Don’t be fooled by the modest look of Thursday’s seven-race Inside track card at Turffontein. This is the kind of weekday meeting that rewards sharp punting and a willingness to side with form, fitness, and familiarity. In that regard, all roads point to apprentice ace Blaine Marx-Jacobson. The young rider has quietly edged ahead of Mxolisi Mbutho in the National Apprentice title race, and this compact programme offers him a golden opportunity to stretch that advantage. More importantly for punters, he arrives with a book that screams value rather than hype – that’s where the money is made. Marx-Jacobson’s growing understanding with trainer Fabian Habib has become one of the more reliable angles on the Highveld. Seven winners and six places from their last 25 runners together tells its own story, this is a partnership worth following blind, especially in races lacking depth. Their first major play comes in Race 3 with Samuel Sharpe, an improving son of Flower Alley who looks ready to peak over this longer trip. His last start, a career-best third over 1800m, had the right kind of shape, staying on with purpose under the same rider. The extra meters now looks a plus, not a query, and with the 2.5kg claim factored in, he rates as one of the better bets on the card at what should be a workable price. The stable elect to double up with in Race 5 is Oklahoma Smokeshow, and the case is just as compelling. This son of Erik The Red was caught late when second over 1450m in stronger company last time, but lost nothing in defeat after doing the donkey work up front. Dropping in grade off the same mark is the key angle. If Marx-Jacobson controls the tempo again, this could turn into a one-horse race late. He’s a confident inclusion for all exotics and a solid win play. Away from the Habib yard, there’s further value to be found in the lucky last where Craig Zackey partners Mattiazo for David Nieuwenhuizen. This mare’s last run can be marked up significantly as she finished a close-up fourth over the same trip despite being found to be not striding out freely post-race. Crucially, she still finished ahead of Bay Empire, who has since franked the form with back-to-back runner-up efforts. Now better off at the weights with that rival, Mattiazo looks poised to turn the tables decisively if returning to full fitness. She’s the kind of runner the market may underestimate, which is exactly the kind of runner bettors want on their side from an each-way angle. In a meeting light on numbers but not on opportunity, the edge lies in trusting combinations that are firing and runners that are trending upward. Marx-Jacobson fits both categories and by the end of Thursday, his grip on the apprentice title could look a whole lot firmer.   Clive Robinson

Track Spy Video Stars Race 2 – 9 MALPENSA Heavily backed last start, he settled off the speed from a slightly awkward draw and made late ground to finish eighth over 1400m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed blood in the trachea, making that effort best overlooked. With solid form around quality types such as HOT DELIGHT and EMBLAZON, he looks ready to produce a forward showing first-up. Race 9 – 4 PRESTIGE GOOD A change of tactics didn’t pay off last time, as he was restrained early to settle at the rear and never threatened. His earlier runs were more encouraging when racing on the speed, including a close second over this track and distance four starts ago. If he reverts to more positive tactics, he could take catching and shapes as a potential value selection. Sectional Stars Race 1 – 2 AUTUMN VIBES He has been holding his own in Class 4 company, recording three placings from 12 starts, and was last seen finishing a strong third over this distance at Happy Valley 67 days ago. Following a couple of eye-catching trials, he appears primed to break through as he drops to Class 5 for the first time. Race 10 – 9 RED MAESTRO On his local debut 35 days ago, he settled off a slow early pace before finishing fifth over 1200m, producing the second-fastest final 400m sectional. Based on his overseas form, the step up in distance should suit him, and with that run under his belt, he looks capable of finishing in the top three.

By Press Association Sport Reporters George Boughey’s Betfred 2000 Guineas favourite Bow Echo has had a “totally faultless spring” as he builds up towards his day of destiny. Boughey, who won the 1000 Guineas with Cachet in 2022, decided against running the Royal Lodge winner in a trial in preference of a racecourse gallop on the Rowley Mile. Having come through that with flying colours, confidence in the camp is high ahead of the first Classic of the season. “To have a colt who’s favourite for the Guineas is very special. I think we’ve done it with some fillies so far, and he’s been the best colt we’ve had. I’ve been pretty clear to say that. It’s exciting,” said Boughey at a media morning organised by the Jockey Club. “We had him ready pretty early and realised that he doesn’t actually need a huge amount of work, he just does one canter on a daily basis and breezes once a week, so we’ve been kind of freshening him up. I think the fact that he’s been so straightforward has afforded us that luxury. “I think when Cachet won the Guineas, she had a totally faultless spring and so has he.” Reflecting on his racecourse gallop before the Craven meeting Boughey said: “It was good. It was a more end-to-end gallop, and Billy (Loughnane) was in the middle of a two-week ban and possibly had a few days on holiday, so he might have been carrying a few extra pounds. Billy was happy, I was happy and it was backed up by the clock. It’s only a very small part of the puzzle but it’s certainly a part of the puzzle.” Loughnane is the rising star of the weighing room but he is still searching for a first British Classic. “I can’t remember how many times I’ve said it, but Billy is the full package really for me,” said Boughey. “We work very well together. As well as being a brilliant jockey, he’s got a great mind and I consider him to be a friend. He talks to me about anything and that I think gives him the freedom to ride with complete confidence. “We walked the track the other night and it was more than anything to give him the confidence that he can ride the horse as he finds him. I won’t tie him down to any instructions, he’s unbeaten on the horse, he’s ridden him in all of his work this year, no one knows him better. “Whether it’s Wolverhampton or Newmarket he’s a pretty cool customer.” One person who sadly will not be able to see Bow Echo line-up on Saturday is his late owner-breeder Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, who died at the end of 2025. Paying tribute, Boughey said: “It was a life-changing thing when he sent us 10 homebreds and enabled us to go after winning the Guineas. “I’m sure he’ll be watching and it’s just something that sometimes, when the year after someone passes, you know they have an amazing year. We saw it with the Aga Khan, we saw it with Sheikh Hamdan, and he’s got a lovely team of horses all around the country this year.”

The Hong Kong racing season has moved into its final quarter and there’s plenty on the line between now and the concluding meeting on 15 July, headlined by what Caspar Fownes has described as “the most exciting trainers’ championship ever”.

Rarely has the fight for the trainers’ premiership been so evenly poised so deep into a campaign, with Fownes and Mark Newnham level in the lead on 50 winners and Danny Shum (49), David Hayes (48), Francis Lui (43) and John Size (41) in striking distance.

Fownes is no stranger to premiership success, bagging the title on four previous occasions, and he revealed just how much he is relishing the fight for a fifth crown.

“I’m really enjoying it. I’m enjoying the competition, and I’m so glad there’s six guys fighting it out. The pressure is constant, and I’m just enjoying the fact it’s game on and everyone is having a go,” he said.

“I would say it’s the most exciting trainers’ championship ever. When you’ve got that many in the hunt – normally a couple clear out from the rest and fight it out – it’s really up for grabs.”

Fownes, who last took the title in 2020/21, finished third last season with 52 winners and is confident he has a nice spread of young horses on the up and older horses on the right ratings.

“I’ve got many winners left. I’m not going to let my competitors know what they are but I’ve got quite a few that can win two or three,” he said.

“I’ve just got to see if there are enough to get done what I want to get done – I want to win a fifth title. I’m in for the fight.

“I’m happy where I’m sitting. I’m sure someone will overtake me and I will overtake them and it will go back and forth and people will have a run. It’s going to be hard fought and it’s really exciting.”

Fownes has had a consistent season, starting strongly with seven winners in each of September and October and really putting his foot down with nine victories in December.

He kept things ticking over with half a dozen winners in February and March, and he has reeled off seven successes in April, thanks to a little help from none other than the “Magic Man”, Joao Moreira.

Moreira wasted no time after coming on as Fownes’ retained rider in early April, steering home a four-timer for his new boss at Happy Valley on 8 April to add another layer to the title race.

“It’s great to have Joao on board and I really want to win it this year. It would mean a lot. I’m focused and I’m putting everything into it,” Fownes said. “I’m working hard and I just hope I can get it done.”

Fownes saddles up nine runners at Sha Tin this Sunday, including Joy Of Spring in the G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) and Kaholo Angel in the Class 2 Members Cup (1600m).

Trainers’ Ranking (Top 6) – As of 30 April, 2026

	Trainer	Win	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	Total runs
1st	M Newnham	50	42	41	44	28	437
2nd	C Fownes	50	34	35	31	32	420
3rd	D Shum	49	31	28	32	27	391
4th	D Hayes	48	33	34	43	39	519
5th	F Lui	43	35	50	26	33	398
6th	J Size	41	50	46	34	46	469

Former Irish galloper, JINLING STARBLITZ (1) captured the attention of local race goers with a sterling victory on his Malaysian debut three weeks ago and is capable of going back-to-back in the 1400m Open Novice (Race 4) this Sunday. The four-year-old closed off well from midfield to defeat subsequent winner, Aquitaine by 0.75L in an Open Maiden contest over 1250m. The Ricky Choi trained gelding strikes another winnable race and looks hard to beat with the top weight of 59kg. PACIFIC FIGHTER (2) has been performing well against Class 4 opposition recently, coming off three minor placings in succession and is due to break his Malaysian duck at start number four in the country. HELLO HERO (4) has chalked up a couple of thirds in Open Maiden company and received no luck when checked mid-race in the contest won by JINLING STARBLITZ (1) last start. BANKER’S CUTE (7) has been racing against tougher opposition in three local starts but is due to improve on the distance drop. Race 4 Selections: 1 – 2 – 4 – 7 Talented sprinter YES MAN (2) progressed rapidly through the grades and struck career best form recording six wins during the 2025 racing year and will strip much fitter second up in the 1200m Supreme A (Race 7). The four-year-old resumed and led from gate eleven in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup to finish 7th, but was only beaten 2.75L. There is no doubt YES MAN (2) will benefit from that performance and should find the lead from barrier three with Jose De Souza on bored for the first time. However, he strikes a horse in peak form and that is recent Tunku Gold Cup place getter PACIFIC ENERGY (8), which is coming off an impressive Class 3 victory on April 11. The David Kok trained runner has already established himself in the high grades locally with four wins from ten starts and with the advantage of race fitness on his side, the gelding also carries 3kg less from that last start win. BANKER’S FIRST (7) scored at big odds for his Malaysian debut when leading throughout over 1200m from pole position and will need to repeat the dose from the ten barrier on this occasion. BIG UNION (6) only produced the one win from his first Malaysian preparation and normally goes well second up from a spell. The five-year-old had no luck when resuming from the outside draw on March 29 when trapped wide all the way. BIG HEARTED (9) is a moderate beginner which may be preferable over the longer trip. However, the nine year old still possess that quick turn of speed and has proven to be quite versatile throughout his long career. Race 7 Selections: 2 – 8 – 7 – 6           An enthralling clash is expected in the 1200m Class 3 contest (Race 8) as recent G1 Tunku Gold Cup runner up, DUMA (1) will clash with the talented three-year-old STRONG DRAGON (11) and the speedy inform four-year-old NAVARRE (4). DUMA (1) has already proven himself in the grade with two wins from three starts and his eye-catching effort in the group feature from barrier fifteen suggests the Frank Maynard trained gelding can quickly atone for his narrow neck defeat. However, STRONG DRAGON (11) will carry 6kg less than his more seasoned opponent and is capable of scoring second up. The New Zealand bred juvenile does possess a sharp turn of acceleration and finished runner up at this level back in December. NAVARRE (4) will be facing his toughest assignment at start four in Malaysia but the manner in which he has taken care of his rivals suggests another forward showing is expected. Scoring comprehensively by 7.25L in a 1300m Max Two Stakes race here four weeks ago, NAVARRE (4) will utilize his early pace and could prove hard to beat at his Class 3 debut. Others worth considering for the exotics are HASTEN (3) and BANKER’S SWEETHEART (2), which finished 3rd and 4th respectively in a 1200m Class 3 won by Banker’s First on April 12. Race 8 Selections: 1 – 11 – 4 – 3

The WSB Guineas at Hollywoodbets Greyville headlines the opening of Champions Season, alongside the Fillies Guineas and Drill Hall Stakes—three key races that launch a prestigious three-month carnival. All eyes will be on Tin Pan Alley, who aims to justify his lofty rating after a dominant victory in the HF Oppenheimer Horse Chestnut Stakes. There, he routed See It Again by four lengths, earning a sharp ratings jump. On that performance alone, he sets the standard. However, earlier defeats in the Dingaan’s and Gauteng Guineas raise minor concerns, suggesting he is not entirely bombproof. Still, with Keagan de Melo unbeaten aboard him, a repeat of his best form should make him hard to beat. The biggest threat could come from the powerful Mike and Mathew de Kock yard, represented by One Eye On Vegas. He finished ahead of Tin Pan Alley in the Gauteng Guineas and followed up with a solid fourth in the SA Classic, showing consistency against top company. If fully primed, he is capable of capitalising on any vulnerability. Star Major and Happy Verse renew their rivalry, having been closely matched in recent feature races, including the Politician Stakes and Cape Derby, where margins between them were minimal. Both are genuine contenders in a competitive field. In the WSB Fillies Guineas, Quickstepgal bids to add to her Cape Fillies Guineas success. She produced a strong prep run and returns to her ideal distance, making her a leading player. However, she faces a serious challenge from dual Grade 1 winner Wish List, though the latter may find the trip slightly sharp. Princess Of Gaul and Beach Verse also bring solid form and add depth to the race. The Independent On Saturday Drill Hall Stakes features Questioning, who impressed over course and distance last time and looks well suited to the extra furlong. Gladatorian, last year’s winner, returns to a favoured track and could pose a threat, while Outlaw King brings consistent Cape form. Others to note include Cats Pajamas, revitalised with blinkers, and Jet Force, chasing a fourth straight win. With elite fields assembled, the stage is set for a thrilling start to Champions Season.

The Legal Eagle Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth offers an important stepping stone toward the Hollywoodbets Durban July, with half the field holding entries for the country’s premier contest.

Viva’s Liberte, trained by Candice Bass, profiles as the horse to beat. Lightly raced and still developing, he has had a less-than-ideal preparation this season but has shown promise against strong opposition. His third in the Cape Derby behind Wish List and a solid effort in the Variety Club Mile suggest he is nearing peak fitness. With leading rider Craig Zackey aboard, this could be his moment to deliver a statement win and strengthen his July credentials.

Tenpenny, from the Paddy Kruyer yard, is another serious contender. He finished narrowly ahead of Viva’s Liberte last time and is arguably better suited to the step up in trip, despite a slight weight disadvantage. La Pulga, a consistent performer, is rarely far behind Tenpenny and should again be competitive, though he may need to find extra to match the top contenders.

Elsewhere on the card, Peace Garland looks ready to break through in Race 1 after two promising runs against useful juveniles. In Race 2, Swift Serenity—a consistent maiden with multiple placings—may have found her opportunity in a suitable sprint.

Race 3 could offer value through Signor Dante, who has faced stronger company in recent starts and may appreciate the drop in class. In Race 4, Lark’s Song, twice runner-up recently, appears poised to shed her maiden tag under Andrew Fortune.

The Listed Ladies Mile (Race 5) sees Swiatek as a lively contender, proven over the course and distance and capable of bouncing back in slightly easier company.

Among the juveniles, Kalahari King stands out in the Grade 3 Winter Nursery, having impressed with a fluent and professional victory last time.

Later, Sooty brings consistent if unpredictable form into Race 8, while Final Call looks progressive and could outclass her rivals in the finale.

With several runners eyeing bigger targets, Sunday’s meeting provides both competitive racing and key clues ahead of the winter feature season.

As with most Friday race meetings in the Eastern Cape, trainer Alan Greeff and his stable jockey Richard Fourie look to have very good prospects. Zinovi in Race 4 and Fairy Knight in Race 7 look the best of them. The five-year-old gelding Zinovi runs in Race 4, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1600m on the Polytrack. The Heavenly Blue gelding has only raced once on this surface, and that was on his debut for this trainer. Zinovi finished seventh, 5.75-lengths behind Kingdundee. That runner has won a couple of decent races since then, and Zinovi has won 4 of his 7 starts since. A closer look at the form shows Richard Fourie has won twice in three starts aboard him. Zinovi does look hard to oppose, as he is suited to the distance. Fairy Knight, in Race 7, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1200m, faces a tougher task. The Global View gelding has won 3 of his last 4 starts and was third last time out, 4.00-lengths behind Anuschka’s World on a soft track. It is worth noting that although Fairy Knight has won on a soft track, it does appear he is not at his very best under those conditions. On the Polytrack, his record is very good, with 7 wins in 11 starts, and he has only suffered one defeat in five starts over the course and distance. Fairy Knight has drawn pole position but he has been slow away a couple of times in the past, so that might actually be an advantage to him. He has some in-form rivals taking him on. Cruise Control was only 0.25-lengths adrift of that rival when they last met over this course and distance, and he showed his wellbeing with a good win in his latest start. Another Greeff entrant, Mercantour, was victorious in all three legs of the Polytrack Challenge and will be a threat.   Clive Robinson

There’s a jockey title race on paper, and then there’s reality. Right now, reality belongs to Craig Zackey. The country’s leading rider heads to Thursday’s nine-race Standside track meeting at Turffontein with 203 winners on the board – a full 50 clear of Richard Fourie – and riding with the authority of a man who knows the door to a maiden National Jockey’s title is no longer ajar: it’s swinging wide open. With eight rides on the card and a stacked book, this looks less like another meeting and more like a statement, and Zackey could easily walk away with a handful of winners. The engine room of his afternoon lies in a potent alliance with Sean Tarry, and the pair look primed to strike early and often, potentially stringing together a Pick 3 that punters can build around. It starts in Race 2, where Storm Avalanche offers the perfect launchpad. The Rafeef filly was found to be not striding out on debut just nine days ago, yet still stayed on for third over 1200m – a run that reads better than it looks. The quick turnaround is telling. If she’s over those early issues, natural improvement should do the rest. This is a filly to follow, not oppose. Stablemate Snap Your Fingers can take the baton in Race 3. Her debut over 1400m against males was quietly full of promise, and now she steps up to a 1600m, a move that screams intent. The Futura filly meets winners but gets weight where it matters, and with that first run under the belt, she profiles as a proper each-way play. Zackey retains the ride, and that’s rarely by accident. By Race 4, the Tarry-Zackey partnership could be in full flow, with War Reporter ready to deliver. The Vercingetorix gelding shaped with real encouragement when third at the Vaal after eight months off. He’ll strip fitter now, jumps from a kind gate, and remains open to further improvement in just his 11th start. That treble is very much in play. But Zackey’s reach extends beyond one yard. Quickfreeze in Race 7 is the wildcard with upside. The Lucky Houdalakis-trained colt has done little wrong in four starts (two wins, two placings) and returns off a break that could prove the making of him. If he’s strengthened as expected, he slots straight into the “value with teeth” category. The market may underestimate him; Zackey probably won’t. Then comes Race 8, where Traditional Belief could put the polish on a big afternoon. She emptied out late over 1400m last time, but that run reads like a clear case of stretching beyond her limits. Back to 1160m, the scene of her course-and-distance maiden win, she’s far more at home. With Zackey aboard, she looks a live chance to cap the day. Five winners is not a reach, it’s a realistic target. At this stage of the season, momentum is everything, and Zackey has it in spades. While others chase, he dictates. While rivals look for opportunities, he’s creating them. Turffontein on Thursday isn’t just another meeting, it’s another step in a procession that’s starting to look inevitable.   Clive Robinson

The eight-race Vaal card on Tuesday 28 April may be labelled a Work Riders’ raceday, but don’t mistake it for a sideshow, this is a betting punter’s playground built on familiarity. The work riders know their horses better than anyone, and when that chemistry aligns with form, it pays to follow – not oppose. It’s a sharp, tactical betting heat where those who do the hard yards at ‘home’ finally get to cash in and, provided they read it right, bettors should too. And few exploit that edge better than Phenisile Mongqwana. Last season’s Champion Work Rider has hit the ground running this term, with four winners from just 10 rides and this card looks tailor-made for him to build on this statistics. He should strike in Race 5 over 1000m aboard Gathering Winter, one of the better bets at the meeting. Brett Webber’s charge has turned the corner since relocating from the Western Cape, improving to finish second in consecutive recent starts after a modest Highveld debut for the yard. Admittedly, she was comfortably beaten last time, but that was against male opposition and she reverts to fillies-only company so gets the chance to open her account. Mongqwana’s double will likely be completed in Race 6, also over 1000m, aboard Buffalo King Cody for trainer Tony Peter, with whom the work rider has struck up a lethal alliance – eight wins from the last 15 runners for the combination. Peter’s two-year-old inmate improved with blinkers fitted to finish second in his last two starts and showed enough to suggest that a maiden victory won’t be long in coming. He resumes after a 79-day break, during which he was gelded, with the headgear retained and if he’s come back sharper, his rivals will be running for second. Hot on Mongqawa’s heels is Chamu Mabaya, another accomplished rider who knows how to capitalise on these opportunities. He, too, looks primed for a brace and should get things rolling early in Race 1 aboard Made To Measure for Alec Laird in what is a 1700m match-race. Two seconds from her last three starts, including a solid effort behind an unexposed and well-bred filly last time. Against a younger juvenile rival, Laird’s daughter of Fire Away won’t need to find much – if anything at all – to finally get off the mark. Mabaya’s second ride of note comes in Race 3 over 2000m aboard Green Machine, Mike and Mathew de Kock’s runner who looks a banker in the first leg of the Pick 6. This Gimmethegreenlight gelding stepped forward nicely when second over track and trip last time, and in a four-runner field lacking depth, a repeat of that performance should suffice. Elsewhere, Laird could quietly land a double of his own with Lolly Willowes good value to break her duck in Race 8 over 1400m. Consistency is her calling card, and in a race where many have questions to answer, this Willow Magic filly looks the type to reward patient followers and round off a stable double.   Clive Robinson

FWD Champions Day again brought Sha Tin to life on Sunday, with Hong Kong’s spring showpiece combining world-class racing, international attention and a strong supporting programme around the three Group 1 features. The day was built around the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, the FWD Champions Mile and the FWD QEII Cup, with some of the best horses in Hong Kong joined by a strong international presence. While the feature races were always going to carry the most attention, the early part of the card still produced a story with a familiar regional flavour when Big Return, a former Singapore-trained runner, took out Race 2 for Jamie Richards. The four-year-old son of Divine Prophet had already shown he was heading the right way in Hong Kong, having won over the Sha Tin mile on April 6 before backing up 20 days later on Champions Day. That previous victory came after he was held up between the 400m and 300m, but once clear he was able to finish off strongly and show that the step to 1600m suited him. On Sunday, he confirmed that again. Big Return made it two wins from two starts over the mile, giving connections another strong result. Owned by the Toast Sports Trust Syndicate and trained by Jamie Richards, Big Return has now built his Hong Kong record to two wins and one placing from 13 starts, with both of those victories coming at Sha Tin. For Richards, it was another reminder of the patient approach often required in Hong Kong. Big Return had been working through Class 4 company without always having things fall his way, but his form had been consistent enough to suggest there was a race there for him. His earlier runs over 1200m and 1400m had included some honest efforts without winning, before the move to 1600m unlocked the improvement connections were hoping to see. The Singapore connection made the result even more notable from a regional point of view. Horses with previous links to Singapore racing continue to find their way into other Asian jurisdictions, and Big Return’s win on one of Hong Kong’s biggest race days was a timely reminder of the depth that has come through that system. G1 Chairmans Sprint Prize 1200m

Ka Ying Rising did what champions do in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin, turning another Group 1 test into another statement of dominance. The world-class sprinter made it 20 wins in a row, extending one of the most remarkable winning streaks in modern racing and further strengthening the case that he is not just the best sprinter in Hong Kong, but potentially the best horse on the planet. There was pressure, expectation and history around the race, but Ka Ying Rising handled it all like it was just another assignment. He did not need to lead. He did not need the race run perfectly to suit him. He simply travelled, waited, and when Zac Purton asked him to go, the race was over in a matter of strides. Sitting just off the speed after electing to not take the lead, Ka Ying Rising always looked to be within striking range. Purton allowed him to find his rhythm behind the leaders before peeling around heels at the right moment. Once balanced, the response was immediate. He surged clear, spaced his rivals and stopped the clock in 1:07.10, breaking another Sha Tin track record and stamping his authority on a sprinting division that he continues to own. For trainer David Hayes, the performance only added to what he already believes about the gelding. “A long time ago, I thought he might have been the best horse I’ve trained, and about a year ago, I thought he was the best horse I’ve ever trained, and now I think he is one of the best I’ve ever seen!” Hayes said. It was a powerful statement from a trainer who has prepared elite horses across Australia and Hong Kong, but it is becoming harder to argue against him. Ka Ying Rising has now gone from outstanding Hong Kong sprinter to global racing figure. Every start seems to bring a new level of expectation, yet every start also brings the same result. He wins, he breaks records, and he does it with the kind of ease that separates very good horses from rare ones. The Chairman’s Sprint Prize was supposed to be another major test, but he made it look routine. His ability to sit off speed, quicken instantly and sustain that power through the line makes him a difficult horse to pressure and an almost impossible horse to beat. This was not just a win. It was another performance that felt bigger than the result itself. Ka Ying Rising is now unbeaten across his past 20 starts, a Group 1 winner again, a track record breaker again, and a horse whose reputation continues to grow beyond Hong Kong. The question is no longer whether he is the best sprinter but the best horse across the board. G1 Champions Mile 1600m

My Wish delivered one of the biggest moments of FWD Champions Day when he stormed home to win the Champions Mile, giving Hugh Bowman successive victories in the race after his win aboard Red Lion in 2025. For Bowman, it was another perfectly timed Sha Tin Group 1 ride. My Wish was not forced into the race early from gate 10 and instead was allowed to settle back in the field, conserve his energy and build into the race when it mattered. Turning for home, the Mark Newnham-trained gelding still had work to do, but once Bowman angled him into clear passage, he let down strongly and produced the turn of foot that had been building through his recent performances. It was a deserved Group 1 breakthrough for a horse who had been racing consistently against Hong Kong’s best. The five-year-old son of Flying Artie had already compiled a strong local record, with six wins, four seconds and two thirds from 18 starts, all of them on the Sha Tin turf. He had also shown his quality over the Champions Mile course and distance. Before Sunday, My Wish had raced eight times over 1600m at Sha Tin for two wins, a second and a third, while his overall record at the mile now underlines him as a serious and reliable performer at the trip. His lead-up run had been full of merit when he stormed home for second behind Lucky Sweynesse in Group 2 company on April 6, beaten only a head. That performance suggested he was close to another major win, and on Champions Day he took the next step. While he had been placed around elite company before, including strong efforts behind Voyage Bubble and Romantic Warrior, this was the day My Wish turned consistency into a major prize. The result also completed an all-Australian jockey trifecta in the Champions Mile. Bowman took the honours aboard My Wish, while last year’s Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat ran home strongly into second, and Docklands finished close behind in third. For trainer Mark Newnham and owner Ada Che Xiao Hong, it was a career-defining win with a horse who has continued to improve through the Hong Kong system. My Wish had won from 1200m through to 1600m earlier in his career and had even placed out to 2000m, but the mile at Sha Tin has clearly become his stage. He arrived at FWD Champions Day as a horse knocking on the door at the top level and left as a Group 1 winner.  FWD QEII CUP 2000m

Romantic Warrior again showed why he sits at the top of Hong Kong racing, producing another dominant display in the FWD QEII Cup at Sha Tin.

The Danny Shum-trained champion went into the race as the clear headline act of FWD Champions Day, and once again he delivered under James McDonald, adding another major race to a career that continues to grow in stature.

It was the performance of a horse who has made winning at the highest level look routine.

Romantic Warrior came into the race with a remarkable record, having won 19 of his 23 local starts and 22 of his 28 starts on turf. At Group 1 level, he had already established himself as one of the most reliable elite performers in world racing, with 13 wins and five seconds from 19 Group 1 starts.

At Sha Tin, and particularly over 2000m, his record is almost untouchable.

The eight-year-old son of Acclamation had won 17 of his 21 starts at Sha Tin before the race, while his course-and-distance record over 2000m stood at 13 wins and one second from 14 attempts. Overall at the trip, he had won 14 of 16 starts, further underlining why the QEII Cup has become one of his natural targets.

This season, Romantic Warrior has been perfect.

He resumed with an impressive Group 2 win over Voyage Bubble in November, before taking out another Group 1 over 2000m in December. He then showed his versatility by dropping back to the mile in January and beating Lucky Sweynesse, before returning to 2000m in March and winning easily by four lengths over Ensued.

That last-start victory came in 1:59.77, with Romantic Warrior closing off in 22.52, and it confirmed that the local champion was still in outstanding form heading into Champions Day.

For owner Peter Lau Pak Fai, trainer Danny Shum and McDonald, he has been the horse of a lifetime.

Bought for HK$4.8 million, Romantic Warrior has now earned more than HK$254 million in stakes and built a record that places him among the greats of Hong Kong racing.

McDonald’s connection with the horse has also become one of the defining partnerships of his career. Before Sunday, he had ridden Romantic Warrior 18 times for 15 wins and two placings, a record that reflects both the horse’s brilliance and the understanding between jockey and champion.

There are very few horses who can carry the expectation Romantic Warrior does and keep answering it.

He has won from 1200m through to 2040m, placed out to 2400m, travelled overseas and come back, and still returned to Sha Tin as the benchmark horse in Hong Kong.

The FWD QEII Cup was another chance for the racing world to see what Hong Kong fans already know.

Romantic Warrior is not just a local champion.

He is one of the great racehorses of his generation along with Ka Ying Rising.

By Scott Bailey

Trainer Mike Stewart has expertly managed Demanding Dave, guiding the progressive sprinter through the ranks to stakes company. The in-form gelding lines up at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday, bidding for a breakthrough victory in the Champagne Stakes over 1200m.

A crowd favourite in Cape Town, Demanding Dave has won four of his last six starts, showcasing a sharp turn of foot and an eye-catching late surge. His last run in the Easter Sprint saw him finish 1.3 lengths behind Dance Variety, but traffic issues at a crucial stage likely cost him momentum. Jockey Andrew Fortune, unbeaten in three rides aboard him, reunites at a light weight, boosting confidence of a rebound.

Sardinia Bay, another promising three-year-old, finished just ahead of Demanding Dave last time and meets him at level weights. His natural early pace is a weapon, though softer ground could test him. Dance Variety, despite inconsistency, remains a major threat if reproducing his best form.

Earlier on the card, The Cullinan appeals in Race 1 after a solid debut, while Godric Gryffindor poses a fitness query returning from a break. In Race 2, Vercicat showed promise when runner-up after gelding and could improve further under Tristan Godden.

Race 3 sees Pay The Palace dropping in class after competing against top company, including a credible run behind Jet Force. With Richard Fourie aboard, he looks a leading contender.

The mile contest (Race 4) is competitive, with Spanish Verse overdue a win after consecutive narrow defeats, while Blizzardboy, Zagreb, and See The Sign all hold claims.

In Race 5, Spirit Of Nical has shown improvement and could capitalize, though Up In Flames may bounce back. Race 6 is open, but Devil A Saint is well treated at the weights and could reverse recent form, while Oliver, from an in-form yard, is a late-running danger if the pace suits.

The closing stages feature Star World, who impressed last start and could follow up, with Iona Castle emerging as a progressive threat.

Video Stars Race 3 – 6 SOLID CAR Heavily backed last start, he settled off the speed from a slightly awkward draw and made late ground to finish eighth over 1400m. A post-race veterinary examination revealed blood in the trachea, making that effort best overlooked. With solid form around quality types such as HOT DELIGHT and EMBLAZON, he looks ready to produce a forward showing first-up. Race 10 – 3 ENDUED Following two encouraging efforts, he had little luck last time out, being badly held up over the final 350m before finishing eighth over this track and distance. Given the circumstances, his two-length margin suggests the run was much better than it appears. With clearer running, he looks capable of making amends and shapes as one to follow. Sectional Stars Race 1 – 11 PRESTIGE HALL He likely settled too far back from a wide draw last start, with the slow tempo compounding that disadvantage. Despite this, he still recorded the fastest final 400m (22.64 seconds) to finish strongly into sixth. He appears to be edging closer to a maiden win and could break through if things fall his way. Race 6 – 5 COOL BOY Forced to settle off the speed from a wide draw last start, he produced a sharp turn of foot in the straight, recording the fastest final 400m sectional to finish fourth over this track and distance. The slow tempo only added further merit to that effort, and with a more economical run, he should be right in the mix.

FWD Champions Day has once again brought a truly international feel to Sha Tin, and after being on the ground throughout the week, the build-up has had all the ingredients of a major racing occasion.

The international horses have arrived, the local champions have gone through their final pieces of work, and the atmosphere around Sha Tin has steadily built towards one of Hong Kong racing’s biggest days. Three Group 1 races will headline the meeting — the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, the FWD Champions Mile and the FWD QEII Cup — and each race carries its own storyline.

This is not just a meeting about prize money or prestige. It is a meeting that gives Hong Kong the chance to showcase its best horses against international opposition, and this year there are two local stars in particular who will command global attention.

Ka Ying Rising has become the horse everyone wants to see. Romantic Warrior is already one of the great names of Hong Kong racing. Both have looked well during the week, both appear to have handled their preparations professionally, and both have the chance to add another major chapter to their careers on Sunday.

The Chairman’s Sprint Prize will be all about Ka Ying Rising. He has taken Hong Kong sprinting to another level and now carries the expectation that comes with being the world’s leading sprinter. Watching him through the week, the most impressive part has not been anything flashy. It has been how calm and professional he looks in everything he does and the team are very confident they have him on song.

Great sprinters can sometimes carry nervous energy, but Ka Ying Rising gives the impression of a horse who knows exactly what is required. He has the speed to put himself wherever Zac Purton wants him, but he also has the strength to sustain it. That is what separates him from very good sprinters. He does not just quicken but he keeps going.

This race is another chance for him to build on what is already becoming an extraordinary winning sequence taking it to twenty straight wins. The pressure is there, but he has continued to answer every challenge placed in front of him. From what he has shown in his races and what he has looked like this week, there is no obvious reason to suggest he is ready to come back to the field.

Satono Reve brings the strongest international challenge. The Japanese sprinter is a genuine Group 1 horse, he has travelled here before, and he has the class to make his presence felt if Ka Ying Rising is even slightly below his best. He looked to go through his work well during the week, and Japan’s sprinters always command respect when they travel.

Helios Express is another runner who deserves respect. He has been racing honestly and has the local form to run well again but has been unlucky to run into a generational talent that is Ka Ying Rising, while Raging Blizzard, Beauty Waves, Fast Network and Tomodachi Kokoroe give the race further depth. Comanche Brave adds something different from the overseas angle and will be watched closely.

But in reality, they are all trying to bring down one horse. Ka Ying Rising is the benchmark. If he runs to anything like his best, the Chairman’s Sprint Prize should be his race to lose.

The FWD Champions Mile looks the most open of the three Group 1 races and could easily be the race where tempo, luck and positioning decide the result. A full field gives it a very different shape to the other features, and there are several runners with legitimate claims.

Voyage Bubble is the proven Hong Kong Group 1 miler and comes into this race with the right profile. He has been a terrific horse for local racing, and his best form over this course and distance is strong enough to win again. He has looked well in his work and appears to have come through his preparation in good order even after a niggling issue but connections are happy with him and he will take his place.

This is his chance to step back into the spotlight. With Romantic Warrior staying at 2000 metres, Voyage Bubble gets the chance to be the main local force over the mile. He has the tactical speed to hold a position, which is always important at Sha Tin, and if he gets the right run, he will be hard to hold out.

Jantar Mantar brings serious Japanese quality to the race. He is a proper miler, he has the class, and his form reads strongly enough to make him one of the key winning chances. Japanese horses have a long history of travelling well to Hong Kong, and he has the profile of a horse who can make an impact if he settles into the race and produces his turn of foot.

Docklands is also interesting. The Royal Ascot winner has already shown he can be competitive at Sha Tin and he is the type of horse who could be strongest late if they overdo it in front. He may not have the same headline profile as some others, but he is certainly not here to make up the numbers.

Lucky Sweynesse adds another layer of interest. He was once the dominant sprinter in Hong Kong, and his move towards the mile has given him a new storyline. It is never easy for a horse to change his racing pattern at this level, but class can take a horse a long way, and he still has plenty of that.

The Champions Mile is the race where I would be most cautious about being too confident. Voyage Bubble has the local Group 1 credentials, Jantar Mantar has the international class, and Docklands looks the one who could be finishing strongly. The race may be decided by who gets the cleanest run at the right time.

The FWD QEII Cup is where Romantic Warrior again takes centre stage. He has been the face of Hong Kong middle-distance racing for several seasons now, and the chance to win this race for a fourth time gives Sunday another layer of significance.

Few horses have carried expectation as well as Romantic Warrior. He has travelled, returned, backed up big performances, and continued to turn up at the elite level. That is what makes him so special. It is not just his talent, it is his consistency and professionalism.

Watching him this week, he looks like the same seasoned champion. He went through his work with purpose, and there was nothing to suggest he has gone backwards. Danny Shum has managed him with great care throughout his career, and James McDonald knows exactly how to get the best out of him.

The challenge this year is real. Masquerade Ball comes from Japan with strong credentials and looks the main threat. He has the profile of a serious 2000-metre horse and has the right jockey booking in Christophe Lemaire. If Romantic Warrior is going to be tested, this is the horse most likely to do it. His second placing to the worlds best horse Calandagan in the Japan Cup was exceptional and his rider has hinted ‘he could be one of the Japan greats’. From a rider that has ridden plenty of them that is some wrap.

Sosie also brings major European form into the race. He was excellent in Hong Kong in December when winning the Vase, and while dropping back to 2000 metres is a different challenge, his class and stamina make him a dangerous runner if the race becomes a genuine staying test. He has been tested in his trackwork during the week but his condition is glowing and he will look a danger at some point down the Sha Tin straight.

Royal Champion arrives with confidence after his win in Saudi Arabia, and he is another who has shown he can travel and perform. Giovanni, June Take, Rubylot and Numbers add depth, but the race still revolves around whether Romantic Warrior can again produce his best at Sha Tin.

The champion has been here before. He knows this race having won it multiple times, he knows the track, and he has made a habit of delivering when the pressure is at its highest. Masquerade Ball gives the race a genuine international edge, but Romantic Warrior remains the horse they all have to beat.

FWD Champions Day has shaped as a meeting with real global appeal. Ka Ying Rising is trying to continue one of the great winning runs in modern sprinting. Voyage Bubble leads the local hopes in a strong and competitive Champions Mile. Romantic Warrior is chasing another piece of history in a race he has made his own.

The international runners have added quality and intrigue, but after watching the build-up during the week, the strongest impression is that Hong Kong’s headline horses look ready. They have carried themselves like top-class racehorses, and now they get the chance to prove it again on one of the biggest stages in Asian racing.

By Scott Bailey from Sha Tin

Longchamp will stage the first Group 1 of the European season on Sunday with the running of the Prix Ganay World Pool by PMU, and while the field may be small, there is plenty of quality and intrigue around the 2100-metre contest.

Only six runners will line up, with the race featuring no overseas representation and just four trainers involved, but that should not take anything away from the depth of the field. This is a proper Group 1, bringing together last season’s Arc winner, proven top-level performers and a strong team from Andre Fabre that already has race fitness on its side.

The clear headline runner is Daryz, who returns for the first time since his outstanding victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last year. That performance announced him as one of the leading middle-distance horses in Europe, as he defeated Minnie Hauk and put a clear gap on the rest of a high-class field.

The son of Sea The Stars now begins a new campaign, and this will be an important first step. He has the class to win this, but there are a few small queries. He was at his strongest late in the Arc over 2400 metres, so the drop back in distance to 2100 metres may not be ideal, particularly if the race is slowly run. He is also resuming, and connections are likely to have bigger targets later in the season.

That said, Daryz is a genuine Group 1 horse and the one they all have to measure up against. If he is anywhere near forward enough, he can make a winning return and confirm himself as one of the major names to follow through the European season.

Aventure also brings strong Group 1 form into the race. Her Arc run behind Daryz was not her best, but she is better than that and has shown enough quality at the top level to be highly competitive here. Like Daryz, she is first-up and may be better over further, but she has the class to be involved if she is ready to go.

Arrow Eagle is another runner with Group 1 form next to his name after his win in the Prix Royal-Oak last season. He is tough, genuine and proven at the level, but this distance looks short of his best. He may find this a little sharp on his return, although he still adds real depth to the race.

The race-fit runners could be the key to the contest, especially the Andre Fabre-trained trio of Bright Picture, Cualificar and First Look. All three come through the Prix d’Harcourt, where Bright Picture was able to win, Cualificar finished close up in third and First Look was not far away.

Bright Picture has to be respected off that last-start Group 2 win. He is fit, in form and represents one of the great European stables. First Look also has claims, particularly if he can improve from his return run, but Cualificar may be the most interesting of the Fabre runners.

Cualificar was beaten only narrowly in the Prix d’Harcourt and should take improvement from that run. His effort in the Arc at the end of last season can be forgiven, as he may simply have been at the end of his preparation. Back to 2100 metres with race fitness on his side, he looks well placed to run a big race.

The Prix Ganay looks a fascinating clash between proven Group 1 stars returning from a break and race-fit horses ready to take advantage if the big names are not fully wound up. Daryz is clearly the horse with the most upside and the strongest piece of form, but this is not a soft return.

He deserves to be favourite, but Cualificar looks the runner capable of making things interesting. If Daryz is forward enough, he can win and start his season in the perfect fashion. If he is just short of peak fitness, Cualificar may be the one ready to capitalise.

By Scott Bailey

Little Paradise and Invincible Ibis will each bid to end a 15-year wait at Sha Tin on Sunday (26 April) and become the first four-year-old since Xtension in 2011 to claim the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m). The Four-Year-Old Classic Series is the proving ground for the city’s up-and-coming talent. Little Paradise, winner of the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), and Invincible Ibis, winner of the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), will try their luck on FWD Champions Day against race-hardened opposition – all older, more experienced and some better credentialed, including several Group 1 winners. Five-year-olds are the most successful age group in the FWD Champions Mile, with nine winners since 2001. Six-year-olds have prevailed six times in that period, while four-year-olds won five times between 2001 and 2011. However, since then, none has been successful. Voyage Bubble and My Wish were fourth as four-year-olds in the 2023 and 2025 editions of the FWD Champions Mile, respectively. Galaxy Patch was fifth in 2024, while California Spangle finished second at four behind champion Golden Sixty in 2022. Jimmy Ting, trainer of Little Paradise, teams with Zac Purton, a triple winner of the FWD Champions Mile aboard Beauty Generation (2018 & 2019) and Beauty Eternal (2024). Ting said: “I think this is a very open race and it is hard to say who is the best. He’s a good horse. The last few times he ran bad, because in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) he missed the start and, in the Hong Kong Derby he was just too far back.” Little Paradise was held up in the Hong Kong Classic Mile before his dazzling turn of foot was unleashed in the home straight. He clocked a race-best 22.51s final 400m on his way to victory, while in the BMW Hong Kong Derby, he finished a distant ninth. Ting put the Toronado gelding through a 1200m trial on 16 April, making all in 1m 10.96s (25.6, 23.0, 22.3) on the dirt in front of last year’s victor Red Lion, whom he reopposes this weekend, as well as Royal Ascot Group 1 winner Docklands. “His trial was good, and I hope he can run well. Zac is happy – he liked the trial and he thinks he’s in good form,” Ting said. “I think I’d like to see him sit somewhere midfield or closer in the run, but I’ll leave it to Zac – he knows the horse. The trial was a bit hard for him, so there’s no need to do too much.” Purton said: “Before the Classic Mile, I was really impressed. I thought he was a lovely horse, and when I made my decision not to ride him, I did say that I think he will end up the best four-year-old out of the (Four-Year-Old Classic) Series. “Coming back to a mile now is another challenge against the older horses. The four-year-olds don’t have a good record in this race, so I am looking forward to riding him to see how much he’s improved since I’ve last been on him – what feel he gives me, whether I think he can run a mile at this level against the older horses or whether we go down a different path after this. It’s his chance to show us where he is at.” Invincible Ibis is also a frequent winner in Hong Kong, with five successes topped by his BMW Hong Kong Derby triumph last month. A double winner over the mile, the Hellbent gelding, who was third to Little Paradise in that recent barrier trial, links with James McDonald after recent partner Hugh Bowman opted to ride stablemate My Wish. Little Paradise steps from barrier two, while Invincible Ibis goes out of gate five. Stormy Grove, winner of the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series’ middle leg – the Hong Kong Classic Cup worth HK$13 million – is a standby starter for the FWD Champions Mile. Sunday’s (26 April) 11-race FWD Champions Day fixture at Sha Tin commences at 12.30pm with the Class 4 FWD Insurance Act Private Handicap (1200m). By Declan Schuster