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In the Frame: A Thrilling Start
With fans still reeling from last season’s record breaking performances, will the new season reach even greater heights? Racing specialist Simon Leung breaks down the key races, emerging trends, and rising stars to watch
01 September 2025
The 2025/26 racing season opens on 7 September at Sha Tin Racecourse, bringing on an eagerly anticipated calendar of races.
HKJC Racing Presenter Simon Leung simply couldn’t hide his excitement for the season ahead: “December’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and April’s FWD Champions Day will once again be the spotlights of the international racing calendar. And starting in February, the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, the Triple Crown, and the Hong Kong Speed Series will each deliver must-watch action.”
But starting on Season Opening Raceday, the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup is the headlining act, traditionally dominated by sprinters like Ka Ying Rising (嘉應高昇), Lucky Sweynesse (金鑽貴人), and Victor The Winner (維港智能). Leung explains: “As an early-season sprint, the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup tends to favour short-distance horses that hit peak condition quickly.”
HKJC Racing Presenter Simon Leung simply couldn’t hide his excitement for the season ahead: “December’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and April’s FWD Champions Day will once again be the spotlights of the international racing calendar. And starting in February, the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, the Triple Crown, and the Hong Kong Speed Series will each deliver must-watch action.”
But starting on Season Opening Raceday, the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup is the headlining act, traditionally dominated by sprinters like Ka Ying Rising (嘉應高昇), Lucky Sweynesse (金鑽貴人), and Victor The Winner (維港智能). Leung explains: “As an early-season sprint, the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup tends to favour short-distance horses that hit peak condition quickly.”
Caption: Trained by David Hayes, Ka Ying Rising claimed the 2024/25 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup under jockey Zac Purton
Last year, Ka Ying Rising launched his flawless eight-win campaign with this race, eventually sweeping the Hong Kong Speed Series and earning Horse of the Year honours. He may use the same race as a lead-up race ahead of his first battle abroad in Sydney’s The Everest in October. Leung also has high hopes for Helios Express (驕陽明駒), and is eager to see former Hong Kong Speed Series champion Lucky Sweynesse return to form and challenge Ka Ying Rising.
Later in September, the Celebration Cup marks the season’s first Group race. From analysing past form, Leung notes that “trainer Tony Cruz has won this race three times in the past five years, including last year with The Golden Scenery (中華盛景), making his runners worth watching.”
Last year, Ka Ying Rising launched his flawless eight-win campaign with this race, eventually sweeping the Hong Kong Speed Series and earning Horse of the Year honours. He may use the same race as a lead-up race ahead of his first battle abroad in Sydney’s The Everest in October. Leung also has high hopes for Helios Express (驕陽明駒), and is eager to see former Hong Kong Speed Series champion Lucky Sweynesse return to form and challenge Ka Ying Rising.
Later in September, the Celebration Cup marks the season’s first Group race. From analysing past form, Leung notes that “trainer Tony Cruz has won this race three times in the past five years, including last year with The Golden Scenery (中華盛景), making his runners worth watching.”
Caption: Cap Ferrat surged late under jockey Craig Williams to win the 2025 BMW Hong Kong Derby by a short head
The new season promises plenty of thrills, especially as turf superstars like Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior, and Voyage Bubble are expected to continue their winning ways, while rising stars such Cap Ferrat (百賀飛駒), My Wish (祝願) and Rubylot (球星) show strong potential to become Hong Kong’s next generation of champions.
On the trainers’ front, John Size remains a dominant force after accumulating his 13th champion trainer title. Caspar Fownes, Ricky Yiu, Francis Lui have also shone in the spotlight in recent years. Meanwhile, known for his aggressive early-season strategy, Pierre Ng once missed the title by just a single win, so his formidable skill can’t be ignored either.
This season also welcomes South African trainer Brett Crawford to Hong Kong. Leung shares: “South African trainers Tony Millard and David Ferraris have had great success here. Crawford brings a calm and steady approach, and his prospects look promising.”
The new season promises plenty of thrills, especially as turf superstars like Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior, and Voyage Bubble are expected to continue their winning ways, while rising stars such Cap Ferrat (百賀飛駒), My Wish (祝願) and Rubylot (球星) show strong potential to become Hong Kong’s next generation of champions.
On the trainers’ front, John Size remains a dominant force after accumulating his 13th champion trainer title. Caspar Fownes, Ricky Yiu, Francis Lui have also shone in the spotlight in recent years. Meanwhile, known for his aggressive early-season strategy, Pierre Ng once missed the title by just a single win, so his formidable skill can’t be ignored either.
This season also welcomes South African trainer Brett Crawford to Hong Kong. Leung shares: “South African trainers Tony Millard and David Ferraris have had great success here. Crawford brings a calm and steady approach, and his prospects look promising.”
More good news: the Club will be expanding its simulcast coverage to 53 international racedays and 40 individual races this season. This includes over five days of Group 1 packed simulcast meetings, featuring Germany’s Preis von Europa, Australia’s Might and Power (Caulfield Stakes) Day, Champions Stakes Day, and Great Britain’s Dewhurst Stakes Day—each consist of heavyweight Group 1 contests on the global stage. Additionally, the entire LONGINES Hong Kong International Races meeting will be staged under the World Pool banner this season.
Among the many international Group 1 highlights, Leung is most excited about Australia’s W.S. Cox Plate. “This race produces champions who shape the global racing landscape. It’s absolutely worth following.”
Racing Calendar
Check below for the upcoming highlight races across the globe via simulcast.
Among the many international Group 1 highlights, Leung is most excited about Australia’s W.S. Cox Plate. “This race produces champions who shape the global racing landscape. It’s absolutely worth following.”
Racing Calendar
Check below for the upcoming highlight races across the globe via simulcast.
