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Who to Watch in Hong Kong Racing

by Dawn Lupul

Strong form cycles among Hong Kong’s leading trainers and jockeys often carry from season to season, giving handicappers valuable insight in tough races.

In 2024/25, John Size dominated with 69 wins, while Zac Purton topped the jockeys with 138 wins. Purton has maintained his momentum this season with a remarkable 23% strike rate and 47% top three finishes. Size, however, has cooled off—winning only 5% of his starts, though 14% have hit the board—signalling a rare slump that is worth noting.

The big mover is Mark Newnham, particularly at Sha Tin, where he’s operating at nearly 16% wins and emerging as a consistent choice in early-season betting.

With major events looming at Sha Tin and Happy Valley, including a blockbuster December meeting, handicappers will have plenty of opportunities to leverage these trends.

At Sha Tin, 185 horses were pre-entered for the Longines Hong Kong International Races on Dec. 14. The big day includes the Hong Kong Sprint, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Cup, and Hong Kong Vase. A total of 33 UK and Irish contenders are on the list, including 2024 G1 Hong Kong Vase winner Giavellotto and Arc runner-up Minnie Hauk. The meeting offers a record HK$130 million across four Group 1 events, with 70 top-level winners engaged.

The HK$40m Hong Kong Cup at 2000m has attracted a deep international field. Europe is headlined by Minnie Hauk, The Lion In Winter, and Los Angeles from Aidan O’Brien; See The Fire from Andrew Balding; and France’s Calandagan, Goliath, Quisisana, and Facteur Cheval.

They face a strong home team led by former Horse of the Year and three-time Cup champion Romantic Warrior, along with Triple Crown winner Voyage Bubble.

Australia is represented by star mare Via Sistina and Buckaroo, both trained by Chris Waller. Japan fields a massive 29 entries, including Croix Du Nord, Durezza, Tastiera, and Shuka Sho winner Embroidery. The U.S. sends Gold Phoenix and She Feels Pretty, trained by Phil D’Amato and Cherie DeVaux.

Reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ka Ying Rising, fresh off his G1 The Everest triumph, heads into the HK$28m Hong Kong Sprint in peak form, aiming to defend his 2024 title for trainer David Hayes.

He faces 12 Group 1 winners, including Amo Racing’s Arizona Blaze and Bucanero Fuerte from Adrian Murray; Big Mojo (Mick Appleby); Khaadem (Charlie Hills), currently targeting the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint; and Kind Of Blue (James Fanshawe). She’s Quality, third in the Prix de l’Abbaye, also lines up for Jack Davison.

Don’t miss out on the big event and enjoy what should be a fantastic show of quality racing.

(With files from Thoroughbred Daily News)