With not long before the denouement of the 2024/25 racing season upon us, there are still a few more showdowns to capture our attention, but to Paddock Analyst Jenny Chapman, there seems to be clear show of this season’s triumphant Champion Awards heroes already.

“The biggest highlight this season so far without a doubt has been watching and witnessing the rise of our Hong Kong sprinting star Ka Ying Rising (嘉應高昇),” she says.

Caption: Ka Ying Rising claims victory with Zac Purton aboard

The four-year-old bay gelding has won all 12 of his previous starts since the 2023/24 season. He’s taken a clean sweep of the Hong Kong Speed Series with the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize in April, which sealed the season for him. He is being sent for a spell before his first international assignment in October’s Group 1 The Everest (1200m) at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse.

“Unbeaten all season with effortless victories, breaking track records. Barring injury or bad luck, he looks set to etch his name in the Hong Kong racing Hall of Fame.”

Chapman adds: "with that, my prediction for Horse of the Year is Ka Ying Rising. A horse that gives myself and I dare say many race fans goosebumps."

As Chapman reflects on the triumphs and low points this year, the biggest surprise for her has been “the early doubt from many about the 12-time Champion Trainer, John Size.

Caption: Martin Liao, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club presents the FWD Champion Mile miniature to Red Lion’s winning trainer John Size

“After a mandatory slow start to the season, it went on a little longer than many expected and the rumour mill was pushed into action – only to be proved very wrong, when the stable kicked into gear” and posted a quartet on Lukfook Jewellery Raceday in December.

“In the blink of an eye, John Size was back on top and in control again,” she says, evident with a recent surprise victory when Red Lion (紅運帝王) took the FWD Champions Mile, denying Voyage Bubble in the process.

Caption: John Size-trained Red Lion wins his first Group 1 race at the FWD Champions Mile (1600m)

As the mercury rises this month, the "Summer Series" also return from 8 June onwards, bringing back exhilarating races set against the spectacular sunset glow at Sha Tin Racecourse.

In particular, the Group 3 Premier Cup and Premier Plate on 22 June should prove to be an exciting evening out for nail-biting racing paired with live performances and excellent dining offerings in store.

Caption: John Size-trained Tuchel lands the G3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m) in 2023

In the meantime, there’s also a handful of headlining international events to look forward to this month, from Tokyo’s Yasuda Kinen to Royal Ascot in England – the latter a World Pool fixture – have been past battlegrounds for Hong Kong’s highest achievers. Racing fans are sure to want to keep their eyes peeled.

Click here to learn more about World Pool.