories from past Longines Hong Kong International Race meetings, although he produced one of the great training...

Aidan O'Brien's Highland Reel primed to defend Longines Hong Kong Vase crown
Aidan O'Brien has prepared the winners of an amazing 22 Group One races worldwide in 2016, bringing his career tally to 293, and the Irish training wizard continues...

Putting on a show for the world as more punters want a piece of Hong Kong
Wednesday night's Happy Valley races weren't just enjoyed by a record 29,601 fans on course; in the commingling era it seems a customer can be watching, and betting, anywhere.

Crossing the China divide: guarded HK$100m horse convoys to get royal treatment
Guarded convoys carrying HK$100 million of racehorses will be tracked every step of the way when the VIAs (very important animals) are whisked through the Shenzhen Bay...

Trainer Kenichi Fujioka believes Japanese sprint star Big Arthur would have 'a shot' at beating legendary Lord Kanaloa
Lord Kanaloa is the benchmark for Japanese sprinters in Hong Kong after two dominant performances, but Big Arthur's trainer Kenichi Fujioka believes his five-year-old...

Hong Kong Jockey Club bets on latest 'crazy' vision to be a winner in Conghua
Called "crazy" for its vision to internationalise Hong Kong racing, the Hong Kong Jockey Club has taken "craziness" to a whole new level with its HK$3 billion investment...

Despite Able Friend's setback, John Moore confident of strong HKIR showing
Hong Kong's Group One dominator John Moore has gone into plenty of Longines Hong Kong International Race days with higher expectations and been let down but he is quietly...

Mixed fortunes at HKIR barrier draw: Lucky Bubbles firms into favouritism, but Able Friend cops outside gate
An eventful Longines Hong Kong International Races barrier draw has settled the matter of Sunday's Sprint favouritism, caused trainer John Moore to switch...

HKIR fields remain intact, despite concerns over Pure Sensation and One Foot In Heaven
The expected fields remained intact for the HK$83 million Longines Hong Kong International Races at declaration time but the participation of visitors...

Big Orange's trainer Michael Bell looks to expose weaknesses in Hong Kong Vase favourite Highland Reel
With Highland Reel a dominant favourite to defend his title in Sunday's Longines Hong Kong Vase, 2,400m, rivals are looking at freshness and tactics as their primary...

Tsuyoshi Tanaka's Logotype knows how to cause an upset and he's out to do it again in the Longines Hong Kong Mile
Logotype beat Maurice last time they met at a mile, Maurice beat Able Friend when they clashed over the trip last year, so therefore Logotype should handle...

Defending Hong Kong Cup champ A Shin Hikari shines in sterling trackwork display at Sha Tin
Reigning Japan Horse of the Year Maurice may seek to dethrone him but Hong Kong Cup titleholder A Shin Hikari gave notice on Thursday that he won't...

Tony Cruz's Pakistan Star set to close the Hong Kong International Races in style
The stage is set for Pakistan Star to steal the show on Sunday after Hong Kong racing's cult hero drew the widest gate in the final race on a programme famous...

Poor ride means mark down Packing Dragon in your black book
As always, Longines International Jockeys' Championship night provided plenty of surprises, tactical changes and the usual examples of some of the world's...

Able Friend needs plenty of luck after drawing the outside barrier in the Longines Hong Kong Mile
Champion Able Friend will have to defy the outside barrier if he's going to reclaim the Longines Hong Kong Mile trophy at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Hugh Bowman edges Ryan Moore to claim Longines International Jockeys' Championship
Australia's Hugh Bowman crowned a spectacular 2016 with the Longines International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley on Wednesday night as little more than...

John Size's title defence moves up a gear with treble at Happy Valley
A night that celebrates some of the best jockeys in the world might be looked back on as the meeting where trainer John Size truly kicked his championship defence into gear.

Barrier draw the key to Lucky Bubble's chances in the Hong Kong Sprint, according to Brett Prebble
No jockey has won any of the four Longines Hong Kong International features more than three times and none has won the Hong Kong Sprint more often than Brett Prebble...

It's been seven years since a Chinese trainer won a HKIR feature and Dennis Yip's got a Secret Weapon to change that
Trainer Dennis Yip Chor-hong already cemented his "local legend" status with a 2012-13 championship win for the ages but if Secret Weapon can repel the Japanese...

Gary Portelli is combining his two racing passions on this HKIR trip - horses and pigeons
This may be the week of the turf world championships at Sha Tin and Rebel Dane's tilt at a third Group One win in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint but, for his Australian...

Japanese Hong Kong Vase contender Nuovo Record the standout at trackwork - twice
Japan grabbed two more chapters of HKIR history last year, to add to its already-impressive resume at Hong Kong's end-of-season showpiece, and the curiously named Nuovo...

Frenchman Florent Geroux out to deliver America's first Longines International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley
The record of US-based riders in the Longines International Jockeys' Championship doesn't read well, but Florent Geroux isn't daunted by the task he faces...

Vets keeping an eye on blood abnormality in Alain de Royer Dupre's Hong Kong Vase contender One Foot In Heaven
The Alain de Royer Dupre-trained One Foot In Heaven has not been out for trackwork since his arrival on the weekend but the Jockey Club's chief clinical vet Dr Chris Riggs...

Je Pense is likely to be 200-1 in the fourth leg of the International Jockeys' Challenge - why is he there?
As we head off to Happy Valley on Wednesday night for the Longines International Jockeys' Championship and the Jockey Challenge that applies only to the series races,...

Take on Maurice or Highland Reel? Nuovo Record's connections choose the lesser of two evils
It was a case of "pick your poison" for connections of Nuovo Record when they chose to take on Highland Reel rather than the might of Maurice but they remain comfortable with...

Moore dynasty continues as Gary looks to Takedown his rivals in Hong Kong Sprint
The Moores are the Kennedys of Hong Kong racing, without the gun shyness, and Takedown's trainer Gary Moore admits that at least part of him will compete for the home...

Hong Kong Sprint hope Pure Sensation not all right with Sha Tin
Grey sprinter Pure Sensation ambled toward the turn out of the back straight at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning and confirmed his nationality as in a matter of strides.

Florent Geroux has the rides and barriers to take out the Longines International Jockeys' Challenge at Happy Valley
American-based rider Florent Geroux gets his first look at Happy Valley on Wednesday night but has the rides to overcome that disadvantage and take out a wide open...

Joao Moreira's chances of a second International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley look faint after tough draw
Even the seemingly boundless optimism of champion jockey Joao Moreira was dented after the draw for the Longines International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley...

The most intriguing characters attending this week's Hong Kong International Races
Thank God for Gary Moore and his giant sprinter Takedown, who touched down on Thursday. The 2016 Longines Hong Kong International Races were desperately in need of some colour.

Mark down Tony Cruz's UK import California Whip in your black book
Danny Shum Chap-shing's very decent Private Purchase Seasons Bloom took the spoils on Sunday at Sha Tin but don't be surprised if the horse who chased...

Caspar Fownes' Winnie's Honey can ensure Joao Moreira tastes success at Happy Valley
Joao Moreira may have come up with weak group of rides in the International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley but he should finish the night on a high with Winnie's...

John Moore heads into the Hong Kong International Races with his tail up after a double at Sha Tin
With the big-money races rolling around, John Moore says his Group One guns are ready to fire and added that rising star Rapper Dragon will also take his place on the...

It's only a warm-up to the Hong Kong International Races, but there's still something on offer at Sunday's Sha Tin meeting
You won't know it's the same planet next weekend when Sha Tin hosts some of the world's best horses for the Longines Hong Kong International Races but Sunday's meeting was...

Jockey Derek Leung lands a win with Master Gold in his first meeting back from a scary injury
Despite vowing to be unaffected by a horror fall that smashed his helmet and left him in hospital with concussion, in the dark corners of Derek Leung Ka-chun's mind...

The John Size-trained D B Pin justifies Karis Teetan's big opinion with dominant win at Sha Tin
There was a point before the race even started on Sunday when Karis Teetan suspected he would win on D B Pin, and a point well before the finish when he had moved to certainty on it.

Chad Schofield's gamble pays off as Tony Millard-trained World Record wins at Sha Tin
Purely from a self-interest point of view, Chad Schofield was right behind trainer Tony Millard's plan to rest World Record after another win, with the jockey starting...

Champion Hong Kong jockey Douglas Whyte faces serious charge for ride in Perth
Champion jockey Douglas Whyte faces the serious charge of failing to ride out his mount to the finish after a narrow defeat on Scales Of Justice in the Group One...

John Size's D B Pin can prove a class above his rivals at Sha Tin
The John Size-trained D B Pin takes the rise in class in Sunday's Peninsula Golden Jubilee Challenge Cup, 1,000m, but gets a race setup that should see him graduate in style.

David Hall still deciding which race HK$8.5m purchase Jing Jing Win will target on international day
The international day undercard has a history of showcasing future stars and while Jing Jing Win gets his chance to shine next Sunday, David Hall is yet to decide in which race...

Jockey Derek Leung concedes he's 'lucky to be alive' as he reflects on horror Sha Tin fall
Jockey Derek Leung Ka-chun sits in the darkened stewards' room at Happy Valley putting fragments of memories back together.

Chris So's Team Fortune on track for another dirt win at Sha Tin
Team Fortune's resurgence has been one of the biggest surprises of the season and the dirt specialist can continue trainer Chris So Wai-yin's tremendous start to the term...

For Jumbo Happiness, follow Casper Fownes' three-year-old
International sale griffins have featured prominently in our black bookers recently and Wednesday again threw out a coming winner from the Jockey Club's sale.

John Size's Dinozzo shapes as a possible Hong Kong Derby horse after his Happy Valley victory
The only "D word" that was bandied around by trainer John Size after the Australian Turf Club Trophy at Happy Valley last night was the winner's name but Dinozzo certainly...

Craig Williams, Alexis Badel and Nooresh Juglall join Jockey Club ranks
The Jockey Club has moved to plug its lightweight ranks with an unprecedented insertion of three lightweight jockeys into the system for the balance of December.