https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/507122/feed David Hayes is the son of legendary Australian trainer Colin Hayes and is a Hall of Fame member in his own right. He took out his own licence in 1990 and quickly established himself as one of the best handlers in the country, winning a host of Group Ones - including the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate. He moved to Hong Kong in 1996 and had plenty of success in a decade-long stint, winning two titles and the Hong Kong Derby with Elegant Fashion. After returning to Australia for 15... en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Owen Goulding Owen Goulding David Hayes was happy to give Ka Ying Rising a “pass mark” after his “ambling” barrier trial at Randwick on Tuesday morning ahead of his defence of his Group One The Everest (1,200m) crown on October 17. The world’s highest-rated galloper drew a legion of supporters to the Sydney track for the 1,000m hit out and he was given an easy time of things to finish second behind Ninja in a time of 59.46 seconds. Zac Purton always had a double fistful on the David Hayes-trained star sprinter and never... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3369854/ka-ying-rising-trials-better-last-year-key-hit-out-ahead-everest-defence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3369854/ka-ying-rising-trials-better-last-year-key-hit-out-ahead-everest-defence?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:32:14 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hayes would be more than happy to see a rain-affected Randwick track for superstar Ka Ying Rising’s important trial to “dispel that rumour that he doesn’t go on the wet”. The world’s highest-rated galloper headlines a seven-horse field for Tuesday’s 1,000m trial, which will serve as a key hit-out in preparation for the champion’s defence of his Group One The Everest (1,200m) crown on October 17. Heavy rain lashed Sydney on Saturday and while conditions are expected to clear in the lead-up... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3369711/david-hayes-happy-test-ka-ying-rising-rain-affected-randwick-everest-trial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3369711/david-hayes-happy-test-ka-ying-rising-rain-affected-randwick-everest-trial?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Oct 2026 11:49:36 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero Invincible Ibis exceeded trainer Mark Newnham’s expectations on his return to record a thrilling victory in the Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Handing Newnham and jockey Luke Ferraris back-to-back wins in the HK$4.2 million feature, Invincible Ibis ran on strongly from midfield and held off a late burst from Galaxy Patch to score by a neck. The son of Hellbent made a statement in his return from last season, which saw him claim Champion... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3368958/invincible-ibis-exceeds-mark-newnhams-expectations-thrilling-first-win-celebration-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3368958/invincible-ibis-exceeds-mark-newnhams-expectations-thrilling-first-win-celebration-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Sep 2026 11:59:04 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hayes couldn’t be happier with Ka Ying Rising after the champion sprinter arrived in Sydney on Monday to prepare to defend his crown in next month’s Group One The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick. The world’s highest-rated galloper and winner of 21 consecutive races flew out of Hong Kong on Sunday night and settled in quickly at Canterbury racecourse, where he will spend two weeks in quarantine. Hayes had his farrier, vet, groom, track rider and assistant trainer in Sydney to make sure... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3368232/champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising-arrives-australia-ahead-everest-defence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3368232/champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising-arrives-australia-ahead-everest-defence?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:00:08 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Jedi Spurs’ $1.10 defeat was the “biggest shock” of last season for David Hayes, but “even Ka Ying Rising got beat” when he was young says his trainer, and he is relishing the chance to show it was just a blip for his highly-regarded sprinter. The Cosmic Force galloper was a remarkable debut winner down the Sha Tin straight in June, where he made his Griffin rivals look decidedly ordinary in a four-and-a-half-length romp. His subsequent defeat at skinny odds was the last thing Hayes expected,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3367461/even-ka-ying-rising-got-beat-david-hayes-itching-prove-jedi-spurs-real-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3367461/even-ka-ying-rising-got-beat-david-hayes-itching-prove-jedi-spurs-real-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Sep 2026 10:00:14 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Caspar Fownes launched his bid for back-to-back trainers’ championships with a double at the first Happy Valley meeting of the season on Wednesday night courtesy of Jumbo Blessing and No Other Choice. Living up to his moniker as ‘the King of the Valley’, Fownes struck with $49.9 outsider No Other Choice in the second section of the Class Five Admiralty Handicap (1,200m) before Jumbo Blessing justified his handler’s confidence with a strong victory first up without a trial. Despite starting... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3366964/caspar-fownes-starts-bid-back-back-titles-happy-valley-double-vincent-ho-slots-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3366964/caspar-fownes-starts-bid-back-back-titles-happy-valley-double-vincent-ho-slots-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:17:28 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney It’s hard to imagine the world’s best racehorse rising to a new level after a Hong Kong record 20 consecutive wins, but Ka Ying Rising proved he has elevated his game again with a jaw-dropping victory on Sunday. In arguably one of the greatest performances on the Sha Tin turf, the superstar sprinter launched his latest campaign in a blaze of glory, shattering his own track record by almost a second in his Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup romp. With all eyes firmly on the clock, as has... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3366623/ka-ying-rising-elevates-new-level-one-greatest-performances-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3366623/ka-ying-rising-elevates-new-level-one-greatest-performances-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:00:07 +0000 Jay Rooney,Olivia O'Sullivan Jay Rooney,Olivia O'Sullivan Hugh Bowman’s start to the new season has been disrupted by a hip injury, with the Australian jockey ruled out of the next two meetings at Happy Valley and Sha Tin. After booting home Mark Newnham’s impressive four-year-old Joyful Joy at Sha Tin’s season opener on Sunday, Bowman was declared unfit to ride by the Jockey Club’s chief medical officer on Monday. “I’ve aggravated my right hip and surrounding muscles,” Bowman said. “I’m in significant pain. I’m hoping with some treatment it will heal... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3366621/keith-yeung-reunites-china-win-happy-valley-season-opener-wednesday-night?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3366621/keith-yeung-reunites-china-win-happy-valley-season-opener-wednesday-night?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Sep 2026 08:03:22 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Ka Ying Rising broke his own track record for the third consecutive time when surging to an unprecedented 21 straight wins in Sunday’s Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin. David Hayes’ speed machine led all the way to knock almost an entire second off his previous mark of 1:07.10, recording a scintillating time of 1:06.11. Nine-time Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton piloted the world’s best sprinter to win by seven and three-quarter lengths over Copartner Prance in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3366542/ka-ying-rising-breaks-own-track-record-third-consecutive-time-sha-tin-season-opener?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3366542/ka-ying-rising-breaks-own-track-record-third-consecutive-time-sha-tin-season-opener?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 06 Sep 2026 10:44:10 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan A “bigger, stronger” Ka Ying Rising is all set to kick off the season in Sunday’s Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) as David Hayes plots a familiar path for his superstar. Hayes’s nine-time Group One winner is currently taking on an identical preparation to last campaign, where he extended his winning-streak to an unprecedented 20 victories and won the AUD$20 million Group One Everest, and has made significant physical improvement since then according to Hayes. Following an injury... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3366457/bigger-stronger-ka-ying-rising-headlines-season-opening-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3366457/bigger-stronger-ka-ying-rising-headlines-season-opening-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Sep 2026 04:35:29 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Trainer David Hayes and jockey Zac Purton gave Ka Ying Rising the seal of approval after the champion sprinter warmed up for his seasonal reappearance with an effortless trial win at Sha Tin on Sunday. Seven days before returning in the Group Three HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) at the season opener, Ka Ying Rising cruised to victory by two lengths under a strong hold by Purton in the 1,000m trial. “It was nice. He jumped out well, he cruised along. He just did enough to tick him over for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3365762/ka-ying-rising-cruises-sha-tin-trial-victory-ahead-much-anticipated-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3365762/ka-ying-rising-cruises-sha-tin-trial-victory-ahead-much-anticipated-return?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:50:51 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior shared Horse of the Year honours in an unprecedented tie for Hong Kong racing’s most prestigious title at Friday night’s Champion Awards. Ka Ying Rising joined Golden Sixty, Beauty Generation, Ambitious Dragon and Fairy King Prawn as back-to-back winners of the Horse of the Year, while Romantic Warrior also claimed the title for the second time following his 2023-24 success. The six-member judging panel, chaired by Jockey Club chief executive Winfried... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3360185/ka-ying-rising-and-romantic-warrior-share-horse-year-crown-unprecedented-tie?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3360185/ka-ying-rising-and-romantic-warrior-share-horse-year-crown-unprecedented-tie?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:21:33 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hayes couldn’t be happier with a bigger and stronger Ka Ying Rising as the champion sprinter builds up his preparation for the Group One The Everest (1,200m) in Australia in October. Hayes travelled to Conghua on Wednesday to oversee his stable star’s first gallop since completing his second straight unbeaten season with victory in the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) at Sha Tin in April. “I went up to Conghua on Wednesday and worked him and he’s in great shape. He’s bigger than... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3359133/hayes-thrilled-stronger-ka-ying-rising-early-preparation-everest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3359133/hayes-thrilled-stronger-ka-ying-rising-early-preparation-everest?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:10:33 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Andrea Atzeni clinched a personal-best season haul in Hong Kong when he fired in a double at Sha Tin on Saturday, highlighted by Colourful King’s powerful victory in the Class One Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup (1,000m). Atzeni reached 60 wins for the campaign, surpassing his best tally of 58 from last term, and strengthened his bid for second place in the jockeys’ championship when he guided the John Size-trained Master Lucky and Colourful King to victory. With five meetings left this season,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3358616/andrea-atzeni-clinches-best-hong-kong-season-sha-tin-double-crowned-kings-class-one-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3358616/andrea-atzeni-clinches-best-hong-kong-season-sha-tin-double-crowned-kings-class-one-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:31:16 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Australian jockey Ethan Brown celebrated a red-letter day with his first Hong Kong treble on Saturday, while Harry Bentley’s season is likely over after suffering a fractured forearm in a nasty fall at Sha Tin. Six days after notching his first Sha Tin victory, Brown piloted home Country Dancer and Endued for champion trainer John Size and the David Hall-trained Prestige Hall. “It’s unreal, it hasn’t sunk in yet. I thought I came here with a good book of rides and often, when that’s the case,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3357021/ethan-brown-celebrates-first-sha-tin-treble-harry-bentley-suffers-forearm-fracture-fall?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3357021/ethan-brown-celebrates-first-sha-tin-treble-harry-bentley-suffers-forearm-fracture-fall?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:23:27 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding David Hayes is hoping the rub of the green will be there for his horses at Sha Tin on Saturday with a team that includes a pair of smart chances in Soleil Fighter and Pocketing in the feature Class Two Peacock Handicap (1,600m). The two-time champion Hong Kong trainer can always rely on Soleil Fighter for a big run, with the Sea The Moon galloper finishing inside the top four in nine of his 13 runs this season, including a win and four seconds. He was last seen producing a very rare... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3356866/david-hayes-hoping-luck-will-be-side-he-assembles-strong-sha-tin-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3356866/david-hayes-hoping-luck-will-be-side-he-assembles-strong-sha-tin-team?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:33:43 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Keith Yeung Ming-lun will be looking to extend Fallon’s winning record over the 1,800m at Happy Valley on Wednesday night when they line-up in the Class Three Victoria Harbour Handicap. The Tony Cruz-trained galloper’s last three wins have been at the course and distance, most recently with Yeung in the saddle. Wednesday will see the son of Galileo Gold jump from barrier five, following three runs at Sha Tin from outside draws where he didn’t have conditions to suit. “1,800m is the best distance... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3356481/keith-yeung-seeks-extend-fallons-1800m-winning-record-happy-valley-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3356481/keith-yeung-seeks-extend-fallons-1800m-winning-record-happy-valley-wednesday?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:00:11 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding With the season heading towards its climax, attention is now firmly on the epic conclusion of the trainers’ championship – and next season’s Classic Series. This year’s four-year-old series was dubbed as one of the most competitive for many a year and an early look at next season’s hopefuls suggests there is plenty to get excited about. We have taken an early look at some of the top horses for the Classic Mile, Classic Cup and Derby, with some of their trainers weighing in on their class,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355925/classic-series-early-look-trainers-weigh-their-young-hopefuls-ahead-next-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355925/classic-series-early-look-trainers-weigh-their-young-hopefuls-ahead-next-season?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:00:14 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Harry Bentley will seek back-to-back wins aboard Packing Angel when they contest the Class Two Tai Tam Gap Handicap (1,800m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday. The Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained galloper showed a fantastic return to form last time out when winning his first start at the city circuit thanks to a perfectly timed ride from Bentley, who was in the saddle for the first time. After sitting midfield, the son of Shocking had a dream run around the home bend and let down superbly in the straight... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355661/bentley-looking-repeat-one-time-derby-place-getter-packing-angel-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355661/bentley-looking-repeat-one-time-derby-place-getter-packing-angel-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:00:12 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney With the end of the season fast approaching, the trainers’ championship battle continued to heat up in May while champion jockey Zac Purton celebrated yet another major milestone in his glittering career. The SCMP analyses the jockeys and trainers who had a month to remember or one to forget, as well as the most outstanding victory and winning ride. Who’s hot? It was another successful month for Purton, who racked up 15 wins at a strong strike rate of 21.7 per cent, while also creating history... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355525/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-win-and-ride-may?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355525/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-win-and-ride-may?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:00:08 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Caspar Fownes drew two wins clear at the top of the trainers’ championship after slotting a valuable double with Papaya Brose and Family Jewel at Sha Tin on Sunday. Tied with Danny Shum Chap-shing at the top of the table but leading by virtue of seconds heading into Sunday’s meeting, Fownes moved clear when he teamed up with Brazilian superstar Joao Moreira to notch a timely brace. Papaya Brose scored his second win at start four, taking out the Class Four Federation of Associations of Native... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355471/caspar-fownes-draws-two-clear-championship-race-trio-debutants-strike-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355471/caspar-fownes-draws-two-clear-championship-race-trio-debutants-strike-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 31 May 2026 11:53:24 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding With the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising enjoying a well-deserved holiday, trainer David Hayes will be relying on his other speedsters Tomodachi Kokoroe and Romantic Son in Sunday’s feature sprint, the Group Three Sha Tin Vase (1,200m). It will be a change of pace for Tomodachi Kokoroe, who landed the Group Two Premier Bowl (1,200m) in a whirlwind start to his campaign, before finding things tougher in Group One company and off big weights in handicaps. Romantic Son has been doing his best... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355414/david-hayes-looks-continue-sprint-division-domination-sha-tin-vase-duo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355414/david-hayes-looks-continue-sprint-division-domination-sha-tin-vase-duo?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 May 2026 10:10:26 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney With no disrespect to Romantic Warrior and what he has achieved this season, the Horse of the Year is clearly Ka Ying Rising. The debate has raged since star jockey James McDonald made his case for Romantic Warrior in the wake of his Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) triumph, which sealed Triple Crown redemption and added another chapter to his legacy as an immortal of Hong Kong racing. McDonald and Ka Ying Rising’s jockey, Zac Purton, went head to head on Australian radio on Thursday,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355127/horse-year-debate-rages-ka-ying-rising-stands-out-over-romantic-warrior?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355127/horse-year-debate-rages-ka-ying-rising-stands-out-over-romantic-warrior?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 May 2026 14:00:07 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding The trainers’ championship battle took another decisive swing as Danny Shum Chap-shing collected a double at Sha Tin on Sunday to move two clear of Caspar Fownes at the top of the table. On a day where Romantic Warrior was, to many, a slam dunk in the Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m), Shum also watched Packing King maintain his unbeaten record for the stable in section two of the Class Four Standard Chartered Corporate & Investment Banking Handicap (1,200m). The Darci Brahma galloper... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3354689/danny-shum-doubles-eke-out-championship-lead-david-hayes-keeps-slim-hopes-alive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3354689/danny-shum-doubles-eke-out-championship-lead-david-hayes-keeps-slim-hopes-alive?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 May 2026 12:30:04 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hayes has labelled three-year-olds My Mars and Happy Promise the best of his seven-strong squad at Sha Tin on Sunday as he bids to keep in touch with the trainers’ championship leading pack. Six wins behind championship leader Danny Shum Chap-shing with 48 this term, Hayes is confident he can strike on Sunday with My Mars in the Class Three Standard Chartered Renminbi Business Handicap (1,200m) and Happy Promise in the second section of the Class Four Standard Chartered Sustainable Finance... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3354653/david-hayes-turns-pair-three-year-olds-bid-keep-touch-championship-leaders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3354653/david-hayes-turns-pair-three-year-olds-bid-keep-touch-championship-leaders?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 May 2026 02:09:56 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Sha Tin might hold all the Group One racing, but Happy Valley is set to provide this season’s incredible trainers’ championship fight with perhaps its most decisive swing when the numbers are crunched. Much of this season has seen Mark Newnham and Caspar Fownes trading blows at the top of the table, with David Hayes within stalking distance an ominous few winners behind. Danny Shum Chap-shing and Francis Lui Kin-wai have kept themselves in the conversation a further few winners back from him,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3353536/happy-valley-set-provide-trainers-championship-its-decisive-swing-shum-takes-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3353536/happy-valley-set-provide-trainers-championship-its-decisive-swing-shum-takes-over?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 May 2026 10:30:05 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding David Hayes is hoping to mount a siege of Mark Newnham’s trainers’ premiership lead when he sends a squad of four last-start winners at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Four winners behind Newnham in the table on 48, Hayes is squarely in contention for his first title since the 1998-99 season, when he went back to back after securing his maiden success in 1997-98. Only eight winners separate Newnham (52), Caspar Fownes (51), Danny Shum Chap-shing (51), Hayes, Francis Lui Kin-wai (46) and John... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3353146/david-hayes-takes-aim-happy-valley-four-last-start-winners-title-bid-ramps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3353146/david-hayes-takes-aim-happy-valley-four-last-start-winners-title-bid-ramps?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:28 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding There is a very simple fact that doesn’t seem as though European racing fans can accept – Ka Ying Rising does not need Royal Ascot, Royal Ascot needs him. Not just the world’s best sprinter any more, David Hayes’ all-conquering speedster is outright the world’s best horse according to Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for the first four months of the year. 4lb clear of Romantic Warrior, another Hong Kong superstar, it is fair to say we are in the golden age of Hong Kong horses and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3352779/royal-ascot-needs-ka-ying-rising-worlds-best-horse-certainly-does-not-need-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3352779/royal-ascot-needs-ka-ying-rising-worlds-best-horse-certainly-does-not-need-it?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 May 2026 11:01:56 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Two years ago, Francis Lui Kin-wai won four of the final five races at the season finale to spectacularly beat Pierre Ng Pang-chi in a trainers’ championship battle befitting of a Hollywood movie script. That conclusion to a roller coaster fight for championship honours was hailed as one of the most exciting in the history of Hong Kong racing. While that famous night seems hard to top, this season’s exciting title battle appears destined to do just that. Through 68 of the 88 meetings this term,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3352331/hong-kongs-most-exciting-trainers-championship-finale-looms-hayes-flags-experimenting-ka-ying?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3352331/hong-kongs-most-exciting-trainers-championship-finale-looms-hayes-flags-experimenting-ka-ying?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 May 2026 10:30:08 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Francis Lui Kin-wai kept in touch with the leading trainers’ championship contenders with a Sha Tin double on Sunday, courtesy of progressive gallopers Turquoise Velocity and Baby Sakura. The 2023-24 champion trainer moved to 45 wins, consolidating fifth position in what is shaping as an exciting race for the title. Through 68 of the 88 meetings this term, Mark Newnham leads the way on 51 wins from Caspar Fownes (50), Danny Shum Chap-shing (50) and David Hayes (48). “Hopefully more [wins] to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3352285/francis-lui-keeps-touch-trainers-championship-leaders-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3352285/francis-lui-keeps-touch-trainers-championship-leaders-sha-tin-double?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 May 2026 12:47:13 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The stars of Hong Kong once again shone bright on the big stage of a memorable FWD Champions Day, Joao Moreira made a successful return to the city and the trainers’ championship heated up again in April. The SCMP analyses the jockeys and trainers who had a month to remember or one to forget, as well as the most outstanding victory and winning ride. Who’s hot? It was a huge month for champion jockey Zac Purton, who racked up 17 wins at a strike rate of 23.6 per cent to surge past 100 wins for a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351994/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-win-and-ride-april?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351994/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-win-and-ride-april?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:00:17 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan A record-extending 20th consecutive victory for Ka Ying Rising on Sunday has left jockey Zac Purton with nothing but admiration for the world’s highest-rated sprinter. The David Hayes-trained superstar broke his own track record in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m), knocking 0.02 seconds off the previous mark to secure his ninth Group One win, taking his prize money to more than HK$150 million. “Well, he’s just a real-life unicorn, isn’t he?” Purton said. “It’s amazing to be a part of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351532/zac-purton-pursues-happy-valley-hat-trick-giant-ballon-following-historical-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351532/zac-purton-pursues-happy-valley-hat-trick-giant-ballon-following-historical-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:08:57 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Hong Kong completed a grand slam of the Group One races on FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin on Sunday, with Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior and My Wish all beating off overseas challenges in style. In the big race of the day, the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize, trainer David Hayes cut a relieved figure after Ka Ying Rising took down his own track record once again, despite his rider Zac Purton coasting home in the closing stages. It was a victory with all the swagger and arrogance of a superstar... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/hong-kong/article/3351484/ka-ying-rising-romantic-warrior-my-wish-complete-hong-kong-clean-sweep-champions-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/hong-kong/article/3351484/ka-ying-rising-romantic-warrior-my-wish-complete-hong-kong-clean-sweep-champions-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:33:16 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hayes hailed Ka Ying Rising “one of the best horses I’ve ever seen” and “one of the all-time greats” after the champion sprinter smashed his own track record again in a 20th consecutive victory in Sunday’s Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m). Extending his record win streak with consummate ease, Ka Ying Rising exploded clear to beat Japan’s top sprinter Satono Reve by four-and-a-quarter lengths in 1:07.10 – 0.02 seconds quicker than his track record set earlier this month. “In the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351483/david-hayes-hails-ka-ying-rising-one-best-horses-ive-ever-seen-after-chairmans-sprint-prize-romp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351483/david-hayes-hails-ka-ying-rising-one-best-horses-ive-ever-seen-after-chairmans-sprint-prize-romp?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:13:25 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Ka Ying Rising annihilated his rivals to secure a record-extending 20th victory in an exhilarating edition of the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin on Sunday. The world’s highest-rated sprinter knocked 0.02 seconds off his own previous mark to secure a record time of one minute 07.10 seconds. Zac Purton was once again on board the David Hayes-trained super-sprinter, winning his ninth Group One and taking his prize money to more than HK$150 million. After sitting off the pace set by... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351464/ka-ying-rising-annihilates-rivals-he-secures-20th-consecutive-win-champions-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351464/ka-ying-rising-annihilates-rivals-he-secures-20th-consecutive-win-champions-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Apr 2026 07:01:45 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior headline Sunday’s FWD Champions Day meeting at Sha Tin when the Hong Kong champions bid to extend their unbeaten records this season and repel a strong overseas contingent. First and second in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2026 so far, Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior will be short-priced favourites to win the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) and Group One QEII Cup (2,000m) respectively at the city’s second-biggest race day on... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351427/star-gallopers-ka-ying-rising-and-romantic-warrior-headline-exciting-champions-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351427/star-gallopers-ka-ying-rising-and-romantic-warrior-headline-exciting-champions-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2026 11:01:38 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Connections of Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior head into Sunday’s FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin with supreme confidence as the Hong Kong superstars bid for record-extending Group One victories. The two highest-rated horses in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2026 so far, Ka Ying Rising chases a 20th straight victory in the Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) while Romantic Warrior will bid to win the Group One QEII Cup (2,000m) for a fourth time. Ka Ying Rising can... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351133/confidence-remains-high-ka-ying-rising-and-romantic-warrior-camps-ahead-champions-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351133/confidence-remains-high-ka-ying-rising-and-romantic-warrior-camps-ahead-champions-day?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:17 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Prominent Australian jockey Ethan Brown made a dream start to his short-term stint in Hong Kong when he guided Shooting To Top to victory at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. In his first meeting in the city, the 11-time Group One winner struck with his third ride when he lifted the heavily-backed Shooting To Top to a narrow win in the Class Four Geranium Handicap (1,650m). “It was great, it’s obviously something we all strive to do – to get the opportunity is one thing, but to get a winner... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351052/ethan-brown-makes-dream-start-hong-kong-stint-happy-valley-win-shooting-top?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351052/ethan-brown-makes-dream-start-hong-kong-stint-happy-valley-win-shooting-top?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:30:26 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Hayes has no concerns about the prospect of a rain-affected track for Ka Ying Rising as the champion sprinter bids for a record-extending 20th straight win in Sunday’s Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) at Sha Tin. The Hong Kong Observatory has predicted showers and occasional thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday, with more showers forecast on Saturday. At this stage, the unstable weather is tipped to clear on Sunday. Ka Ying Rising, who currently sits atop the Longines World’s... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3350698/prospect-wet-track-no-concern-david-hayes-ka-ying-rising-bids-20th-straight-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3350698/prospect-wet-track-no-concern-david-hayes-ka-ying-rising-bids-20th-straight-win?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:21 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Danny Shum Chap-shing kept pace with the trainers’ championship leaders after securing a treble at Happy Valley on Wednesday night courtesy of Harmony Galaxy, Fantastic Fun and Always My Folks. Shum’s three-timer saw him move into third position in the championship with 45 winners, three behind joint leaders Mark Newnham and Caspar Fownes. “Hopefully I can keep going, it’s been a good period. I don’t have that many good Sha Tin horses so it will be hard [to win the title], but I will try my... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3350219/danny-shum-keeps-pace-championship-leaders-after-scoring-treble-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3350219/danny-shum-keeps-pace-championship-leaders-after-scoring-treble-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:38:03 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ka Ying Rising could race at Conghua in November as the Hong Kong Jockey Club considers a bold proposal to introduce the world’s best sprinter to fans across the border. HKJC boss Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m), the key lead-up race to December’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m), could be moved to Conghua for the mainland racecourse’s second meeting of the season. Regular racing at Conghua, a northern district of Guangzhou, will be launched later... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3349853/ka-ying-rising-race-conghua-jockey-club-could-showcase-champion-sprinter-mainland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3349853/ka-ying-rising-race-conghua-jockey-club-could-showcase-champion-sprinter-mainland?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:09 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham reestablished command at the top of the trainers’ championship at Sha Tin on Sunday with Crimson Flash’s feature win, but is adamant the title race will go down to the final races of the season. The Australian headed into the meeting level on wins with Caspar Fownes and ahead on seconds, but Crimson Flash’s last-gasp success in the Class Two Pilkem Handicap (1,200m) saw him take outright control on 48 winners. The win was potentially foreshadowing the end of the title fight, with... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3349809/newnham-takes-back-outright-lead-see-sawing-title-race-itll-come-down-last-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3349809/newnham-takes-back-outright-lead-see-sawing-title-race-itll-come-down-last-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:11:10 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising surged to a record-extending 19th consecutive victory in Sunday’s Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m), obliterating his own Sha Tin track record in another barnstorming display. Zac Purton was aboard the world’s best sprinter once again as they knocked 0.08 seconds off the previous mark to record a time of 1:07.12. The David Hayes-trained superstar has remained undefeated for 784 days, and Purton believes the champion is now at the peak of his powers. “I think what... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3349174/ka-ying-rising-peak-his-powers-super-sprinter-obliterates-sha-tin-track-record-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3349174/ka-ying-rising-peak-his-powers-super-sprinter-obliterates-sha-tin-track-record-again?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:53:46 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Having broken Silent Witness’ Hong Kong record of 17 consecutive wins, David Hayes has a more simple target up next for his champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising. “We’d just like to go two-and-a-half years undefeated,” Hayes said ahead of Ka Ying Rising’s bid for a 19th straight victory in Monday’s Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin. “Two undefeated seasons in a row – it’s a very special horse, isn’t it? If he can win two Speed Series and The Everest in between, that would be wonderful.” Fresh... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3349075/another-undefeated-season-prime-aim-david-hayes-champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3349075/another-undefeated-season-prime-aim-david-hayes-champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 07:00:21 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Pocketing and China Win may have run out of time to make the Hong Kong Derby, but trainer David Hayes is adamant both of the smart prospects will close out the season in style, starting at Sha Tin on Sunday. A five-time winner in Australia, Pocketing’s pre-import highlights include a Group Two victory at Rosehill before an eighth-place finish in the Group One Australian Derby (2,400m). He starts off his Hong Kong career in the Class Two Shaw Alumni Handicap (1,600m) following on from an... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3347979/david-hayes-relishing-chance-unleash-one-time-derby-hopefuls-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3347979/david-hayes-relishing-chance-unleash-one-time-derby-hopefuls-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:01:28 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Ka Ying Rising returned in superb style with a turf trial win at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning as he gears up to try to make it a record-extending 19 consecutive wins in the Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m) on April 6. Eight-time Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton is savouring every moment on the world’s best sprinter as he continues to write new chapters in the history books. “Obviously it’s been a great journey, so I do enjoy every time I get to spend on his back, which is not enough really, but... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3347720/ka-ying-rising-returns-style-first-outing-record-18th-straight-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3347720/ka-ying-rising-returns-style-first-outing-record-18th-straight-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:22 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Frankie Lor Fu-chuen was left with a feeling of what could have been after Numbers and Stormy Grove ran monster races to finish second and third respectively in the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) on Sunday. Sent off the $5.3 second favourite, Numbers set a frenetic pace under Derek Leung Ka-chun, who was hamstrung from stall 13 over a distance with a very short run to the first turn. In what turned out to be the fastest Derby ever run, Numbers kept up a relentless gallop and was only grabbed by... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3347489/frankie-lor-upbeat-despite-derby-defeat-david-hayes-links-familiar-face?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3347489/frankie-lor-upbeat-despite-derby-defeat-david-hayes-links-familiar-face?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:18:29 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Hong Kong stars Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior have topped the latest edition of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, the first time the city has occupied both spots. The David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising headlines the rankings, remaining Hong Kong’s highest-rated racehorse in history on a mark of 128, while the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained Romantic Warrior was close behind with a rating of 124. Third place in the list, which was released on Thursday, went to Japanese... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3346486/ka-ying-rising-tops-longines-worlds-best-racehorse-rankings-final-derby-field-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3346486/ka-ying-rising-tops-longines-worlds-best-racehorse-rankings-final-derby-field-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Caspar Fownes extended his already significant lead in the trainers’ championship to five wins by replicating last weeks effort to score a treble at Happy Valley last night. The three-timer boosted Fownes’ tally to 42 for the season, with nearest rival David Hayes on 37, as he chases a fifth championship success. “I’m happy, all I can do is present my horse well and you need a lot of luck in this game. I know how to win a championship, that’s one thing I can tell you; I’ve got my game face on... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3346271/caspar-fownes-says-good-luck-championship-rivals-after-extending-lead-happy-valley-treble?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3346271/caspar-fownes-says-good-luck-championship-rivals-after-extending-lead-happy-valley-treble?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:37:23 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan David Hayes is chasing a last-minute Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) berth with China Win at Happy Valley on Wednesday night when he looks to triumph for the third consecutive time in the Class Three Lyttelton Handicap (1,800m). China Win was withdrawn on the eve of his last start due to an irregular heart rhythm, which threw Derby plans into doubt for the 67-rated galloper. The son of Super Seth has been working well since the scratching and has trialled eight days out from the upcoming run where he... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3345936/david-hayes-eyes-final-bid-hong-kong-derby-berth-china-win-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3345936/david-hayes-eyes-final-bid-hong-kong-derby-berth-china-win-happy-valley?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:48:23 +0000