As the 2024/25 Hong Kong racing season draws to a close, Mark Newnham is already setting his sights on the future. The Australian trainer, now in his second season in Hong Kong, has much to be proud of after securing 43 wins and witnessing the incredible rise of his stable star, My Wish. Despite a few frustrating second-place finishes in recent months, Newnham remains upbeat, confident that his lightly raced horses will deliver stronger results next season.
My Wish has proven to be a transformative horse for Newnham, elevating the trainer’s profile with a series of high-level performances. From his dominant win in the Hong Kong Classic Mile to narrowly missing out in the Hong Kong Derby, My Wish’s consistent showing has been impressive. The colt rounded out the campaign with a gritty fourth-place run in the prestigious Champions Mile, showcasing both class and resilience. The horse’s development has been so remarkable that he was named the Most Improved Horse of the season, a fitting accolade for a gelding who climbed 51 rating points over the course of the year.
Looking ahead, Newnham has carefully mapped out My Wish’s path for the 2025/26 season, which will begin with a tilt at the Group 3 Celebration Cup over 1400 metres. Plans are also in place to target both Group 2 mile races before heading toward the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races in December, where he hopes his star can cement his place among the elite.
Meanwhile, Newnham will saddle five contenders at Happy Valley for the Wednesday night finale. Among them is Full Credit, who will be running for only the second time following throat surgery. Though the comeback run left much to be desired, Newnham is hopeful the gelding will show marked improvement. Tactical Command also returns with solid city form under his belt, aiming to convert recent runner-up finishes into a win in the Class 4 sprint. Lucky Sam Gor, another promising prospect, steps out from a favourable draw and brings with him encouraging trial form.
Wednesday night’s racing will also bring the climax of the Tony Cruz Award battle, which celebrates the top homegrown jockey of the season. With just one win separating the top three contenders—Matthew Poon, Matthew Chadwick, and Derek Leung—the contest is expected to be fierce. Poon, who sits atop the standings with 36 wins, has a strong book of seven rides, including Full Credit. Chadwick and Leung, on 35 and 34 wins respectively, each have eight chances to tilt the balance in their favour.
As the curtain falls on a compelling season, Newnham’s progress and My Wish’s rise have added a refreshing narrative to Hong Kong racing. With eyes already fixed on next season, the buzz around this trainer-horse duo is only set to grow.
