Hugh Bowman delivered a masterclass at Happy Valley on Wednesday evening, claiming a brilliant treble that pushed his season tally past 70 wins—his best in Hong Kong so far. As he gears up for the prestigious Shergar Cup at Ascot in August, this dominant performance further cements the 44-year-old Australian’s standing among the top riders in the region.
The night kicked off with Bowman partnering Notthesillyone and Shinkansen in back-to-back wins, both of which came down to narrow margins. These victories not only added to his growing tally but also allowed him to surpass his previous season-best of 69 wins. His final flourish came aboard Jumbo Legend in the feature Class 2 Begonia Handicap (1800m), where he timed a sweeping late charge to perfection, finishing powerfully down the outside to overhaul Woodfire Bro and Cambridge in a time of 1:48.64.
Now sitting on 71 wins with just two meetings left in the Hong Kong season, Bowman trails only Zac Purton, who holds a commanding lead in the jockeys’ standings with 132 victories. Reflecting on his progress, Bowman acknowledged that remaining injury-free has played a key role in his consistency this year. Compared to last season, which was hindered by time off due to injury and suspensions, the extended stint in the saddle has helped him build momentum and confidence.
Looking ahead, Bowman confirmed his upcoming participation in the Shergar Cup on 9 August, where he will join forces with Karis Teetan as part of the Rest of The World team. The international invitational, held at Ascot, is one of the most unique events on the racing calendar and promises to keep Bowman sharp during the Hong Kong off-season.
Earlier in the card, Bowman executed a perfectly judged ride on Notthesillyone in the Class 5 Hawthorn Handicap (1000m), slipping through to score after tracking the early pace. He followed that up by guiding Shinkansen to success in the Class 5 Magnolia Handicap (1650m), showcasing his versatility and tactical awareness. Trainer Mark Newnham was full of praise for Bowman’s ride, noting the jockey’s sharp decision-making and ability to follow through on the planned tactics.
It wasn’t just Bowman who had reason to celebrate. Douglas Whyte’s Ace Power, ridden by Luke Ferraris, came home strongly to land the first section of the Class 4 Garden Handicap (1200m), giving Whyte a double on the night. Meanwhile, Red Majesty, the veteran of David Hayes’ yard, scored a landmark tenth win over the 1650m course at Happy Valley under Antoine Hamelin. The remarkable eight-year-old continues to defy age, and while this was expected to be his swansong, Hayes hinted that retirement may be reconsidered given his continued strong form.
Pierre Ng was left optimistic about the future after Victor The Rapid dominated the second section of the Class 4 Garden Handicap (1200m). With Jerry Chau aboard, the lightly raced gelding was given a patient ride before launching an impressive finishing burst. Ng expressed confidence in the horse’s development, suggesting bigger things could lie ahead.
Debutant Lucky Twenty, trained by Jimmy Ting and ridden by James Orman, delivered a surprise win in the Class 4 Fa Po Handicap (1000m). Despite drawing a wide gate and showing nerves in the paddock, the youngster displayed plenty of tenacity to fend off challenges and secure victory, marking Orman’s 12th success of his current Hong Kong stint.
Later in the evening, Whizz Kid ended a lengthy drought with a determined run in the Class 3 Briar Handicap (1000m), giving trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Harry Bentley something to smile about. Sovereign Fund closed the program with another strong finish in the Class 3 Cotton Tree Handicap (1200m), adding to Teetan’s tally and providing trainer Michael Chang with a late-season highlight.
The action now shifts to Sha Tin this Sunday, 13 July, for the final twilight fixture of the 2024/25 season, where the momentum built at Happy Valley is sure to carry through to a thrilling finish.
