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In the Frame: Making a Heroic Season
HKJC Racing Presenter Wong Chi-hong takes us back through the 2024/25 racing season’s biggest moments, and predicts the favourites for the major awards at the Season Finale
02 July 2025
Racing fans witnessed countless thrilling and unforgettable moments throughout 2024/25 season – with several horses, jockeys, and trainers delivering unexpectedly outstanding performances. As the season draws to a close, HKJC Racing Presenter Wong Chi-hong reflects on the most surprising highlights of the season and predicts the frontrunners for the end-of-season awards.
The race that stunned Wong the most this season was undoubtedly the BMW Hong Kong Derby held on 23 March. Present at the live broadcast, he witnessed the intense competition in the final leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series. “Before the race, it was generally assumed that the four-year-old contenders were even matches,” he says. “Yet Cap Ferrat (百賀飛駒), My Wish (祝願) and Packing Angel (包裝福星) were neck-and-neck in a fierce battle to the finish. Ultimately, Cap Ferrat managed to edge out My Wish by a short head, with Packing Angel finishing third. I vividly remember the moment they crossed the finish line – everybody held their breath for that split second of unforgettable tension.”
The race that stunned Wong the most this season was undoubtedly the BMW Hong Kong Derby held on 23 March. Present at the live broadcast, he witnessed the intense competition in the final leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series. “Before the race, it was generally assumed that the four-year-old contenders were even matches,” he says. “Yet Cap Ferrat (百賀飛駒), My Wish (祝願) and Packing Angel (包裝福星) were neck-and-neck in a fierce battle to the finish. Ultimately, Cap Ferrat managed to edge out My Wish by a short head, with Packing Angel finishing third. I vividly remember the moment they crossed the finish line – everybody held their breath for that split second of unforgettable tension.”
Caption: Under Craig Williams, Cap Ferrat surged ahead in the home stretch, narrowly winning the BMW Hong Kong Derby
As the season nears its end, it’s also time to recognise the season’s most outstanding performers. The Horse of the Year gong is perhaps the most talked-about title, with Ka Ying Rising (嘉應高昇), Voyage Bubble (遨遊氣泡) and Romantic Warrior (浪漫勇士) each having strong claims and passionate supporters. A close contest is expected.
“Personally, I’m leaning more towards Romantic Warrior,” Wong shared. “Compared to the other two, the races he competed in were significantly tougher. Overseas campaigns are never easy, yet he consistently delivered excellent results abroad. The owner, trainer, and jockey team gave it their all, showing courage and determination through their sweat and tears. Their journey so far has been a truly inspiring one.”
As the season nears its end, it’s also time to recognise the season’s most outstanding performers. The Horse of the Year gong is perhaps the most talked-about title, with Ka Ying Rising (嘉應高昇), Voyage Bubble (遨遊氣泡) and Romantic Warrior (浪漫勇士) each having strong claims and passionate supporters. A close contest is expected.
“Personally, I’m leaning more towards Romantic Warrior,” Wong shared. “Compared to the other two, the races he competed in were significantly tougher. Overseas campaigns are never easy, yet he consistently delivered excellent results abroad. The owner, trainer, and jockey team gave it their all, showing courage and determination through their sweat and tears. Their journey so far has been a truly inspiring one.”
Caption: Ka Ying Rising swept all three legs of the Hong Kong Speed Series this season, making him a top contender for Horse of the Year
Wong also highlighted several promising new horses this season, especially from John Size’s stable: Masterofmyuniverse (真心傳奇), Juneau Pride (至尊高超), Sky Jewellery (首飾天空) and Crossborderpegasus (跨境寶馬) stood out and could become future stars. Among these, Wong has his eye on Sky Jewellery in particular. “He won at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley this season with ease and still had more to give. As a three-year-old, he’s still developing, and with the right progress, he has the potential to rise to the top ranks.”
Meanwhile, for the Champion Jockey title, there’s no question about Zac Purton. Despite missing part of the season on hiatus, he returned in top form and continued to dominate, with no serious challengers in sight.
Wong also highlighted several promising new horses this season, especially from John Size’s stable: Masterofmyuniverse (真心傳奇), Juneau Pride (至尊高超), Sky Jewellery (首飾天空) and Crossborderpegasus (跨境寶馬) stood out and could become future stars. Among these, Wong has his eye on Sky Jewellery in particular. “He won at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley this season with ease and still had more to give. As a three-year-old, he’s still developing, and with the right progress, he has the potential to rise to the top ranks.”
Meanwhile, for the Champion Jockey title, there’s no question about Zac Purton. Despite missing part of the season on hiatus, he returned in top form and continued to dominate, with no serious challengers in sight.
Caption: Legendary trainer John Size achieved his 1,600th career win in Hong Kong – an extraordinary milestone
The race for the Champion Trainer title, however, has been fiercely competitive this season, with up to 10 trainers in contention at a certain point. Eventually, John Size and David Hayes pulled ahead. Wong believes John Size is likely to win the title again – with everybody eagerly watching. As for the Tony Cruz Award, which honours the top performing apprentice jockey each year, Wong believes MF Poon is the top contender, due to his impressive results and relentless drive.
Season Finale raceday is always a glamorous affair, with the dazzling night cityscape of Happy Valley as the backdrop, the vibrant performances and celebratory atmosphere making it truly an unforgettable event. This year, it takes place on 16 July, so be sure to mark your calendar.
Looking abroad, several major international races will be broadcast live this month, including the prestigious Goodwood Festival meeting, featuring three consecutive days of World Pool meetings where the world’s top horses compete for the highest honours in British flat racing – an event that is certainly not to be missed!
Racing Calendar
Check below for the upcoming highlight races in Hong Kong and across the globe via simulcast.
Click here to learn more about World Pool
The race for the Champion Trainer title, however, has been fiercely competitive this season, with up to 10 trainers in contention at a certain point. Eventually, John Size and David Hayes pulled ahead. Wong believes John Size is likely to win the title again – with everybody eagerly watching. As for the Tony Cruz Award, which honours the top performing apprentice jockey each year, Wong believes MF Poon is the top contender, due to his impressive results and relentless drive.
Season Finale raceday is always a glamorous affair, with the dazzling night cityscape of Happy Valley as the backdrop, the vibrant performances and celebratory atmosphere making it truly an unforgettable event. This year, it takes place on 16 July, so be sure to mark your calendar.
Looking abroad, several major international races will be broadcast live this month, including the prestigious Goodwood Festival meeting, featuring three consecutive days of World Pool meetings where the world’s top horses compete for the highest honours in British flat racing – an event that is certainly not to be missed!
Racing Calendar
Check below for the upcoming highlight races in Hong Kong and across the globe via simulcast.
Click here to learn more about World Pool