Racing in Hong Kong is one of the most attractive and at the same time most challenging jurisdictions for the top jockeys from all around the globe, and its global reputation will only grow this week when superstar rider James McDonald returns for another short-term stint.
The two-time LONGINES World’s Best Jockey will ride in Hong Kong from 12 November to 20 December, rejoining a riding roster that already boasts world-class depth and quality. Few riders in the sport command the same respect as James, whose tactical know-how and technical ability have earned him top-level wins around the globe.
His arrival makes for a fascinating stretch of the season as he enters the fray to go up against Hong Kong’s leading names and homegrown stars such as Zac Purton, Hugh Bowman, Andrea Atzeni, Vincent Ho, Derek Leung and Matthew Chadwick, ensuring plenty of captivating contests ahead of next month’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR).
And the influx of elite talent doesn’t end with James joining the recently arrived Hollie Doyle in the city. Four-time French champion Maxime Guyon returns for an extended stint from November 30 to March 1. I am also excited to welcome Ireland’s rising star Dylan Browne McMonagle, who makes his Hong Kong debut from January 1 to March 29. At just 22, Dylan was recently crowned Irish Champion Jockey and arrives off a Group 1 victory in the Irish St. Leger aboard Al Riffa. The depth and quality of riding talent competing in Hong Kong this season is simply exceptional.
Sunday’s Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day at Sha Tin delivered everything fans could have hoped for – world-class racing, a carnival atmosphere and those magical breakthrough moments that remind us why this sport captivates us all.
An enthusiastic crowd of well over 34,000 gathered at Sha Tin, showing why Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Raceday is one of the highlights of our social and sporting calendar. Attendees were treated to a spectacular showcase, with the racecourse transformed into a celebration of style and sophistication. Racegoers fully embraced the spirit of Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Raceday with elegant ensembles, bold millinery and that special energy that only comes when racing meets high fashion.
The competitive highlight was undoubtedly Brett Crawford’s maiden Group win in the city with ENCOUNTERED (Karis Teetan) in the HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m). For Crawford, saddling only his 31st runner this season since arriving from South Africa, to claim a Group race victory is the stuff of dreams. The short-head margin over HAPPY TOGETHER (Alexis Badel), with MOMENTS IN TIME (Richard Kingscote) filling third, produced a finish that had the crowd on their feet.
There were plenty of other encouraging runs on the day, too, including HAPPY TOGETHER and MOMENTS IN TIME. Both horses elevated their LONGINES HKIR credentials, delivering the kind of form that suggests they’ll be competitive on the big stage. Meanwhile, John Size made his traditional November move up the trainer standings and added to his remarkable record with a treble at the meeting in an ominous sign for those with claims to his championship crown this season.
This week marks a historic event with the staging of the National Games for the first time in the Greater Bay Area. The 15th National Games are underway, and our city’s athletes have already achieved outstanding success.
Congratulations to cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing, who successfully defended her gold medal in the women’s road race event, and to sailor Nicholas Halliday, another gold medallist for Hong Kong. Both athletes will receive cash rewards under the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (JCAIAS) – HK$750,000 for individual gold medals – in recognition of their excellence.
The Club is proud to be the Partner Sponsor of the Hong Kong Competition Region for the National Games and has committed over HK$500 million to support both the Hong Kong and Guangdong competition regions. Beyond financial backing, the Club is also providing technical support for the equestrian events in Shenzhen and continuing to champion the broader development of Hong Kong sport through our community partnerships.
The action now shifts back to Happy Valley this Wednesday (12 November), where fans can look forward to another exciting night under the lights. The Japanese Festival continues trackside, bringing vibrant culture, food and fun to the city’s midweek meeting. With world-class riders joining the circuit and the LONGINES HKIR fast approaching, there’s an undeniable sense of momentum across the sport.
The racing highlight is the Class 2 Shing Yip Handicap (1650m), which is carded as Race 9 at 10.50pm.
The pace will be strong with TELECOM FIGHTERS (Dylan Mo) the likely leader from his rails draw. SING DRAGON (Lyle Hewitson) has the pace to be prominent, with KEEFY (Matthew Poon) and SOLEIL FIGHTER (Zac Purton) going forward. SKY HEART (Harry Bentley) also has good gate speed but may try and drop in from gate nine.
SPEED DRAGON (Vincent Ho) came off an extended break when an impressive winner over 1800m here on 15 October, beating ENCOUNTERED. That form has been franked by Encountered’s G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse win on Sunday. SPEED DRAGON is unbeaten in two runs at Happy Valley and, drawn well, is a place chance for Vincent.
SOLEIL FIGHTER won three races over this course and distance last season and should be ready to challenge strongly. With Zac taking the ride again, he is a win and place chance.
MARKWIN (Hollie Doyle) was impressive winning on his seasonal reappearance on 7 September and comes to Happy Valley for the first time tonight. He is a place chance for Hollie from an inside draw.
This is a very open race. KEEFY has a good record over the course, while James McDonald rides TAJ DRAGON, who will go back from his wide draw and run on late.
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