International racing shines brightly across two continents

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a race close to my heart and rightly regarded as one of the world’s most important 2400m contests and this year’s edition shapes as one of the most competitive in the race’s storied history on an action-packed simulcast day in Hong Kong on Sunday (2 October).  At a…

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Vincent Ho, Francis Lui embody Hong Kong spirit

Horse racing routinely produces ‘feel-good’ results and, at Happy Valley on Wednesday (28 September), there were yet more examples when Vincent Ho and Francis Lui shared the limelight with triumphant nights.  Francis’ effort to train his 800th winner was a wonderful achievement in itself, but even more so when it is considered only six other…

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Rising star serves up HKIR entrée

With the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) rapidly approaching on 11 December, the performance of California Spangle at Sha Tin last Sunday (25 September) certainly bodes well for our flagship meeting. Tony Cruz and Zac Purton had made no secret of their shared opinion of California Spangle during an accomplished four-year-old campaign and his…

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Hong Kong’s first Group race of the season heightens excitement

The LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) are just under three months away and, as we approach this Sunday’s (25 September) meeting at Sha Tin, there is a distinct sense of anticipation over what might unfold in December with the return of California Spangle in the first Group race of the 2022/23 Hong Kong racing…

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Early season success delivers an exciting mix of youth and experience

Angus Chung’s breakthrough victory at Sha Tin last Sunday (18 September) understandably drew significant media attraction, marking the start of what is hopefully a long and successful Hong Kong career for yet another home-grown talent.  Angus, 26, showed with his display on Quadruple Double that he is a quick learner and he has already observed…

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Hong Kong’s early season racing highlights continue

It is always uplifting when career ambitions are fulfilled and, with the number of significant landmarks achieved recently, it is clear we are certainly in the midst of a special chapter in Hong Kong racing history. A host of milestones was posted last season when Tony Cruz and John Size trained their 1400th winners, Zac…

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Positive season-opening meeting bodes well

The start of a new Hong Kong racing season is always a momentous occasion and last Sunday’s (11 September) opening meeting was no exception with very impressive performances, both from a sporting and business perspective.    Lucky Sweynesse, brilliant winner of the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m), appears to be the real deal…

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Excitement high ahead of season-opening

After months of careful preparation and planning, the stage is set for the start of the 2022/2023 racing season at Sha Tin on Sunday (11 September) with a meeting which shapes to showcase the skills of established performers, the return of a world-class jockey and the arrival of fresh, young talent.  Frankie Lor and Zac…

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Excitement builds ahead of Sunday’s season-opener

A palpable sense of anticipation has enveloped Sha Tin ahead of the season-opening meeting on Sunday (11 September) and, on speaking with trainers and jockeys at trackwork on Tuesday (6 September), it is clear everyone is highly motivated ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.    A recurring theme from the participants was how refreshed they feel after…

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World Pool popularity continues as international stars drive growth

With only a week to go until the start of the 2022/23 Hong Kong racing season, it is timely to reflect on the success of the Club’s simulcasting of international World Pool meetings over the past two months.    One inescapable conclusion during my trip to Europe for the 200th anniversary of German racing with the…

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