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A New Season Dawns
Paul Ryding anticipates what the new 2025/26 racing season will bring
01 September 2025
By Paul Ryding
On Sunday, 7 September, the racing season returns with the promise of renewal, emerging rivalries, fresh faces and the thrill of uncharted possibilities. For members, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans, the Season Opening meeting at Sha Tin Racecourse heralds another chapter in a sport where tradition meets unrelenting excellence. It's not just the first race day of a new season - it's a celebration of what lies ahead: breakout stars, gripping drama and unforgettable moments.
Setting the Bar
Last season was one to savour. Hong Kong’s elite runners proved their world-class credentials yet again, collecting an extraordinary tally of Group 1 victories both at home and abroad. Romantic Warrior (浪漫勇士) added to his growing legend, Voyage Bubble (遨遊氣泡) thrilled with his signature brilliance, and Ka Ying Rising (嘉應高昇) confirmed his status as one of the finest sprinters on the planet. Their feats have set a high bar, and the opening meeting will be the first signpost as to which horses are ready to challenge the established order.
On Sunday, 7 September, the racing season returns with the promise of renewal, emerging rivalries, fresh faces and the thrill of uncharted possibilities. For members, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans, the Season Opening meeting at Sha Tin Racecourse heralds another chapter in a sport where tradition meets unrelenting excellence. It's not just the first race day of a new season - it's a celebration of what lies ahead: breakout stars, gripping drama and unforgettable moments.
Setting the Bar
Last season was one to savour. Hong Kong’s elite runners proved their world-class credentials yet again, collecting an extraordinary tally of Group 1 victories both at home and abroad. Romantic Warrior (浪漫勇士) added to his growing legend, Voyage Bubble (遨遊氣泡) thrilled with his signature brilliance, and Ka Ying Rising (嘉應高昇) confirmed his status as one of the finest sprinters on the planet. Their feats have set a high bar, and the opening meeting will be the first signpost as to which horses are ready to challenge the established order.
Caption: Ka Ying Rising was crowned Horse of the Year for the 2024/25 racing season
Horses to Watch
Among the rising forces, Ka Ying Rising has emerged as a serious contender for top-tier honours for many years to come. Last term’s Champion Four-Year-Old displayed his devastating turn of foot on his way to a record-equalling eight straight wins last season, and his era of domination in the global sprinting ranks looks to be only just beginning.
My Wish (祝願), the 2024/25 season’s Most Improved Horse, is another to watch. His spectacular finishing speed and competitive spirit will be tested again as he embarks on his five-year-old campaign. Trainer Mark Newnham and connections are mapping out a plan for the four-time winner to challenge Group 1 glory in 2025/26.
Horses to Watch
Among the rising forces, Ka Ying Rising has emerged as a serious contender for top-tier honours for many years to come. Last term’s Champion Four-Year-Old displayed his devastating turn of foot on his way to a record-equalling eight straight wins last season, and his era of domination in the global sprinting ranks looks to be only just beginning.
My Wish (祝願), the 2024/25 season’s Most Improved Horse, is another to watch. His spectacular finishing speed and competitive spirit will be tested again as he embarks on his five-year-old campaign. Trainer Mark Newnham and connections are mapping out a plan for the four-time winner to challenge Group 1 glory in 2025/26.
Caption: My Wish has rocketed from a rating of 54 in 2024/25 to 105 at the start of the 2025/26 season
There’s a truly exciting crop of four-year-olds to look forward to witnessing in the new season. None more so than last season’s Champion Griffin Sky Jewellery (首飾天空). With wins over 1,200m, 1,400m and 1,600m as a three-year-old, it looks a given that John Size’s versatile charge will be among the leading fancies when the Four-Year-Old Classic Series gets underway in February.
The new campaign will also give a platform to other potential headline-makers: the progressive Wunderbar (氣勢), the talented Rubylot (球星), and the improving BMW Hong Kong Derby champion Cap Ferrat (百賀飛駒). Each has shown flashes of brilliance – now they must prove themselves in the pressure cooker of Hong Kong’s highest-class races.
There’s a truly exciting crop of four-year-olds to look forward to witnessing in the new season. None more so than last season’s Champion Griffin Sky Jewellery (首飾天空). With wins over 1,200m, 1,400m and 1,600m as a three-year-old, it looks a given that John Size’s versatile charge will be among the leading fancies when the Four-Year-Old Classic Series gets underway in February.
The new campaign will also give a platform to other potential headline-makers: the progressive Wunderbar (氣勢), the talented Rubylot (球星), and the improving BMW Hong Kong Derby champion Cap Ferrat (百賀飛駒). Each has shown flashes of brilliance – now they must prove themselves in the pressure cooker of Hong Kong’s highest-class races.
Caption: Cap Ferrat takes the BMW Hong Kong Derby 2025
For Romantic Warrior, the 2025/26 term offers an opportunity to cement his legacy. Already standing equal with the great Golden Sixty (金鎗六十) on 10 Group 1 wins and with a record HK$214.7 million in career prizemoney banked, his seven-year-old campaign could prove to be his most pivotal. After his daring raid on the Middle East in 2025, connections have indicated this will predominantly be a domestic-focused campaign as Danny Shum seeks to ensure the son of Acclamation goes into the record books as the best ever.
Trainers and Jockeys to Watch
The human side of the sport also brings intrigue. The new season brings with it an injection of experience as British riders Richard Kingscote and David Probert join the jockey ranks, while a 38-time Group 1-winning trainer sets up shop in Sha Tin in the shape of top South African handler Brett Crawford. While their talent is undeniable, how quickly they acclimatise to the hum of Hong Kong racing will be the key to their debut season success.
For Romantic Warrior, the 2025/26 term offers an opportunity to cement his legacy. Already standing equal with the great Golden Sixty (金鎗六十) on 10 Group 1 wins and with a record HK$214.7 million in career prizemoney banked, his seven-year-old campaign could prove to be his most pivotal. After his daring raid on the Middle East in 2025, connections have indicated this will predominantly be a domestic-focused campaign as Danny Shum seeks to ensure the son of Acclamation goes into the record books as the best ever.
Trainers and Jockeys to Watch
The human side of the sport also brings intrigue. The new season brings with it an injection of experience as British riders Richard Kingscote and David Probert join the jockey ranks, while a 38-time Group 1-winning trainer sets up shop in Sha Tin in the shape of top South African handler Brett Crawford. While their talent is undeniable, how quickly they acclimatise to the hum of Hong Kong racing will be the key to their debut season success.
Caption: During a short previous stint in Hong Kong, Richard Kingscote wins a three-timer at Sha Tin in March 2025
Following on from the stunning scenes at Happy Valley’s curtain closer in July, the Season Opening meeting on 7 September will set the tone: a blend of fierce competition, tactical intrigue, and the unmistakable atmosphere of anticipation that only Hong Kong racing can deliver.
As the first starters of the new term load into the gates, every Owner, trainer and fan will share the same thought – the story of 2025/26 is about to be written, and anything is possible.
Following on from the stunning scenes at Happy Valley’s curtain closer in July, the Season Opening meeting on 7 September will set the tone: a blend of fierce competition, tactical intrigue, and the unmistakable atmosphere of anticipation that only Hong Kong racing can deliver.
As the first starters of the new term load into the gates, every Owner, trainer and fan will share the same thought – the story of 2025/26 is about to be written, and anything is possible.
Look forward to Season Opening Raceday on 7 September 2025:
* Special crowd safety arrangements will be implemented at Sha Tin Racecourse. Please follow the instructions from staff on site. For details, please refer to the event website.
^ *The Lucky Draw is only applicable to participants who complete the specified registration by 3:30pm on 7 Sep 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.: 60429
#Terms and Conditions apply.
@ Available at Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourses before 3:30pm, or while stocks last, whichever occurs first. Photos are for ref erence only and may differ from the actual appearance and colour.
Racecourse entrants and those who bet must be aged 18 or above. Don’t gamble your life away.
The content of any activities and offers is subject to change or cancellation from time to time without notice, and is subject to relevant terms and conditions. The decision of The Hong Kong Jockey Club shall be final.
- Stellar entertainment with live performance by popular singer MC Cheung during the opening ceremony*, lion dances and a jockey appearances
- Lucky Draw rewards with total prizes valued at over HK$880,000^, popular challengeand 2025/26 Racing Calendar for all racegoers@
- Capture a moment with the lucky gongs located around the racecourse and strike for good fortune!
- Enjoy mouth-watering food and drinks at Trackside Kiosk 2 from a variety of cuisines
* Special crowd safety arrangements will be implemented at Sha Tin Racecourse. Please follow the instructions from staff on site. For details, please refer to the event website.
^ *The Lucky Draw is only applicable to participants who complete the specified registration by 3:30pm on 7 Sep 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.: 60429
#Terms and Conditions apply.
@ Available at Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourses before 3:30pm, or while stocks last, whichever occurs first. Photos are for ref erence only and may differ from the actual appearance and colour.
Racecourse entrants and those who bet must be aged 18 or above. Don’t gamble your life away.
The content of any activities and offers is subject to change or cancellation from time to time without notice, and is subject to relevant terms and conditions. The decision of The Hong Kong Jockey Club shall be final.
