The crowd at Happy Valley could feel the electric energy even before the first race on Wednesday night (10 September), as Jerry Chau Happy Valley fans cheered his return. Fresh from a stunning G3 Korea Sprint victory aboard Self Improvement in Seoul last Sunday, Chau carried the emotion of his first overseas Group race triumph across the city circuit.
“It’s a very good racecourse with a big grandstand and lots of people cheering. Being there was an honour,” Chau said. “It was my first overseas Group race winner, and I hope there can be more soon. It’s a very good memory.”
DBS x Manulife Million Challenge Kicks Off at Happy Valley
Happy Valley’s opening meeting of the season also marks the start of the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, worth HK$1.5 million. The competition runs until 4 February 2026, open to horses racing in Class 3 and above, with points awarded for first, second, third, and fourth place finishes.
Last year, David Hayes’ Soleil Fighter dominated the event, accumulating 65 points over three wins for owner Sze-To Kin Sun. Success first-up at Happy Valley provides 15 points, ensuring every race matters for the challengers.
Jerry Chau Happy Valley Rides to Watch
Embraces – Class 3 Central Handicap (1650m)
Drawn wide in barrier 10, Embraces is a come-from-behind runner trained by Cody Mo. Chau is confident about the gelding’s chances:
“He’s in good form, in good shape, and I think he will run good,” he said. A strong opening night performance will see Embraces score key points in the Million Challenge.
Flying Wrote – Class 4 Quarry Bay Handicap (1200m)
Chau also partners Flying Wrote under trainer Tony Cruz. Last season, the gelding finished third on the final day. Chau noted, “I’ve trialled him this season and he was still a little heavy, but after that he will improve.”
Wrote A New Page – Central Handicap
Chasing a hat-trick, four-year-old Wrote A New Page has been gelded during the off-season. Trainer Danny Shum and jockey Harry Bentley are optimistic:
“He finished the season in really good form. I sat on him the other morning and he felt really good. He was moving very, very nicely,” Bentley said.
Regal Gem – Class 3 Wan Chai Handicap (1200m)
Derek Leung rides Regal Gem, who impressed with a final-race win last season under Frankie Lor. Leung commented, “He needed time to acclimatise, but he ran home strong last start. I galloped him recently and he’s holding his form.”
Lucky Sweynesse – Preparing for Japan G1 Sprinters Stakes
Eyeing Nakayama’s G1 Sprinters Stakes (28 September), Lucky Sweynesse finished second in the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap last Sunday. Leung added, “His action was good. Fitness is improving step by step, and he’s pulled up well.”
Sovereign Fund – In-Form Rides for Michael Chang
Trainer Michael Chang starts the season strongly, with Karis Teetan riding last-start winner Sovereign Fund in the Wan Chai Handicap. Teetan said, “Sovereign Fund finished last season really strong. He had a nice trial recently, and we’re happy with his form.”
Season Opener Promises Thrills at Happy Valley
The eight-race fixture begins at 7.05pm with the Class 5 Admiralty Handicap (1200m), launching a season full of anticipation. Fans and punters alike will be watching Jerry Chau Happy Valley rides closely as the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge kicks off.
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