Focus Asia

All Too Hard’s sprint king Wellington cements crown as Vinery stallion goes from strength to strength in Hong Kong

Victory for Wellington in Sunday’s Sprint Cup (Gr 2, 1200m) at Sha Tin further cemented the five-year-old’s position as Hong Kong’s top sprinter, an accolade that sees him continue to fly the flag for Vinery Stud’s All Too Hard (Casino Prince), whose burgeoning reputation among Hong Kong buyers gathers apace. All Too Hard sits seventh... Read More

Japan’s international investment to the fore after domination in Dubai

The headline act of the recent racing carnivals in the Middle East was indisputably Japan, and we should no longer be surprised.  Of the 14 races open to international participation spread across the feature race meetings in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, nine went to Japanese-trained runners. At Riyadh they were dominant, before making an international-assembled... Read More

Europeans hope to Star in pursuit of rare Hong Kong Derby triumph

A European-bred horse has not tasted success in Hong Kong’s lucrative Derby (Listed, 2000m) since Designs On Rome’s (Holy Roman Emperor) brave victory over the great Able Friend (Shamardal) in 2014, but in this year’s renewal of the race on Sunday the northern hemisphere contingent have their strongest chance since to set that record straight,... Read More

Romantic Warrior claims ground-breaking Hong Kong Derby success

Tattersalls’ Jimmy George described it as ‘important’, while Mick Kinane, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s European bloodstock agent, said it was ‘a fantastic achievement’, and as Romantic Warrior (4 g Acclamation – Folk Melody by Street Cry) surged up ominously alongside California Spangle (Starspangledbanner) at the 200-metre mark, his victory in Sunday’s coveted Hong Kong... Read More

New Zealand-breds continue promise in Hong Kong but region’s investment a ‘pass mark’ at Karaka

Sunday’s racing in Hong Kong, as is often prevalent on the tracks of Sha Tin or Happy Valley, saw New Zealand breds shine with three-year-old newcomer Smiling Collector (Turn Me Loose) winning on debut, while four-year-old Swiss Ace (Secret Savings) gelding Flying Ace remained unbeaten in four starts over 1200 metres for trainer David Hall.... Read More

Rounsefell capitalises on Premier ‘opportunity’ to snare I Am Invincible colt

The Hong Kong Jockey Club was once again among the principal players acquiring new stock at this year’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, as their Australasian agent Craig Rounsefell of Boomer Bloodstock came away with three yearlings, including the auction’s equal-third highest-priced lot. Indeed, for a long period of the opening day’s session on Sunday, the... Read More