A cheer rippled through the stables as Karis Teetan mounted his first runner in the paddock at Sha Tin, his eyes alight with the familiar mix of focus and excitement. For the 35-year-old Mauritian jockey, Sunday’s 2025/26 Sha Tin Season Opener is more than just the first race of the year—it’s a chance to build on a career that has already seen 733 Hong Kong wins.
Teetan, second only to Zac Purton in career victories among current riders, returns determined to improve on last season’s tally of 44 wins. “You’ve got to work for everything. Nothing is easy. I enjoy what I do every day and I look forward to racing every time,” he said.
Last year held memorable moments, including Teetan’s triumph aboard Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup over 1400m. He also notched victories in the HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) on Ensued and the HK$4.2 million G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) on Patch Of Theta.
“It was exciting to ride Ka Ying Rising for the first time over 1400m. That was a highlight for me,” Teetan added.
Riders and Horses to Watch in the Season Opener
This Sunday, Teetan kicks off the season on Harmony N Blessed in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m), facing off against the might of Ka Ying Rising. He will also reunite with Healthy Happy, a seasoned dual Group 3 winner, in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Tai Mo Shan Handicap (1400m).
Trainer Frankie Lor is optimistic about Healthy Happy, who boasts a strong record first-up: “If he gets a bit of luck and he’s feeling fresh, for an older horse, he gives his best.” Opposing them is Taj Dragon, trained by Pierre Ng, who reported positive feedback from a trial last Friday and aims for competitiveness after a slightly unlucky last run.
Teetan will also ride Ka Ying Resilience for dual Hong Kong Champion Trainer David Hayes and debut Speedy Smartie under trainer Brett Crawford’s banner.
International Experience Fuels Local Ambitions
Off-season travels added fresh fuel to Teetan’s drive. Competing in the Shergar Cup at Ascot and representing Hong Kong in Japan at the World All-Star Jockeys series provided a blend of new experiences and familiar connections. “It’s always great to meet new connections and gain different perspectives. It energizes me for the new season,” Teetan said.
Sunday’s Sha Tin Season Opener marks the start of 88 race meetings for 2025/26, kicking off at 1.00pm with the Class 5 Grassy Hill Handicap (1200m). The stage is set for an exhilarating start, with seasoned champions and promising newcomers ready to make their mark.
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