https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/524643/feed The latest news and top stories on James McDonald, a New Zealand jockey. He is a member of the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame and was named World Jockey of the Year in 2021 and 2024. McDonald has secured over 2,300 career wins, including more than 100 Group 1 victories across multiple countries. His accomplishments include winning the Melbourne Cup, King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and multiple Hong Kong Cups. He holds several Sydney Champion Jockey titles and recently completed a successful... en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Jay Rooney Jay Rooney International stars Ryan Moore, James McDonald and Joao Moreira, plus nine-time Hong Kong champion Zac Purton, headline a stellar line-up for December’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley. The current top five in the Longines World’s Best Jockey standings – Moore, McDonald, William Buick, Mickael Barzalona and Purton – will contest the world’s most prestigious jockey challenge, while rising British star Saffie Osborne will make her IJC debut. Moreira, the winner... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3372380/ryan-moore-james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-headline-stellar-international-jockeys-championship-line https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3372380/ryan-moore-james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-headline-stellar-international-jockeys-championship-line Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:42:58 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Chris Waller concedes “it looks a tough ask” to beat Ka Ying Rising as Sydney’s leading trainer bids to dethrone the Hong Kong champion with a dual-pronged assault on Saturday’s Group One The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick. New Zealand-born Waller will saddle top sprinter Joliestar and Angel Capital in the A$20 million (HK$109.87 million) feature, but he rates Ka Ying Rising as clearly the horse to beat despite the prospect of an unsuitable wet track. A sensational winner of 21 consecutive races,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3370837/chris-waller-admits-it-looks-tough-ask-beat-champion-ka-ying-rising-everest https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3370837/chris-waller-admits-it-looks-tough-ask-beat-champion-ka-ying-rising-everest Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:35:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Stephen Higgins is the head of race-day operations, tracks and racing facilities at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, whose main role is to ensure the smooth running of races at Sha Tin and Happy Valley. Ahead of the final meeting of the season at Happy Valley on Wednesday, he spoke to Stephy Zhang about how he and his team guarantee a safe and optimal environment for thousands of racehorses, trainers and jockeys on race days. In 2020, following Hong Kong’s first black rainstorm in three years, Stephen... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3360528/inside-high-stakes-world-hong-kong-jockey-clubs-race-day-operations https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3360528/inside-high-stakes-world-hong-kong-jockey-clubs-race-day-operations Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:13 +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 https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3355127/horse-year-debate-rages-ka-ying-rising-stands-out-over-romantic-warrior Thu, 28 May 2026 14:00:07 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Romantic Warrior claimed redemption when winning a dramatic running of the Group One Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) to seal the Triple Crown title at Sha Tin on Sunday. After being narrowly defeated in the 2023 edition, Danny Shum Chap-shing’s champion galloper completed the treble of the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m), Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) and Champions & Chater when taking out the final leg by half a length over Numbers in a thrilling battle in the concluding... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3354688/romantic-warrior-claims-triple-crown-redemption-group-one-champions-chater-cup-sha-tin https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3354688/romantic-warrior-claims-triple-crown-redemption-group-one-champions-chater-cup-sha-tin Sun, 24 May 2026 11:33:13 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Romantic Warrior added another title to an already storied résumé and jockey James McDonald made history as the pair wrapped up Hong Kong racing’s version of the Triple Crown on Sunday. The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained gelding lived up to the second half of his name in a slightly controversial Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup triumph at Sha Tin Racecourse. Warrior fought hard for the victory, although there were briefly questions as to whether he did so entirely legally, and came... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/hong-kong/article/3354671/romantic-warrior-claims-triple-crown-thrilling-champions-chater-cup-victory https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/hong-kong/article/3354671/romantic-warrior-claims-triple-crown-thrilling-champions-chater-cup-victory Sun, 24 May 2026 08:19:25 +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 https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3354653/david-hayes-turns-pair-three-year-olds-bid-keep-touch-championship-leaders Sun, 24 May 2026 02:09:56 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan James McDonald is bullish Romantic Warrior can deliver him back-to-back Triple Crowns when the champion galloper aims to complete a perfect season in Sunday’s Group One Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup at Sha Tin. McDonald was the first rider to claim Hong Kong’s Triple Crown in 31 years when he won last year’s Group One Stewards’ Cup, Group One Gold Cup and Champions & Chater on Voyage Bubble. River Verdon is only other galloper to achieve the historic feat when winning all three legs... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3354477/james-mcdonald-eyes-back-back-triple-crowns-romantic-warrior-seeks-claim-first-title https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3354477/james-mcdonald-eyes-back-back-triple-crowns-romantic-warrior-seeks-claim-first-title Fri, 22 May 2026 07:00:06 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Romantic Warrior turned away some of the world’s best horses with disdain to claim a record-extending fourth win in the Group One QEII Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday as he continued to etch his name in Hong Kong racing folklore. The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained global star looked to have his biggest test yet in facing Japan’s rising force Masquerade Ball and France’s Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) winner Sosie, but there was barely a moment’s worry for his legion of supporters at Sha... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351490/danny-shum-lauds-super-champion-romantic-warrior-after-record-extending-fourth-qeii-cup https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351490/danny-shum-lauds-super-champion-romantic-warrior-after-record-extending-fourth-qeii-cup Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:42:24 +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 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 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:33:16 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Mark Newnham is looking to cap off an already “brilliant” season when My Wish and Invincible Ibis break from barriers 10 and five respectively in Sunday’s Group One Champions Mile at Sha Tin. One of three Group One races at Sha Tin, the Champions Mile has a wide-open feel to it, with not much separating a large portion of the 14-strong field. The draw did little to help solve the puzzle, with all the key contenders drawing well enough, including last year’s fourth My Wish, who arrives with a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351134/mark-newnham-happy-enough-my-wish-and-invincible-ibis-draw-10-and-five-champions-mile https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3351134/mark-newnham-happy-enough-my-wish-and-invincible-ibis-draw-10-and-five-champions-mile Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:30:07 +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 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 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:17 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Mark Newnham will be looking for a third straight Happy Valley victory with Ace War on Wednesday night before chasing Group One glory with My Wish and Invincible Ibis in Sunday’s Champions Mile at Sha Tin. My Wish has progressed well since his second place in the Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m) when beaten by a short head behind Lucky Sweynesse and is eyeing his first Group One victory in an open edition of the Champions Mile. “My Wish had a gallop on the course on Saturday morning, which... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3350686/mark-newnham-eyes-happy-valley-hat-trick-ace-war-ahead-dual-pronged-champions-mile-assault https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3350686/mark-newnham-eyes-happy-valley-hat-trick-ace-war-ahead-dual-pronged-champions-mile-assault Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:09:11 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Mark Newnham and Zac Purton were rapt with Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero Invincible Ibis and Little Paradise’s trials at Sha Tin on Thursday as they prepare to defy history in next week’s Group One Champions Mile. In his first major hit-out since a strong victory in last month’s Derby, Invincible Ibis ran on under little pressure from jockey Hugh Bowman to finish third in a 1,200m dirt trial, which was won by Little Paradise. Newnham was pleased with the performance and has high hopes the son of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3350278/invincible-ibis-and-little-paradise-please-mark-newnham-and-zac-purton-ahead-champions-mile-test https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3350278/invincible-ibis-and-little-paradise-please-mark-newnham-and-zac-purton-ahead-champions-mile-test Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:16 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Hugh Bowman has made the tough call to ride My Wish over Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hero Invincible Ibis in the Group One Champions Mile, with superstar jockey James McDonald replacing him on the latter in the HK$24 million feature. Despite guiding the Mark Newnham-trained Invincible Ibis to an emphatic victory in last month’s Derby, Bowman sided with stablemate My Wish after his fast-finishing second to Lucky Sweynesse in Monday’s Group Two Chairman’s Trophy (1,600m). “It was a tough call. I had... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3349481/hugh-bowman-opts-ride-my-wish-champions-mile-james-mcdonald-his-replacement-invincible-ibis https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3349481/hugh-bowman-opts-ride-my-wish-champions-mile-james-mcdonald-his-replacement-invincible-ibis Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:51:41 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald has been booked to ride Seraph Gabriel in Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) after the superstar jockey chose to hop off Beauty Bolt in favour of David Eustace’s British import. McDonald was aboard Beauty Bolt in the first two legs of the Classic Series, finishing third in the Classic Mile and seventh in the Classic Cup (1,800m), but he was taken by Seraph Gabriel’s close second to Lucky Sam Gor when he rode him on the Classic Mile undercard. The son of Saxon Warrior... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3346669/superstar-jockey-james-mcdonald-confirmed-ride-seraph-gabriel-hong-kong-derby https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3346669/superstar-jockey-james-mcdonald-confirmed-ride-seraph-gabriel-hong-kong-derby Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:18:37 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Romantic Warrior continued his march towards Triple Crown glory after leaving his rivals standing still in a jaw-dropping performance to win the Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. It was a 13th Group One success for the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained global superstar, who produced one of his most devastating displays yet under James McDonald to win by four lengths eased down. Sitting third behind long-time pacesetter Beauty Joy and second-running Ensued, Romantic Warrior was always... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3345035/romantic-warrior-moves-one-step-closer-triple-crown-after-devastating-gold-cup-win https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3345035/romantic-warrior-moves-one-step-closer-triple-crown-after-devastating-gold-cup-win Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:38:47 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has Voyage Bubble “full of beans” after a strong trial win over Romantic Warrior, but he doubts his stable star can turn the tables on his arch rival in Sunday’s Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin. The two prolific Group One winners clash once again, with Romantic Warrior bidding to keep his Triple Crown hopes alive after claiming the first leg – the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) last month. Voyage Bubble ran third in that race after slipping behind on jumping and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3344964/voyage-bubble-full-beans-ricky-yiu-doubts-he-can-topple-romantic-warrior-gold-cup https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3344964/voyage-bubble-full-beans-ricky-yiu-doubts-he-can-topple-romantic-warrior-gold-cup Sat, 28 Feb 2026 07:27:10 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Patience will be the key to the chances of Beauty Bolt in Sunday’s Classic Cup (1,800m) at Sha Tin, with his trainer Tony Cruz emphasising how crucial it is for jockey James McDonald to wait until the very last minute to pounce. The Night Of Thunder galloper won his only start in Ireland pre-import for Joseph O’Brien and is yet to finish outside the top four in eight Hong Kong starts, with seven of those runs seeing him finish on the podium. A mile winner four runs ago, he posted a career-best... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3344679/patience-key-beauty-bolt-tony-cruz-targets-third-classic-cup-triumph-sha-tin https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3344679/patience-key-beauty-bolt-tony-cruz-targets-third-classic-cup-triumph-sha-tin Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:04:02 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Karis Teetan raved about Romantic Warrior after enjoying his first sit on the global superstar since August 2023 when he ran second to Voyage Bubble in a tactical trial at Sha Tin on Friday morning. It was an intriguing duel between the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained 12-time Group One winner and Voyage Bubble, with the pair both getting a blow in ahead of their clash in next week’s Group One Gold Cup (2,000m). Voyage Bubble sat on the shoulder of the returning Cap Ferrat for much of the journey,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3344088/karis-teetan-gives-romantic-warrior-seal-approval-after-trial-clash-voyage-bubble https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3344088/karis-teetan-gives-romantic-warrior-seal-approval-after-trial-clash-voyage-bubble Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:17:12 +0000 Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding Jay Rooney,Owen Goulding It’s been a big couple of weeks for Francis Lui Kin-wai and the stable’s incredible form continued at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the veteran trainer bagging both Class Twos and unveiling a smart debutant. Lui, who celebrated his 1,000th Hong Kong win last week and 67th birthday on Thursday, backed up his Sha Tin treble seven days earlier to make it eight winners from the past four meetings. Winning Wing and Invincible Shield struck in the two strongest races on the Group One undercard, while Gold... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3341171/francis-lui-bags-two-class-twos-and-unveils-smart-debutant-extend-stables-superb-form https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3341171/francis-lui-bags-two-class-twos-and-unveils-smart-debutant-extend-stables-superb-form Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:00:04 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Danny Shum Chap-shing hailed his “small but strong team” as Romantic Warrior began his path towards the Triple Crown with a scintillating performance to win the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Dropping back to the mile for the first time since winning the 2024 Yasuda Kinen was no problem for the globetrotting sensation, who made a mockery of his rivals after a tactical masterclass by jockey James McDonald. Breaking from stall seven, Romantic Warrior was held out four wide... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3341167/romantic-warrior-begins-triple-crown-march-scintillating-stewards-cup-success https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3341167/romantic-warrior-begins-triple-crown-march-scintillating-stewards-cup-success Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:26:22 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The Classic Mile is less than two weeks away and it shapes as one of the most competitive editions in recent years, with at least half a dozen four-year-olds staking their claims as leading candidates. All eyes will be on the Jockey Club’s release of the priority to run list on Wednesday to see what rating is needed to gain a coveted berth in the field of 14. The Post has ranked the top 10 prospects for the Classic Mile on February 1. 1. Invincible Ibis While it is difficult to split many of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3340413/classic-mile-top-10-invincible-ibis-sagacious-life-lead-early-rankings https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3340413/classic-mile-top-10-invincible-ibis-sagacious-life-lead-early-rankings Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:02:03 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney A strong performance against Ka Ying Rising in Sunday’s Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) is all Dennis Yip Chor-hong needs to see from Fast Network to confirm a trip to Dubai for the Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m). Third behind Ka Ying Rising in last month’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m), Fast Network is on track for his first overseas mission after another clash with the world’s best sprinter at Sha Tin. The five-year-old warmed up for the Centenary Sprint Cup with a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3340385/james-mcdonald-booked-ride-fast-network-al-quoz-sprint-dubai https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3340385/james-mcdonald-booked-ride-fast-network-al-quoz-sprint-dubai Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:36:13 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald has been booked to ride Beauty Bolt in next month’s Classic Mile as the world’s best jockey prepares for another shot at history with champion galloper Romantic Warrior. Beauty Bolt’s owners, the Kwok family, swooped on McDonald after eight-time Hong Kong champion Zac Purton opted to ride Sagacious Life in the first leg of the four-year-old series. One of seven rides under consideration by Purton, the Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Bolt has finished in the first four in all seven local... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3339949/superstar-jockey-james-mcdonald-excited-pick-classic-mile-ride-beauty-bolt https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3339949/superstar-jockey-james-mcdonald-excited-pick-classic-mile-ride-beauty-bolt Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:06:54 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney There might only be four weeks until the Classic Mile but the race for the top seed, a coveted spot in the final field and even Zac Purton’s services remain open. The build-up to the much-anticipated first leg of the four-year-old series ramped up on Sunday, with Brazilian import Sagacious Life staking his claim again with a defiant Class Two success under top weight and Purton. Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s progressive galloper currently boasts the highest rating of the Classic Mile contenders on a mark... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3338772/classic-mile-picture-set-take-shape-crucial-sha-tin-meeting-sunday https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3338772/classic-mile-picture-set-take-shape-crucial-sha-tin-meeting-sunday Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:04:24 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Invincible Ibis confirmed his standing as the Classic Mile’s leading contender when the emerging four-year-old delivered Mark Newnham his 100th Hong Kong victory at Sha Tin on Saturday. Stepping up to the Classic Mile trip for the first time in the Class Three Poinsettia Handicap, Invincible Ibis sliced his way through the field under a sublime Zac Purton ride to complete a hat-trick with another dominant triumph. Newnham has compared the Hellbent gelding to his Classic Mile winner of last year,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3337190/invincible-ibis-stamps-classic-mile-claims-mark-newnham-celebrates-100th-hong-kong-win https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3337190/invincible-ibis-stamps-classic-mile-claims-mark-newnham-celebrates-100th-hong-kong-win Sat, 20 Dec 2025 12:17:20 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney David Eustace is excited to test Dazzling Fit against “the stand-out” Classic Series contender Invincible Ibis in what shapes as a crucial clash in Saturday’s Class Three Poinsettia Handicap (1,600m) at Sha Tin. Bound for the first leg of the four-year-old series, the Classic Mile on February 1, the Mark Newnham-trained Invincible Ibis chases a third straight victory while Dazzling Fit continued his upward spiral with an incredibly tough win last start. Trapped wide throughout without cover from... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3337007/david-eustace-excited-test-dazzling-fit-against-stand-out-classic-series-contender https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3337007/david-eustace-excited-test-dazzling-fit-against-stand-out-classic-series-contender Fri, 19 Dec 2025 04:58:06 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding John Size threw out the warning signal that his usual midseason surge was kicking into high gear when he grabbed his first two winners at Happy Valley for the campaign on Wednesday evening. It is a case of better late than never for the 13-time champion trainer, who got off the mark at the Valley this season at the 64th attempt when Amazing Kid shattered his maiden at his eighth start. It was a well-earned success in the third section of the Class Four Albatross Handicap (1,200m), with the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336827/john-size-snares-first-happy-valley-winners-season-me-tsui-secures-memorable-brace https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336827/john-size-snares-first-happy-valley-winners-season-me-tsui-secures-memorable-brace Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:37:07 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald was speechless and Danny Shum Chap-shing felt great relief as champion galloper Romantic Warrior created history again with a fourth straight Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) triumph. Romantic Warrior became the first galloper to win four features at the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) when he cruised to victory over Japan’s Bellagio Opera at Sha Tin on Sunday. “He’s so special. He’s just a freak,” McDonald said after guiding Romantic Warrior to an 11th Group One... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336396/romantic-warrior-creates-history-again-fourth-straight-hong-kong-cup-victory https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336396/romantic-warrior-creates-history-again-fourth-straight-hong-kong-cup-victory Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:06:33 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Helene Supafeeling overcame inexperience and a wide barrier to barge himself into Classic Series contention after a sparkling local debut in the Class Three Snow Fairy Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The David Eustace-trained galloper was a dual winner on the all-weather in Britain for Archie Watson pre-import and had shown potential in his trials ahead of his local debut. Sent off $7.8 under James McDonald, Helene Supafeeling only had two behind turning wide into the straight. Despite... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336394/helene-supafeeling-lays-down-classic-series-credentials-sparkling-debut-sha-tin https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336394/helene-supafeeling-lays-down-classic-series-credentials-sparkling-debut-sha-tin Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:01:41 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Perhaps the two best horses ever trained in Hong Kong will headline what promises to be an action-packed Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The highest-earning racehorse of all time with north of HK$217 million to his name, Romantic Warrior will attempt to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m). Victory in the first seven-runner Cup since 2007 would make Romantic Warrior the only four-time HKIR winner and the market suggests only... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336346/hong-kong-heavyweights-headline-action-packed-international-day-sha-tin https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336346/hong-kong-heavyweights-headline-action-packed-international-day-sha-tin Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:17 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald is still in awe of Romantic Warrior as he prepares to chase a record-extending fourth consecutive Group One Longines Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) on the champion galloper at Sha Tin on Sunday. The 10-time Group One hero and world’s highest-earning racehorse with HK$217.7 million in prize money heads into the city’s richest race off the back of a stunning return from injury, comfortably claiming the Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) last month. “It’s pretty remarkable to think what he’s... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336313/james-mcdonald-still-awe-romantic-warrior-ive-never-felt-hes-ever-going-lose https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336313/james-mcdonald-still-awe-romantic-warrior-ive-never-felt-hes-ever-going-lose Sat, 13 Dec 2025 05:40:42 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald and Zac Purton are optimistic they will have a big say in a wide-open Group One Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday when they ride Galaxy Patch and Voyage Bubble, respectively. In what looms as the most open contest of the four Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) features, the Mile could become a blockbuster showdown between the two champion jockeys. Galaxy Patch and Voyage Bubble are two of the headline acts in the HK$36 million race, with the former coming off a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336212/james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-confident-hong-kong-mile-chances-wide-open-contest https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336212/james-mcdonald-and-zac-purton-confident-hong-kong-mile-chances-wide-open-contest Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:14:40 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Romantic Warrior will bid to make more history this Sunday when he chases a record-extending fourth straight victory in the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m). He would also become the first horse to win four times at the Longines Hong Kong International Races. First though, let’s relive the three spine-tingling victories that have ensured one of the greatest gallopers of all time stands on the precipice of the unfathomable. Complete domination As far as absolute brilliance and complete domination... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336139/relive-romantic-warriors-three-spine-tingling-hong-kong-cup-victories https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3336139/relive-romantic-warriors-three-spine-tingling-hong-kong-cup-victories Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:02:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman are the most popular picks to win Wednesday night’s Longines Hong Kong International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley, but it looks to be a wide-open affair according to the Post’s tipsters and the betting market. Three-time IJC victor Purton and Bowman each got the nod from two of the Post’s tipsters, with the latter sharing $6.5 favouritism with Joao Moreira and the former close behind at $7.5. In what many rate as one of the best IJC line-ups ever... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335837/who-wins-international-jockeys-championship-happy-valley-heres-what-our-tipsters-think https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335837/who-wins-international-jockeys-championship-happy-valley-heres-what-our-tipsters-think Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:25:13 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars He’d hoped to be back in Hong Kong a little sooner but Joao Moreira is ready to make an impact when he heads to Happy Valley for the first time in over three years on Wednesday night. Denied a position on Hong Kong’s packed riding roster after hoping to return as Caspar Fownes’ stable jockey earlier this season, Moreira will ride in the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) for the first time since 2021. Victorious in the competition in 2012, Moreira admitted he wasn’t sure if he... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335799/first-international-jockeys-championship-and-then-longer-hong-kong-stint-joao-moreira-hopefully-we https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335799/first-international-jockeys-championship-and-then-longer-hong-kong-stint-joao-moreira-hopefully-we Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:05:29 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Set to be crowned the Longines World’s Best Jockey for the third time in four years, James McDonald is keen to add a breakthrough success in the International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) to his glittering CV at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Kiwi superstar will receive the World’s Best Jockey award at Friday night’s Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) gala dinner after claiming 12 of the world’s top 100 Group Ones in 2025. But first his focus is on the IJC, which has so far proven... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335702/james-mcdonald-bids-breakthrough-success-international-jockeys-championship https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335702/james-mcdonald-bids-breakthrough-success-international-jockeys-championship Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:02:47 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding David Hayes has his sights firmly set on the HK$300,000 International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) trainers’ bonus with a battalion of seven horses across the four legs of Wednesday’s lucrative competition. The top trainer won the prize in 2021 and will have every chance to do the same at Happy Valley with an in-form squad that includes the strong pair of Akashvani and Romantic Son in the fourth leg, a Class Three contest over 1,200m. Romantic Son ran riot in the grade on his most recent start,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335581/david-hayes-eyes-international-jockeys-challenge-trainers-bonus-happy-valley-super-squad https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335581/david-hayes-eyes-international-jockeys-challenge-trainers-bonus-happy-valley-super-squad Mon, 08 Dec 2025 07:17:43 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding The lead-up to Hong Kong International Races continues at Sha Tin on Sunday, with 10 races on the programme and some smart prospects out to play. Owen Goulding is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections for the competitive card. Race 1 – Class Five Ashley Handicap (1,650m) Go Go Go is a frustrating sort but he ran his best race in a long time over course and distance last up and can find a good position from gate one. Season 2024/25 is underway! 🥳@zpurton bags the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335454/who-wins-sha-tin-cheer-south-can-get-punters-roaring https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335454/who-wins-sha-tin-cheer-south-can-get-punters-roaring Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:23:55 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney He’s one of the more exciting up-and-coming gallopers racing on Sunday’s card at Sha Tin, but Top Dragon will face a stern test according to trainer Chris So Wai-yin. An impressive winner at three of his past five starts, Top Dragon will bid to enhance his standing as a leading Classic Series contender when he tackles the Class Three Salisbury Handicap (1,400m). The son of Pierata continued his upward spiral when he finished powerfully from back in the field under champion jockey Zac Purton to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335446/chris-so-eager-see-top-dragon-pass-big-test-en-route-classic-series https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335446/chris-so-eager-see-top-dragon-pass-big-test-en-route-classic-series Sat, 06 Dec 2025 06:57:50 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney James McDonald and Hugh Bowman are confident Galaxy Patch and Helios Express are primed to produce peak performances at the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) after competing in a star-studded trial at Sha Tin on Thursday. Set for the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) on Sunday week, Helios Express under Bowman vied for the lead with Packing Hermod in Thursday’s dirt hit-out over 1,200m and kept on solidly to run second to that galloper. Fellow Hong Kong Sprint contender Raging... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335151/galaxy-patch-and-helios-express-track-peak-hong-kong-international-races-after-dirt-trial https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3335151/galaxy-patch-and-helios-express-track-peak-hong-kong-international-races-after-dirt-trial Thu, 04 Dec 2025 04:36:35 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney November is always an important month in Hong Kong racing and this year was no exception, with the city’s two best gallopers Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising making big statements ahead of the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR). The Post 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? Zac Purton continued his winning ways, matching his October haul with 16 wins at an incredible... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334738/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-november https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334738/hong-kong-racing-postscript-whos-hot-whos-not-and-best-november Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:40:25 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Dazzling Fit enhanced his Classic Series claims with a herculean performance and Colourful King came from the clouds in a sensational display as David Eustace celebrated a double at Sha Tin on Sunday. Despite facing tough draws in their respective races, Colourful King exploded from last to smash his rivals in the Class Two 1,000m Turf Handicap before Dazzling Fit sealed Eustace’s brace with a gutsy victory in the Class Three 1,600m Turf Handicap. “You’re hopeful when you go to the races with a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334676/dazzling-fit-and-colourful-king-overcome-tough-draws-hand-david-eustace-sha-tin-double https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334676/dazzling-fit-and-colourful-king-overcome-tough-draws-hand-david-eustace-sha-tin-double Sun, 30 Nov 2025 11:40:41 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars It is sure to be a subdued afternoon at Sha Tin on Sunday, with the card to take place behind closed doors as a mark of respect for the victims of this week’s tragic Tai Po fire. There are 10 races on the card and Sam Agars provides an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Four 1,000m Turf Handicap A nice little contest to kick off the card and Packing Glory looks well placed to make a winning debut. While gate two is not ideal down the Sha Tin straight and a couple of key rivals,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334610/who-wins-sha-tin-debut-winner-can-take-luck-out-equation https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334610/who-wins-sha-tin-debut-winner-can-take-luck-out-equation Sat, 29 Nov 2025 06:35:11 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Massive Sovereign will skip Sunday’s Class Two Chevalier Cup (1,600m) and head straight to next month’s Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) with Hugh Bowman in the frame to take the ride. Trainer David Eustace’s preference to space Massive Sovereign’s runs prompted the move to bypass Sunday’s feature at Sha Tin, with the 2024 Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) winner set for a huge challenge against Romantic Warrior on December 14. The Irish import has produced three solid runs since transferring from Dennis... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334315/massive-sovereign-skips-chevalier-cup-hugh-bowman-mix-hong-kong-cup-ride https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334315/massive-sovereign-skips-chevalier-cup-hugh-bowman-mix-hong-kong-cup-ride Thu, 27 Nov 2025 04:51:20 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Hugh Bowman and Vincent Ho Chak-yiu claimed the final two slots in the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) on December 10 with a trio of winners between them on a dramatic night at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Bowman needed a winner to leapfrog Luke Ferraris and he almost took the initiative straight away when Flow Water Flow missed by a nose behind Somelovefromabove in section one of the Class Four Glenfinnan Viaduct Handicap (1,200m). Remarkably, Bowman then missed again by a nose... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334278/hugh-bowman-and-vincent-ho-snag-final-international-jockeys-championship-berths-happy-valley https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334278/hugh-bowman-and-vincent-ho-snag-final-international-jockeys-championship-berths-happy-valley Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:46:52 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Voyage Bubble will defend his Group One Hong Kong Mile crown in a capacity field that also features Japan’s Soul Rush and Embroidery, Aidan O’Brien’s The Lion In Winter and French colt Beauvatier. Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai and Voyage Bubble’s owners opted to drop the Triple Crown hero back to a mile rather than tackle the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) after he ran second to Romantic Warrior in last Sunday’s Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m). Zac Purton is expected to again take the ride... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334218/voyage-bubble-confirmed-defend-hong-kong-mile-crown-against-five-international-raiders https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3334218/voyage-bubble-confirmed-defend-hong-kong-mile-crown-against-five-international-raiders Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:50:59 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Any doubts about Romantic Warrior not being able to return to his glorious best after injury were firmly brushed aside as he crushed Voyage Bubble to win a third Group Two BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The 10-time Group One hero had been sidelined with an incomplete fracture in his left front fetlock and was returning from a 232-day absence to take on a race-fit Triple Crown hero in Voyage Bubble. Despite this, the market was firmly in his favour and Danny Shum... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3333859/romantic-warrior-crushes-voyage-bubble-232-day-lay-land-third-jockey-club-cup https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3333859/romantic-warrior-crushes-voyage-bubble-232-day-lay-land-third-jockey-club-cup Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:58:49 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney A sublime rails-hugging ride by James McDonald helped Galaxy Patch claim his first victory in 13 months as red-hot favourite My Wish could only manage fourth in a dramatic Group Two BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile at Sha Tin on Sunday. Winless since last year’s Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m), Pierre Ng Pang-chi’s stable star avenged his defeat in last year’s Jockey Club Mile as the $1.7 favourite with the breakthrough success. McDonald made an impact on his first race ride on Galaxy... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3333856/james-mcdonalds-peach-propels-galaxy-patch-first-win-13-months-jockey-club-mile https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/racing/article/3333856/james-mcdonalds-peach-propels-galaxy-patch-first-win-13-months-jockey-club-mile Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:41:49 +0000