The 2026/27 Hong Kong racing season is still very much in its infancy with only three completed meetings, but two familiar patterns have quickly resurfaced as our world-class jockeys and trainers vie for supremacy.
Hong Kong racing is famed not only for its sheer competitiveness but also its truly cosmopolitan nature with fantastic horsemen – both homegrown and expatriates from all around the world – locked in rivalry. With just 28 races decided, 14 individual trainers have managed to saddle a winner.
While it is still very early in the season, last season’s runner-up in the Hong Kong trainers’ championship, Danny Shum, has signalled his intention of going one better than last season, when he finished with 65 wins behind Caspar Fownes with 69.
Tutored by Ivan Allan, Danny achieved amazing accomplishments with ROMANTIC WARRIOR and he is clearly determined to continue extracting the maximum from his stable, while two other homegrown talents Cody Mo and Pierre Ng are also prominent in the early standings from David Hayes, Caspar and Francis Lui – who have all won the trainers’ championship.
With three doubles already this season for six wins from three meetings, Zac Purton continues to set the standard in the jockeys’ ranks as he chases a 10th title, but it is very encouraging to see Vincent Ho (four wins) and Derek Leung (three wins) also making good starts to the season.
Vincent and Derek are part of a 12-rider group to have registered a win this season and the early tone of this campaign suggests the battle for the Tony Cruz Award as leading homegrown rider will be extremely tight.
Revered as one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world, Happy Valley racecourse has long been the destination of choice for Hong Kong residents and international visitors with its spectacular setting, charm and ambience.
Happy Valley delivers a perfect fusion of outstanding sports competition and brilliant social entertainment, with its capacity to attract sports traditionalists to watch world-class racing, while also drawing younger audiences in increasing numbers to enjoy ‘Happy Wednesday’ experiences in the Beer Garden.
Last Wednesday’s season-opening meeting at Happy Valley certainly drew a great crowd and there was a fantastic vibe and, as the warm weather continues, the scene is set for another great night tonight (16 September).
The Fashion Wednesdays theme continues at Happy Valley tonight, when patrons will be able to enjoy fashion-inspired activities, while taking in eight races from a close vantage point.
Singer Natalia D will set the mood between races, while attendees can sample great food and wine while also having the chance to win amazing prizes, including travel, shopping and dining vouchers.
The Class 2 Shek O Handicap is carded as Race 8 and will be run over 1650m at 10.50pm with prizemoney of HK$3.12 million.
The pace will be good. AWESOME FLUKE has drawn barrier 10, but races on the speed and Brenton Avdulla will probably push forward to settle in the leading group. SAGACIOUS LIFE could also go forward under James Orman. CALIFORNIATOTALITY (Luke Ferraris) will settle in a prominent position from gate three and PACKING ANGEL will be handy.
MAX QUE made his seasonal appearance at Sha Tin on 6 September when he angled out off the rails to get a clear run and finished strongly to take fourth behind SING DRAGON over 1400m. MAX QUE won over this course and distance last season and, with Alexis Badel aboard, is a win and place chance from gate five.
SILVERY BREEZE has a very good record at this course, having won three times last season, generally settling at the back of the field and closing late. SILVERY BREEZE had a very easy trial under Zac Purton last week preparing for this race and he will go back from gate 12 and be running home at the end of the contest and is a place chance.
SPEED DRAGON delivered one of the most impressive wins of last season at Happy Valley when he came from last on the corner, under an inspired Lyle Hewitson ride, to win the Group 3 January Cup (1800), beating HUGE WAVE and HELENE FEELING. SPEED DRAGON won first-up last preparation, again over 1800m at this course. He has been working well ahead of his return to racing and, while 1650m may be a touch short in trip, he is a place chance.
HUGE WAVE (Harry Bentley) and HELENE FEELING (Ellis Wong) placed behind SPEED DRAGON in the January Cup and have good records at this track and can run well fresh, with PACKING ANGEL (Karis Teetan) and SAGACIOUS LIFE (James Orman) also in consideration as place chances in a very competitive race to close out the card.
ARMOR GOLDEN EAGLE (Andrea Atzeni) and LE ZONDA (Vincent Ho) are also place chances.
Sources: Hong Kong Jockey Club