The tension was high at Sha Tin on Saturday morning as trainer Francis Lui leaned in for a quiet moment with his stable star. A soft kiss on Chancheng Glory’s nose before departure to Seoul summed it up perfectly: Hong Kong racing is hungry for a breakthrough, and this weekend could deliver one.
Hong Kong’s Overseas Test Begins
On Sunday, September 7, the city’s attention splits between Sha Tin and South Korea, where trainers Francis Lui and Manfred Man look to secure their first overseas victories.
Lui, crowned Hong Kong Champion Trainer in 2023/24, sends Chancheng Glory into the G3 Korea Cup (1800m, sand), while his runners Copartner Prance (115lb) and Divano (115lb) contest the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin.
Meanwhile, Man will unleash Self Improvement in the G3 Korea Sprint (1200m, sand) before saddling superstar Lucky Sweynesse (126lb), who resumes against Ka Ying Rising (135lb) in the feature sprint at home.
Chancheng Glory Ready, Self Improvement Tested
Drawn in barrier two, Chancheng Glory faces his first-ever race on sand, but Lui believes the gelding’s American pedigree could play to his advantage.
“He’s settled in well and eating nicely. Being American-bred, the surface should suit him, but Korean sand is deep, and the track runs anti-clockwise. If he relaxes, he can perform well,” Lui said.
Self Improvement, drawn gate seven, enters uncharted territory against an unfamiliar field in Seoul. A proven Sha Tin dirt performer, his biggest challenge will be adapting to the track conditions and tempo of the race.
Japanese Contenders Dominate the Seoul Threat
Adding further pressure, Japanese runners arrive in full force, having claimed the past two editions of both the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint.
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Sunrise Hawk, Tagano Beauty, and Chikappa line up in the sprint.
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Ramjet, Dura Erede, and Diktaean tackle the Cup, bringing formidable form credentials.
Ramjet, the 2024 JPNG1 Tokyo Derby winner, shapes as the likely favourite, boasting strong form lines through 2025 Saudi Cup hero Forever Young. Meanwhile, Dura Erede, a proven Group 1 mare, adds depth to the challenge after placing behind elite rivals Ushba Tesoro and Lemon Pop.
Lucky Sweynesse Headlines Sha Tin Feature
Back in Hong Kong, the spotlight falls on Lucky Sweynesse, the four-time Group 1 winner, who seeks to defend his HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup crown before targeting the G1 Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama on 28 September.
Trainer Manfred Man remains optimistic despite facing Ka Ying Rising, the world’s top-rated sprinter:
“It’s a tough race, but Lucky is sharp and well-prepared. The main aim is Nakayama, but he’s capable of giving a strong showing here,” Man said.
What’s at Stake for Hong Kong Racing
With 10 races at Sha Tin and two high-profile Group 3 clashes in Seoul, Sunday promises to be a defining day for Hong Kong’s international ambitions. Victory for either Chancheng Glory or Self Improvement would mark a significant milestone, proving the city’s ability to compete on racing’s global stage.
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