Patience appears to be paying off for connections of Doctor Jay, who showed signs of fulfilling his early promise with a dominant win at Belmont on Saturday. The lightly-raced gelding, bred by Gervase Park, had been considered well above average since his debut, and after a year off the scene, seems poised to turn the corner. His third-up effort in the Morley Growers Market Hcp (1400m) was his most explosive yet, settling off the speed before letting rip with a powerful finish to overhaul Essentric Nature and On Patrol. Trainer Stefan Vahala had remained upbeat despite a stop-start return. “We’ve had a rough run but I was confident today,” he said, noting the loud reception that greeted jockey Steve Parnham after the race. “He pulled up big after his first two runs back and he’s been building and getting better with every gallop.” Vahala praised the patient ride and confirmed longer races are now on the radar. “That was a peach of a ride by Stevie and sitting back brings out the best in him. We’ve got a pretty good opinion of him and now he will step up to a mile.” Parnham echoed those sentiments, pleased to see trackwork converted to performance. “His work on Tuesday suggested he was ready and it’s pleasing to see him do that on raceday. He won with ears pricked and is just better than this grade.” Doctor Jay, by War Chant from Jay Belle, was sold for $50,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions. His dam is a daughter of Canterbury Guineas winner Fine Society, and his current ownership includes a large syndicate enjoying the ride. The win added another highlight to a fruitful month for Chris and Andrea Gales’ Gervase Park, who also bred the unbeaten Yorga Pride. War Chant is enjoying a strong run as a sire, leading WA’s August sires’ table with 10 winners. His penultimate crop turned two this week, just as another of Yarradale’s stallions, Shooting To Win, chipped in with a Saturday double via Scully in the Unite Resourcing Hcp. Both Shooting To Win and Gingerbread Man stand at Yarradale Stud this season at a fee of $5,500 (inc GST).
Doctor Jay was bred and sold by Gervase Park (pic: Western Racepix)
NEWHKJC Steward Loving NSW Exchange Chance
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
A growing partnership between Racing NSW and the Hong Kong Jockey Club is giving young stewards valuable exposure to international racing operations, and Justin Ho is the latest to benefit, repoprts racingnsw.com.au. As part of a two-month placement in New South Wales, Ho joined the local panel under former RNSW chairman Marc Van Gestel and officiated on San Domenico Stakes Day, gaining experience not typically available at home. In recent months, he’s chaired meetings at Port Lincoln, Grafton, Kempsey and Gosford – something previously unheard of for a Hong Kong-based steward. In Hong Kong, only the chairman of stewards chairs meetings, which limits opportunities for others to develop that leadership muscle. “The purpose is to be exposed to being in that chair. To run race meetings,” Ho explained. “It helps the younger generation of officials in Hong Kong to be exposed to things we aren’t normally. Working a race meeting is something I enjoy but being in that chair is something different. There’s the added responsibility and it’s a challenge I enjoy.” That model is expanding, with Racing NSW steward Liam Martin already completing his own stint in Hong Kong and three others – Jack Marshall, Reuben Loughlin and Sean Knight – set to follow. Van Gestel now heads a team of five in Hong Kong, which includes deputy Terry Bailey, another former RNSW stalwart in Troy Vassallo, and Ho himself. Three cadets are also part of the broader group, including Thomson Hui who earlier this year spent time on exchange. For Ho, the opportunity has been part of a long journey. “I was a cadet for seven years before being promoted to a fully-fledged steward,” he said. “The biggest difference in stewarding is the makeup of the panel. You have to wait, but you gain the experience for when the opportunity comes.” His path into racing didn’t begin at the track. A football fan with degrees in management and law, Ho initially worked in finance at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. “My dad is a solicitor, so there was pressure to do law,” he shared. “But after some experience with barristers and solicitors I worked out it wasn’t for me. I found a role at the club that fits everything I want to do.”
NEWHabana at Ellerslie Instead of at Eden Park
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
As South Africa prepares to face the All Blacks at Eden Park's 'fortress' on Saturday night, a familiar name will be chasing Group 1 honours across the Tasman at Ellerslie. Habana, named after legendary Springbok winger Bryan Habana, brings speed and tenacity to the turf that echoes his namesake's blistering runs on the rugby field. The seven-year-old gelding has carved out a solid career with eight wins from 24 starts, including the Gr2 Rich Hill Mile and the Listed Fulton Family Stakes, and now eyes the Proisir Plate (1400m) as he continues his return from a lengthy layoff. That comeback began with a gutsy third placing behind Tuxedo over 1400m at Ruakaka last month, where conditions weren't ideal. Trainer Lance Noble was satisfied with the effort, noting the gelding was lumping 62kg on a deteriorating track. "He likes a Good track. That is the beauty about Ellerslie, it will be good ground," Noble said. "He missed most of last year through colic surgery. He's done a lot of work and is nice and bright." The trainer believes that if Habana can find the form he showed before the setback, he'll be competitive – though he concedes the Proisir Plate field is packed with top-tier opposition. Noble also saddles up First Dance in the Sistema 1100. The daughter of Zousain had her shot at stardom when contesting the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi earlier this year, finishing 12th before heading for a break. Her lead-in trial last month over 950m on the Cambridge Synthetic yielded a solid fourth, and her trainer believes she'll benefit from kicking off in a live race rather than another trial. "She is fresh-up and trialled up nicely. 1100m is probably a bit short for her, but she is nice and fresh, and there's good money on offer at Ellerslie," he said.
A Group 1 victory on Saturday is possible for Habana (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
NEWNYRA Celebrates for a Billion Reasons
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
A record-breaking summer of racing unfolded at Saratoga in 2025 as the ongoing reconstruction of Belmont Park saw a shift in programming that delivered 49 race days to the 'Spa' – more than ever before. For the New York Racing Association, that translated not only into a full calendar but a financial windfall that left little room for complaint, reports bloodhorse.com. As of September 1, the final day of the expanded season, total all-sources handle had surged past US$1 billion. The figures were driven in part by the inclusion of two major weeks: the Belmont Stakes and the Fourth of July holiday program, which together accounted for $281.4 million in wagering. The energy remained high throughout, even with a soggy start to the season. "It started out wet, but it dried up, and we got in plenty of turf racing," said NYRA CEO Dave O'Rourke, who noted that "the crowds were great and the local community really supported us." The final weeks saw more entries than available races, standard fare for Saratoga, but a sign nonetheless that demand was strong and engagement sustained. Attendance for the 40-day meet surpassed one million for the tenth time in eleven years, excluding 2020's pandemic-closed edition. NYRA also used the meet to pilot several initiatives, many of which may carry over to the reopening of Belmont Park in late 2026. The NYRA Star youth program drew nearly 3,000 signups, while fan-focused strategies like discounted food and a redesigned family experience added fresh momentum. "We're focusing on affordability and accessibility," O'Rourke said. "We want to learn everything we can from Saratoga and take it back to Belmont. We're going to have a backyard at Belmont like we haven't had before." The added July 4 and Belmont Stakes dates were technically part of the Belmont at the Big A meet, and they'll return in 2026 as Belmont's full reopening is not expected until the US autumn. O'Rourke confirmed that next year's Spa summer season will revert to 40 days, though some earlier starts and flexible scheduling are being considered to bridge holiday gaps. "Scarcity can be a good thing," he said. "The intention is to go back to 40 days." In a major additional positive, TV viewership also trended up. The FOX broadcast of Saratoga Live averaged around half a million viewers on Saturdays, numbers NYRA called unprecedented for a single-track racing telecast. "FOX has been an amazing partner," claimed O'Rourke, who believes the exposure is helping reset the sport's media ceiling.
120 Nominations for 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
The countdown to the 165th running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup is officially underway, with 120 horses nominated for the 2025 edition of Australia's most famous race. Among the headline entries is Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, who is poised to become the first American rider to take part in the Cup after securing the ride on Parchment Party. With more than 6,000 career wins and over US$500 million in earnings, Velazquez adds a touch of international stardom to a race that already holds global allure. From a total of 101 local and 19 international nominations, powerhouse trainer Chris Waller leads the domestic charge with 27 entries, including reigning Australian Horse of the Year Via Sistina, along with Aeliana and Buckaroo. Defending champion Knight's Choice is among his rivals, aiming to become the first back-to-back winner since the legendary Makybe Diva. Gai Waterhouse, already a Hall of Fame trainer and VRC ambassador, has joined forces with Adrian Bott to prepare a two-pronged attack led by Sir Delius and Vauban, both considered strong early chances. Ciaron Maher, who won the Cup in 2022, has 13 horses nominated including Zardozi, last seen finishing fourth in the NZB Kiwi, alongside Middle Earth and last year's third-placed Okita Soushi. Ireland's Joseph O'Brien, who twice denied the locals with Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020), returns with a pair of hopefuls led by the Australian-owned Al Riffa. Fellow Irishman Willie Mullins is also plotting a return to Flemington with Absurde and Hipop De Loire, aiming for his third consecutive Cup assault. Horses from eight nations are represented, including Japan, France, Germany, and the United States. Ballot exemption pathways remain wide open through a string of key lead-up races, including the Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes and Bart Cummings at Flemington, and the Group 1 Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate. VRC Chief Racing Officer Leigh Jordon said this year's nominations once again reflect the international standing of the race. "The Lexus Melbourne Cup continues to capture the imagination of trainers and owners both here in Australia and around the world," he said. "The mix of elite homegrown horses, seasoned internationals and promising newcomers makes this year's build-up especially compelling."
Rekindling's trainer Joseph O'Brien will be back (pic: Mark Gatt)
Lower Grade But Big Weight for Pallaton
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
After a slightly underwhelming return in the Rosebud, Michael Freedman is taking a step back with promising colt Pallaton as he aims to reset the campaign at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, reports racingnsw.com.au. Despite starting favourite on the strength of two sharp trial wins, the colt struggled to produce his best when finishing third behind Skyhook. Freedman has opted to drop him back in grade and distance for the TAB Handicap (1000m), hopeful a confidence-boosting run can put him back on track for richer targets later this spring. “There were a few things he wanted to do wrong last time,” Freedman said. “He over-travelled in a slowly run race and got up on the bridle early. I’ve brought him back to 1000 metres so we can get him doing things the right way and give him a chance to relax. He’s got a sharp turn of foot but when he over-travels, he blunts that acceleration.” Carrying 58kg against older opposition, Pallaton is rated a $2.40 chance with TAB, and the Heritage Stakes (1100m) on September 27 looms as a potential springboard if all goes well. Stablemate Just A Journey resumes in the Schweppes Handicap (1400m), with expectations dialled to a more exploratory level. “We didn’t map out anything too specific for her spring,” Freedman noted. “We just want to see how she comes back and work our way through some staying-type races. If she finishes in the top four, we’d consider that a pass mark.” A dual winner over 1400m in the autumn, she was tested in stakes grade when fifth in The Phoenix at her final start before a spell and is expected to race similarly again. “She’s a natural on-pacer like a lot of the Justifys—she won’t be changing that style much.” Also resuming is debutant Decorum, a full brother to Group 1 winner Switzerland – see above item – who lines up in the Hawaii Five Oh @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1400m). Despite the family link, Freedman says he’s cut from different cloth. “He’s six months away physically but ready to race now. The wet tracks kept us scratching but we’ll run him Wednesday and likely put him straight back out. He’ll be a lovely autumn colt.”
Geneva to Come out of Neutral Gear
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
A return to firmer footing at Ellerslie on Saturday has Kylie Hoskin quietly confident about Geneva’s prospects in the Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m). The Jomara Bloodstock-bred gelding looked sharp winning on debut at Te Rapa in May, and although beaten first-up on a Heavy9 at Ruakaka, he lost few admirers, reveals loveracing.nz. A subsequent gallop at Ellerslie last Thursday signalled he’s ready to bounce back. The three-year-old son of Time Test has come through that unplaced effort without issue, with the stable pleased by his recovery and trackwork. Hoskin confirmed Matt Cameron was aboard for Thursday’s gallop and would retain the ride in Saturday’s feature. Expectations are clearly higher this time, with conditions better suited to the lightly raced galloper’s action. Meanwhile, stablemate Quality Time also made his mark at the same Ellerslie session, lowering the colours of Group 1 winner El Vencedor in a slick 1100m trial. The performance has sparked a potential spring campaign that could take in the Open 1400m on September 20, the Matamata Cup (Listed, 1600m), or even the TAB Mile (Gr3, 1600m) at Riccarton. Hoskin hinted the gelding’s preparation was right on song, with his continued improvement dictating which path they follow. Wednesday’s Ruakaka meeting will also see Hoskin saddle up a pair of runners, led by promising filly Oratia Beauty. The daughter of Too Darn Hot impressed on debut at Pukekohe and tuned up with a runner-up trial effort at Waipa last week. While awkwardly drawn in barrier 10, she showed enough gate sense at the trials to suggest jockey Michael McNab might again find a favourable position. The stable is considering the Gr3 Sunline Vase (1400m) later this month at Ellerslie, should Wednesday’s performance justify the leap. Joining her northbound will be Fun Never Sets, who resumes in The Warkworth Inn 1400 after a frustrating run of bad luck with draws and weather. She’s drawn barrier 13 and is expected to take improvement from the outing, with Hoskin managing expectations for the mare’s spring return.
A smart Ellerslie gallop has Geneva primed for Ellerslie (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
Key Options on the Table for Aztec Ruler
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
With Ascot’s Pinnacles Carnival fast approaching, Stefan Vahala is weighing up several options for his leading light Aztec Ruler, who is nearing a return to racing following a Melbourne campaign that proved he belongs at a higher level. The talented Universal Ruler gelding delivered Vahala notable success last season with wins in the Bunbury Stakes and the Carbine Club of WA Stakes before heading east, where he held his own with two placings from four starts. According to racingwa.com.au, a career-best effort came in the Gr3 Standish Stakes at Flemington over 1200 metres, where he was narrowly beaten into second by It’sourtime. That performance has prompted his trainer to reassess targets at home, with the Crawford Stakes on October 18 looming as a likely first-up assignment. “He had his first gallop last week and galloped really nicely,” Vahala told Tabradio. “This week he’ll have a bit more of a searching gallop and he’s come back in good order.” While it’s unclear what trip will suit best, Vahala added: “We’ll be guided on how he goes first up but to me the best run he’s ever had was in Melbourne up the straight over 1200m. Is it a 1200m, or do we go 1600m, I think we’ll just be guided by what he does first up.” Among the key options under consideration are the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and The Gold Rush (1400m), the latter being a race in which Aztec Ruler ran a strong seventh last year, beaten just two and a half lengths by Western Empire. “I think if we had drawn a gate in that Gold Rush, Jarrad [Noske] got off him and was rapt with the run,” Vahala recalled. “He had to go back to last pretty much and ran a great race. Obviously, that’s his wheelhouse, 1400m in Perth. That’s the aim.” Adding to the stable’s momentum was a timely result at Belmont on Saturday, where Dr Jay produced a storming finish to win the last on the card, delivering a confidence boost to connections ahead of what could be a pivotal spring campaign for Vahala’s team.
Well Bred Colts Tackle Warwick Farm Opener
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
On pedigree alone, the Hawaii Five Oh @ Vinery Stud Maiden Handicap (1400m) to kick off Wednesday’s Warwick Farm meeting is simply outstanding. For example, the field includes a full-brother to Snitzel's Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland – see below – the filly and colt by Frankel, or the brother to Group 1 winner Schwarz (Zoustar) – to name just a few. Coming off a last start second behind Godolphin’s Ohope (I Am Invincible), who lines up in the next race of the day, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Tuscany (Zoustar-Summer Sham, by Not a Single Doubt) looks set to start one of the favoured runners in the large field. The full brother to the former John O’Shea and Tom Charlton trained Schwarz (Zoustar) who is covering his first book of mares this season at Rosemont Stud in Victoria, Tuscany was a $1.55m Inglis Easter yearling purchase from the draft of Widden Stud by China Horse Club, Newgate, Go Bloodstock and Trilogy. Unfortunately drawn barrier 11 of 12, the Tim Clark ridden colt will likely need to settle mid-field, with the hope he isn't planted wide throughout. Given an easy time in his two trials to date, the Michael Freedman trained Decorum (Snitzel-Ms Bad Behavior, by Blame) could come out and blow them all away based on the early support he has had in the betting, but it looks as if he will need some racing with it likely that starting off over 1400m he'll probably have a different pattern to his brother Switzerland who appeared at his best over 1200m. With trainer Chris Waller having five in the field, it’s interesting to see that James McDonald will team up with the O’Shea/Charlton team with Scoop The Pool (Super Seth-Rosa Vernans, by Sea The Stars) rather than one of Waller's runners. Raced by Champion Thoroughbreds, the 3YO gelding finished fourth on debut back in June and has since been to the trials twice, winning his most recent effort with McDonald in the saddle.
Cantiamo Can Deliver Consecutive Victories
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
With three last start winners and a host of promising 3YO runners, Wednesday’s Precise Air Handicap (1200m) is sure to be a form race moving forward. Expected to start one of the favoured runners based off the hype leading into her last start win, the Kris Lees-trained Cantiamo (Too Darn Hot-Valencay, by Rothesay) has the services of James McDonald with the Champion jockey sticking strong after riding her to victory last start. In that race the pace was slow due to the small field and Cantiamo was forced to chase hard and work home late to record a narrow victory, but with a bigger field here, one would expect there to be more pace upfront so we can see a truer run race. Godolphin’s pair of last start winners not only have pedigree on their sides but also look promising. Trained by Michael Freedman, blueblood Ohope (I Am Invincible-Pohutukawa, by Medaglia D’oro) has not been seen since his win at Hawkesbury some three weeks ago where he defeated Tuscany (Zoustar) who will start in the first race of the day, and with Tommy Berry sticking with the colt, the indications are that he should run very well once again. Although it did take Barbarossa (Too Darn Hot-Guelph, by Exceed And Excel) until his sixth start to break his maiden, it was interestingly his first start as part of the Ciaron Maher yard. Bred to be anything with his first three dams all being Group 1 winners ,coupled with his sire being one of the most in demand in the world, this colt has the services of Kerrin McEvoy with the pair asked to lump 61.5kg.
Priceless Porta Fortuna to Be Sold
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
Plans for a Group 1 return have been shelved and a change of ownership now looms for Porta Fortuna, after connections confirmed the star filly will bypass the Matron Stakes and likely head to the sales. The decision brings an end to an interrupted season for Donnacha O’Brien’s four-time top-level winner, who was last seen in May landing the Group 2 Lanwades Stakes at the Curragh. According to racingpost.com, a setback ruled the Caravaggio filly out of Royal Ascot – where she had previously won the Albany Stakes as a juvenile and the Coronation Stakes last season – and it had been hoped she could resume in the Matron at Leopardstown. With the race now just a fortnight away, time has run out. “We were just going to run out of time with her fitness-wise,” O’Brien explained. “She had a bit of an injury and we had to give her a bit of time to get over it, which she did, and she is moving very well. But she put on a bit of conditioning when we gave her the break, and we were going to run out of time to get back for the Matron.” Connections had always earmarked the end of 2024 as a natural point to sell, and with no further targets locked in, have chosen to bring that forward. “She was always going to be sold at the end of this year, so when she wasn’t going to make the Matron, the owners decided that we would just go straight to the sales.” O’Brien confirmed that any decision about whether she races on will now be left to her future owners. “It is, of course, disappointing, but we got a great run out of her, so we don’t have any regrets,” he said. “She is still sound and moving very well, so she will be sold, and the new owners will decide whether to race her on or not.” With two Royal Ascot wins on her record, including what O’Brien described as “one of, if not her best, performances” in the Coronation, Porta Fortuna departs the stable as one of its most decorated and consistent campaigners.
Lord Allen Outlines Agenda as New BHA Chair
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
A call for bold reform and unity marked the first official day in office for Lord Allen as Chair of the British Horseracing Authority. His appointment followed a three-month delay while he negotiated changes to governance, including a fully independent BHA board—an outcome he saw as essential to moving the sport forward. He steps into the role at a tense moment, with an industry-wide strike planned next Wednesday in protest of proposed changes to online gambling duties. The BHA estimates the reforms could cost British racing £66 million annually. Allen, though, is focused not just on the immediate risks but on repositioning the sport for long-term success. "Racing is a key part of culture and national life," he said. "It is woven into the lives of so many communities." Starting in a role tasked with protecting and enriching that legacy, he said, was a source of great pride. In the nine months since his nomination, Allen has met with more than 100 figures from across the industry, including both leaders and frontline participants. He found widespread acknowledgement that the sport must evolve, though many believed the responsibility for change lay elsewhere. Allen sees it differently: "There are opportunities and requirements for change across the whole sport," he said, adding that he believes there is "overall agreement and appetite" for that change. He welcomed the BHA board's willingness to embrace independence and focus on the bigger picture. He also endorsed the September 10 strike action under the banner of 'Axe the Racing Tax'. The cancellation of all meetings on that date, while unprecedented, is in his view a vital demonstration of how seriously the sport views the potential threat. Allen warned that the proposed tax shift would impact not just the betting public but the 85,000 people who rely on racing for their livelihoods. Sustainable finances, he stressed, are crucial to safeguarding participants, horses, racecourses and fans alike. British racing, he said, already enjoys a global reputation for integrity, quality and welfare. "My vision is not simply that we preserve this, but that we develop British racing into a modern commercial and cultural powerhouse," he said. That vision includes drawing new audiences, attracting inward investment, and setting the standard in care and governance. Allen also paid tribute to David Jones and Brant Dunshea for their leadership in the interim, calling their contributions "vital" to stabilising the BHA during a pivotal year.
Experience Beats Youth in Pacific Classic
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
A brief jink toward the rail by Fierceness in the opening strides of the G1 Pacific Classic had connections holding their breath, reports bloodhorse.com, but what followed was a performance that underlined both the composure of a champion and the trust between horse and rider. Fierceness, initially unsettled after a clean jump, gave early cause for concern to trainer Todd Pletcher, watching remotely from Saratoga Springs, and to assistant Sophie Green, stationed trackside at Del Mar. “I wasn’t very happy – I was very concerned when he did that,” Pletcher admitted, while Green feared, if only for a moment, that their race might already be lost. Fortunately, Fierceness found his rhythm quickly under John Velazquez. “I got him out of there, but he overreacted by pulling in the other direction. I wanted to stay off his mouth, so I had to sit on him a little. But he got straightened out going into the first turn,” Velazquez explained. Meanwhile, long odds-on favourite Journalism was encountering his own trouble at the break, emerging last after a bump with a rival. Tarantino, a 72-1 outsider, seized the early lead ahead of fellow longshots Midnight Mammoth and Lure Him In. For a moment, the crowd of 13,432 were watching an unlikely script unfold. But the showdown that many had anticipated was merely delayed. Fierceness, usually on or near the speed, found himself bottled up along the fence in fourth. “It looked like he was trapped. I was concerned that he was a little headstrong,” said Pletcher, who credited Velazquez with the call to split horses and surge early. As they rounded the second turn, the move came – smooth, decisive, and perfectly timed. Journalism was winding up a strong run of his own, but by the time he had clear air, Fierceness had already stolen a winning break. He maintained momentum all the way to the post, finishing 3.25-lengths clear in 2:01, with Journalism beating the rest by 6-and-a-half. The win handed Fierceness a fees-paid berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a race he narrowly lost last year to Sierra Leone. His owners – Repole Stable, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, and Mrs. John Magnier – opted to bypass the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga in favour of shipping west, a gamble that paid off handsomely. The Pacific Classic’s timing, trip and surface match the Breeders’ Cup, and Fierceness now looms as one of the key players heading toward November at Del Mar.
Crawford About to Encounter HK Cauldron
Wednesday, 3rd September 2025
A new chapter begins at Sha Tin on Sunday as Brett Crawford saddles his first Hong Kong runner, launching his latest training venture with Speedy Smartie at the season opener. According to scmp.com, the South African trainer, who celebrates his 54th birthday the same day, is the only new addition to the Hong Kong ranks this term and will be hoping for a strong debut showing from the former Benno Yung-trained galloper, who impressed in a recent trial on the dirt. “He trialled pretty well and he’s come out of it well, so it looks like he’s ready to go,” said Crawford, whose global CV includes 38 Group One wins and close to 1,500 career victories. Twice victorious in the prestigious Durban July in 2023 and 2024, Crawford now faces the challenge of rebuilding from the ground up. “It hasn’t been easy, putting yourself out there in strange territory and unknown to everybody. But I must say the owners here are more than willing to speak to you and make a decision after they’ve met with you, so that’s encouraging.” With a current team of 25 horses, many of them recently raced and now freshened, Crawford believes several are capable of turning their form around. “There are a few that have dropped in rating and look like they can bounce back. If we can turn them around, I’m sure there are a few we can have a bit of fun with.” Since arriving, Crawford has leaned on advice from both local expats and fellow South African trainers Tony Millard and David Ferraris, who each forged successful careers in Hong Kong. Familiar allies have also returned to the fold, with Karis Teetan – who rode for Crawford before relocating in 2013 – already back working horses. “Karis has been doing a lot of work for me since he’s come back from holiday… he and I have worked closely in the past, so he’ll be riding a few, no doubt.” Zac Purton has also trialled one of the team, with Lyle Hewitson, Keagan de Melo and Jerry Chau among others who’ve lent support. “I think Hong Kong’s spoiled for talented riders, so I don’t think you’re ever falling short if you don’t get the one you really wanted,” Crawford added. “I’m sure we’ll have good relationships with most of them.” His early goal is simple: “It’s just about getting the best out of every horse I have in front of me.” In a racing jurisdiction that is the equivalent of a multitude of ‘King’ Lions all fighting for their share of the kill, Crawford will already know that the bar is set very high from the outset.
