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| Staff Writer |
Champions Day in Hong Kong stands as one of global racing's most prestigious fixtures, drawing elite Thoroughbreds from across the world to battle for glory and substantial prize money. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Sha Tin Racecourse, this showpiece event features three Group One contests that have become defining moments in the racing calendar: the Chairman's Sprint Prize, the Champions Mile, and the QEII Cup. With more than US$8 million in combined purses, the day represents not only the pinnacle of Hong Kong's racing season but also a true international championship where the finest horses, jockeys and trainers converge in pursuit of excellence. The unique atmosphere—blending Eastern and Western racing traditions—creates an unparalleled spectacle that has cemented Hong Kong's reputation as a world-leading racing jurisdiction.
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International raiders gathering at Sha Tin for Sunday's HK$28 million (US$3.6 million) Gr.1 QEII Cup (2000m), with a stellar field of eleven set to compete in one of Hong Kong's premier contests.
New Zealand star El Vencedor has been handed a significant advantage, drawing the coveted inside barrier for the 2000-metre test. The multiple Group One winner will break from gate one under seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton.
"We're pretty stoked," part-owner David Price said following Thursday's barrier draw ceremony. "He's an on-pace horse, so it's great to be drawn so close to the turn. We were hoping for between one and five, so getting one is fantastic."
The imposing 6YO son of Shocking has caught the eye during morning work at Sha Tin, with connections buoyed by Purton's partnership after the pair combined in a Thursday morning turf gallop.
Among the main rivals stands French superstar Goliath, who must overcome gate nine. The 5YO, winner of last year's Gr.1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m), represents generations of careful breeding by the Von Ullmann family.
"All the good numbers were pretty much taken when it was my turn," said part-owner Baron Philip Von Ullmann. "We had number six in the King George and that was obviously the lucky number back then, but perhaps nine will be lucky for us now."
Japan brings formidable representation led by Prognosis, returning for a third attempt after finishing runner-up in both 2023 and 2024. Drawing gate six has pleased connections, with work rider Yasunari Kiyoyama noting: "We drew right in the middle, which should give us flexibility to adapt to any race development."
Liberty Island, second in December's Hong Kong Cup over the same course and distance, faces the widest draw in gate 11. Work rider Yuya Katayama remains optimistic: "What matters most is that she runs her own race. We're not viewing the outside draw as a negative."
Completing Japan's strong hand is Tastiera, who finished third in the Hong Kong Cup. Trainer Noriyuki Hori will collaborate with jockey Damian Lane from gate 10.
The best local hope appears to be Hong Kong Derby hero Cap Ferrat breaking from stall eight, while Bahrain's Group One winner Calif received a favorable draw in gate two.
Rounding out the field are Straight Arron (gate 5), Ensued (gate 4), Moments In Time (gate 7) and Rubylot (gate 3).
The QEII Cup headlines Champions Day at Sha Tin on Sunday, 27 April 2025, with the international field providing a fascinating tactical battle over the same course and distance where Romantic Warrior triumphed in 2024.
Voyage Bubble looks set to continue his Group One dominance in Sunday's Gr.1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin, with trainer Ricky Yiu unfazed by a potentially tricky draw in the US$3.1 million showpiece.
Hong Kong's premier miler is hunting a fifth Group One victory, having established himself as the jurisdiction's standout middle-distance performer. The Deep Field gelding must overcome barrier 10, though Yiu suggests the wide draw might actually benefit his running style.
Star jockey James McDonald takes the reins on the local hero, who continues to impress with his remarkable consistency at elite level.
Nine-time Group One winner Mr Brightside heads the Australian challenge, drawing favourably in gate two. Co-trainer Ben Hayes was delighted with the inside berth, describing it as "a birthday present," noting his charge has previously claimed major mile races from similar positions.
Fellow raider Royal Patronage enters following an excellent second in the Gr.1 Doncaster Mile, with Adrian Bott hopeful despite acknowledging the task at hand.
"We know we're up against a champion in Voyage Bubble, but our horse has travelled brilliantly and we couldn't be happier with his preparation," said Bott, whose runner will jump from barrier three.
Last year's winner Beauty Eternal attempts to become just the fifth horse to win consecutive editions, joining the elite company of Bullish Luck, Xtension, Beauty Generation, and Golden Sixty.
The John Size-trained gelding hasn't won since capturing this race last year but connections remain optimistic from gate five under Andrea Atzeni despite a disappointing 10th in the Gr.2 Chairman's Trophy.
Size also saddles Red Lion, who finished runner-up in this race twelve months ago and will be piloted by Hugh Bowman from gate 12.
Outside in barrier 13, Japanese contender Gaia Force faces a challenging task, though trainer Haruki Sugiyama was philosophical: "This horse tends to win best when coming from the outside with a clean late run."
Rising star My Wish drew the coveted rail position for trainer Mark Newnham and jockey Luke Ferraris. The Hong Kong Classic Mile winner will be making his Group One debut but has shown tremendous versatility.
The field is completed by Beauty Joy, Galaxy Patch, Chancheng Glory, Happy Together, Goemon, and Sunlight Power in a 13-runner contest that forms part of Champions Day alongside two other Group One races at the Sha Tin spectacular.
Ka Ying Rising bids to make it a magnificent 12 consecutive victories in Sunday's Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin, with connections of the world's highest-rated sprinter quietly confident ahead of the HK$22 million contest.
Trained by David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising has drawn perfectly in barrier four for the Gr.1 1200m event, the feature sprint on FWD Champions Day. The superstar galloper enters potentially showing career-best form, with his handler believing the track record could be under threat.
"He could break his own Sha Tin track record of 1m 07.20s for 1200m if there's sufficient early pace," suggested Hayes, who will once again team up with champion jockey Zac Purton.
Standing in Ka Ying Rising's path is 2023 winner Lucky Sweynesse, who returns after more than a year on the sidelines following fetlock surgery. Trained by Manfred Man, the Cheng family's speedster has impressed in two winning trials recently and aims to secure a fifth Group One triumph with James McDonald taking the reins.
The Land of the Rising Sun brings a formidable challenge, headed by Satono Reve, who enters off a victory in the Gr.1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen. With Joao Moreira aboard from barrier six, the 6YO could prove dangerous having finished third behind Ka Ying Rising in December's Hong Kong Sprint.
Fellow Japanese raiders Danon McKinley and A Shin Fencer have drawn favourably in the inside barriers, adding further strength to the international challenge.
John Size saddles Helios Express, who unfortunately drew the widest gate (13), significantly hampering his chances. Hong Kong's sprint division is well represented by Victor The Winner, Beauty Waves, Lucky With You, Magic Control, Gorgeous Win and Copartner Prance.
The international challenge is completed by Lugal and Invincible Sage, with the latter appearing particularly dangerous based on recent form.
All eyes will be on whether Ka Ying Rising can maintain his remarkable dominance or if a challenger—particularly the returning champion Lucky Sweynesse—can produce an upset in one of Hong Kong's most prestigious sprint contests.
With more than US$8 million in prize money at stake and representatives from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, France, Bahrain and Hong Kong all harbouring legitimate victory claims, the racing world finds itself perfectly poised for a day of breathtaking competition.