Galaxy Patch, Hong Kong racing’s mercurial mile specialist, will look to etch his name in the history books this Sunday (19 October) as he attempts to defend his crown in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin. Only the legendary Beauty Generation (2017–2018) and California Spangle (2022–2023) have managed consecutive victories in this prestigious mile feature.
Once hailed as the natural successor to Golden Sixty, Galaxy Patch’s rise was briefly overshadowed by the formidable Voyage Bubble, last season’s historic Triple Crown winner. Yet the six-year-old by Wandjina has remained a force in Hong Kong racing, and his return this weekend is eagerly anticipated by connections and fans alike.
Racing first-up after three solid barrier trials, Galaxy Patch will be reunited with jockey Jerry Chau under the guidance of trainer Pierre Ng. Chau is optimistic about the gelding’s enhanced temperament this season.
“Galaxy Patch is more settled down this year. Hopefully, he has a good finish,” Chau said. “In his trials, he’s given me a strong finish every time. I have good hopes for him. He’s a very good horse and has shown his quality.”
Galaxy Patch’s hallmark has always been his devastating turn of foot. His runner-up finish in the 2024 BMW Hong Kong Derby showcased his ability to surge from last place at the 600m mark to almost snatch victory, highlighting the combination of raw talent and electric speed that makes him a Sha Tin Trophy favourite.
Chau added: “It’s a very tough race with My Wish – he’s very good and has a light weight. Voyage Bubble also has the class in the race. But Galaxy Patch picked up really well in his last trial behind My Wish, and I’m really happy with his form.”
The Sha Tin Trophy line-up is a star-studded affair, featuring Voyage Bubble, Red Lion, Beauty Joy, Straight Arron, My Wish, Copartner Prance, Happy Together, Beauty Eternal, Cap Ferrat, Ensued, Sword Point, Victor The Winner, and Moments In Time. Reserves include Sunlight Power, Massive Sovereign, Rubylot, and Bundle Award.
Historically, only Silver Lining (1978 & 1981) and Right Way (1992 & 1996) have claimed the Sha Tin Trophy twice, although neither did so in successive years. First staged in 1978 to commemorate Sha Tin Racecourse’s opening, the race remains one of the city’s most coveted mile contests.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Champion Trainer Frankie Lor (2021/22) is cautiously optimistic with his entries, Happy Together and Sword Point. Happy Together impressed when third first-up under top weight in the HK$4.2 million G3 Celebration Cup Handicap, and Lor hopes the lighter burden this weekend may lift him closer to a prize-money finish.
Sword Point, meanwhile, is being geared for dirt racing, a surface where he previously excelled in Class 2 events. Lor confirmed that gear changes and jockey David Probert aboard could enhance the gelding’s performance.
With Galaxy Patch back to full fitness, tempered by experience, and carrying the weight of last year’s triumph, the Sha Tin Trophy promises an enthralling showdown this Sunday.
Read full coverage of the Sha Tin Trophy and Galaxy Patch’s title defence on RaceBuzz
