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Hong Kong’s Equine Titans Provide Season to Savour
Leo Schlink wraps up the season’s stunning heroics
02 July 2025
By Leo Schlink
When the curtain drops on the 2024/25 season at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 16 July, it will mark the close of a truly magnificent chapter in the long and distinguished history of Hong Kong racing.
Hong Kong has long been blessed with champion horses, trainers and jockeys, but it is challenging to contemplate a period when the city has boasted a trio of equine titans as contemporaneously dominant as Romantic Warrior (浪漫勇士), Ka Ying Rising (嘉應高昇) and Voyage Bubble (遨遊氣泡).
Over the course of this season alone, this colossal triumvirate won 16 races from 20 starts, including 10 at Group 1 level, set three new course records, claimed the Hong Kong Triple Crown and Speed Series and earned a staggering HK$181,453,691.
In the process, Romantic Warrior, Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble showcased Hong Kong racing on the global stage, drawing the praise and plaudits of international observers despite the city having only 0.7 percent of the world’s thoroughbred population with just over 1,300 horses.
When the curtain drops on the 2024/25 season at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 16 July, it will mark the close of a truly magnificent chapter in the long and distinguished history of Hong Kong racing.
Hong Kong has long been blessed with champion horses, trainers and jockeys, but it is challenging to contemplate a period when the city has boasted a trio of equine titans as contemporaneously dominant as Romantic Warrior (浪漫勇士), Ka Ying Rising (嘉應高昇) and Voyage Bubble (遨遊氣泡).
Over the course of this season alone, this colossal triumvirate won 16 races from 20 starts, including 10 at Group 1 level, set three new course records, claimed the Hong Kong Triple Crown and Speed Series and earned a staggering HK$181,453,691.
In the process, Romantic Warrior, Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble showcased Hong Kong racing on the global stage, drawing the praise and plaudits of international observers despite the city having only 0.7 percent of the world’s thoroughbred population with just over 1,300 horses.
Caption: Ka Ying Rising sets HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup history
Fittingly, the sustained excellence began at the opening meeting of the season on 8 September when Ka Ying Rising set a weight-carrying record with victory in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1200m), shouldering 135lb and advancing to the first of a record-equalling eight wins for the season.
Only four years old, the David Hayes-trained sprinter annexed four Group 1 triumphs this season – the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) – to be rated joint second with Romantic Warrior in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings.
Ridden in all but one of his eight starts this season by Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising broke the long-standing 1m 07.50s track record by the retired Sacred Kingdom (蓮華生輝) in November with a blistering gallop of 1m 07.43s. In January, the gelding had lowered his own mark to a phenomenal 1m 07.20s.
In any other season, such feats would elevate Ka Ying Rising into rarified isolation but such are the commanding accomplishments of Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble, comparisons inevitably abound.
Fittingly, the sustained excellence began at the opening meeting of the season on 8 September when Ka Ying Rising set a weight-carrying record with victory in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1200m), shouldering 135lb and advancing to the first of a record-equalling eight wins for the season.
Only four years old, the David Hayes-trained sprinter annexed four Group 1 triumphs this season – the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) – to be rated joint second with Romantic Warrior in the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings.
Ridden in all but one of his eight starts this season by Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising broke the long-standing 1m 07.50s track record by the retired Sacred Kingdom (蓮華生輝) in November with a blistering gallop of 1m 07.43s. In January, the gelding had lowered his own mark to a phenomenal 1m 07.20s.
In any other season, such feats would elevate Ka Ying Rising into rarified isolation but such are the commanding accomplishments of Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble, comparisons inevitably abound.
Caption: Romantic Warrior steams to G1 Jebel Hatta victory
Romantic Warrior’s all-conquering Group 1 achievements continued in Dubai with G1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) success in track record time at Meydan, adding to his heroics in Australia (G1 W. S. Cox Plate) and Japan (G1 Yasuda Kinen) last season as well his seven Hong Kong Group 1 triumphs.
With elite level victories in four separate jurisdictions, Romantic Warrior was denied in an epic battle with Japan’s Forever Young (青春永駐) in the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) before narrowly finishing second to another Japanese star Soul Rush (神志勇進) in the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) for Danny Shum and James McDonald.
Romantic Warrior’s all-conquering Group 1 achievements continued in Dubai with G1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) success in track record time at Meydan, adding to his heroics in Australia (G1 W. S. Cox Plate) and Japan (G1 Yasuda Kinen) last season as well his seven Hong Kong Group 1 triumphs.
With elite level victories in four separate jurisdictions, Romantic Warrior was denied in an epic battle with Japan’s Forever Young (青春永駐) in the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) before narrowly finishing second to another Japanese star Soul Rush (神志勇進) in the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) for Danny Shum and James McDonald.
Caption: Voyage Bubble surges into history by winning the Hong Kong Triple Crown, the second racehorse ever to do so
Voyage Bubble has long shattered glass ceilings for Ricky Yiu, constantly defying convention with towering feats, including winning the 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) from barrier 14 under Alexis Badel.
By Deep Field, Voyage Bubble initially followed the traditional pathway of his pedigree when the gelding shone over 1200m and 1400m before Yiu – a masterful handler of sprinters – uncovered traits that ultimately catapulted him into Hong Kong’s record books.
Established as a top-line miler – metronomic rather than flashy – Voyage Bubble embarked on what had been beyond a host of great horses by tackling Hong Kong’s Triple Crown. By chasing victory in the G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m), he successfully managed a feat previously only secured by River Verdon (翠河) in 1993/94.
More superlatives flowed at Sha Tin in late May when James McDonald piloted Voyage Bubble to a stunning victory, adding yet another layer of excellence to an already amazing season – not least the performances of Zac Purton and John Size – which will long be recalled as one of the most momentous and defining in Hong Kong’s racing history.
Voyage Bubble has long shattered glass ceilings for Ricky Yiu, constantly defying convention with towering feats, including winning the 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) from barrier 14 under Alexis Badel.
By Deep Field, Voyage Bubble initially followed the traditional pathway of his pedigree when the gelding shone over 1200m and 1400m before Yiu – a masterful handler of sprinters – uncovered traits that ultimately catapulted him into Hong Kong’s record books.
Established as a top-line miler – metronomic rather than flashy – Voyage Bubble embarked on what had been beyond a host of great horses by tackling Hong Kong’s Triple Crown. By chasing victory in the G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m), G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m), he successfully managed a feat previously only secured by River Verdon (翠河) in 1993/94.
More superlatives flowed at Sha Tin in late May when James McDonald piloted Voyage Bubble to a stunning victory, adding yet another layer of excellence to an already amazing season – not least the performances of Zac Purton and John Size – which will long be recalled as one of the most momentous and defining in Hong Kong’s racing history.
Caption: Jockey Karis Teetan thanks all racing fans for their support during the 2023/24 season
The Final Furlong
In the lead-up to the Season Finale, there’s one more celebratory tradition to uphold. The Champion Awards, the highlight evening each year attended by Owners, promises the deserving glitz and glamour after such a stellar season. Held this year on 11 July, this red carpet event solidifies this season’s greatest racing achievements.
Who will be in the spotlight this year for Champion Trainer, the Tony Cruz Award and other accolades? As you predict this year’s winners, get excited and stay tuned for more stories and videos on the Members’ Hub and HKJC social media recapping this season’s finest racing moments.
As for the final awards? Be sure to cast your vote for the Most Popular Jockey and Most Popular Horse on or before 4 July to be entered into the lucky draw^ – for a chance to win up to HK$10,000 racecourse catering coupons!
Click here to cast your vote
On July 13, experience the electrifying final Sha Tin raceday of the season, packed with adrenaline-pumping action, live music, gourmet eats and exciting prizes. Don’t forget to join the Season Finale Grand Lucky Draw*! 10 winners will each take home HK$100,000 of designated pure gold prize from our HK$1 million prize pool. Let's celebrate this legendary season together - don't miss the ultimate racing party!
Click here to explore Things-To-Do for the 2024/25 Sha Tin Finale Race Day
The grand finale at Happy Valley Racecourse is set to be the most high-spirited Happy Wednesday race meeting yet. Besides the unparalleled atmosphere, look forward to live DJ beats with DJ Lucie & DJ Sarah from 5pm to 6:30pm, incredible live music and dance performances between races; leading jockeys sharing horse plushies with the crowds; the emotional farewells during the Jockey Parade and the epic blast of pyrotechnics that wraps up the festivities – and the season – with a bang.
Click here to explore all the Happy Wednesday highlights at the 2024/25 Happy Valley Finale Race Night
^Subject to Terms and Conditions.
Trade Promotion Competition Licence No.: 59950 (Applicable to Lucky Draw Only)
Racecourse entrants and those who bet should be aged 18 or above. Don’t gamble your life away.
*The Lucky Draw is only applicable to participants who complete the specified registration by 7:00pm on 13 July at Sha Tin Racecourse. This activity is subject to Terms and Conditions. Photos are for reference only and may differ from the actual appearance and colour. Trade Promotion Competition Licence No.: 60019
The Final Furlong
In the lead-up to the Season Finale, there’s one more celebratory tradition to uphold. The Champion Awards, the highlight evening each year attended by Owners, promises the deserving glitz and glamour after such a stellar season. Held this year on 11 July, this red carpet event solidifies this season’s greatest racing achievements.
Who will be in the spotlight this year for Champion Trainer, the Tony Cruz Award and other accolades? As you predict this year’s winners, get excited and stay tuned for more stories and videos on the Members’ Hub and HKJC social media recapping this season’s finest racing moments.
As for the final awards? Be sure to cast your vote for the Most Popular Jockey and Most Popular Horse on or before 4 July to be entered into the lucky draw^ – for a chance to win up to HK$10,000 racecourse catering coupons!
Click here to cast your vote
On July 13, experience the electrifying final Sha Tin raceday of the season, packed with adrenaline-pumping action, live music, gourmet eats and exciting prizes. Don’t forget to join the Season Finale Grand Lucky Draw*! 10 winners will each take home HK$100,000 of designated pure gold prize from our HK$1 million prize pool. Let's celebrate this legendary season together - don't miss the ultimate racing party!
Click here to explore Things-To-Do for the 2024/25 Sha Tin Finale Race Day
The grand finale at Happy Valley Racecourse is set to be the most high-spirited Happy Wednesday race meeting yet. Besides the unparalleled atmosphere, look forward to live DJ beats with DJ Lucie & DJ Sarah from 5pm to 6:30pm, incredible live music and dance performances between races; leading jockeys sharing horse plushies with the crowds; the emotional farewells during the Jockey Parade and the epic blast of pyrotechnics that wraps up the festivities – and the season – with a bang.
Click here to explore all the Happy Wednesday highlights at the 2024/25 Happy Valley Finale Race Night
^Subject to Terms and Conditions.
Trade Promotion Competition Licence No.: 59950 (Applicable to Lucky Draw Only)
Racecourse entrants and those who bet should be aged 18 or above. Don’t gamble your life away.
*The Lucky Draw is only applicable to participants who complete the specified registration by 7:00pm on 13 July at Sha Tin Racecourse. This activity is subject to Terms and Conditions. Photos are for reference only and may differ from the actual appearance and colour. Trade Promotion Competition Licence No.: 60019
