Legendary trainer John Size is gearing up for another milestone as he prepares to field a formidable trio in the highly anticipated BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin on March 23. The 12-time Hong Kong champion trainer will send out last-start winners Bundle Award and Beauty Alliance, alongside Mickley, in pursuit of his fourth triumph in the HK$26 million Classic.
Having previously claimed Derby glory with Fay Fay (2012), Luger (2015), and Ping Hai Star (2018), Size is no stranger to success in the prestigious race. He has also come close on multiple occasions, with Endowing (2013), Waikuku (2019), and Tuchel (2023) finishing as runners-up, while Brave Kid (2010) and Beauty Eternal (2023) secured third-place finishes.
Currently leading the 2024/25 Hong Kong trainers’ championship with 42 wins, Size is maintaining a commanding presence, four victories ahead of his closest rival David Hayes (38), followed by Pierre Ng (33), Danny Shum (32), Mark Newnham (32), Ricky Yiu (31), and Caspar Fownes (30). The veteran trainer now hopes his Derby contenders can further solidify his dominant season.
Facing a competitive field that includes Rubylot, My Wish, Johannes Brahms, Stunning Peach, Packing Angel, Noisy Boy, Cap Ferrat, Steps Ahead, Californiatotality, Markwin, and Lo Rider, Size remains optimistic about his chances. Among his trio, Bundle Award and Beauty Alliance have caught the eye with their recent performances, while Mickley looks to bounce back after a challenging run.
“Bundle Award and Beauty Alliance have both been very impressive winners in their last starts, which makes it very exciting heading into the Derby,” said Size. “Mickley has had a tough campaign but has taken it in his stride. His last race didn’t go his way, but he has since had a bit of a break and has come through well. He’s shown his ability before, and his only real blemish was last time out.”
Mickley, a former winner of the Britannia Stakes (1600m) at Royal Ascot in 2024, will have the services of champion English jockey Ryan Moore in the Derby. The gelding is looking to recapture his early form after a disappointing run in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), where he finished 14th behind Rubylot.
Bundle Award surged into Derby contention with an electrifying late charge over 1800m on March 9, producing a blistering 22.11s for the final 400m. The former Australian galloper, who raced as Prince Prawn before arriving in Hong Kong, has won two of his five starts under Size’s guidance. Regular jockey Ben Thompson will continue his association with the Shamus Award gelding.
Meanwhile, Beauty Alliance has shown remarkable improvement this season, progressing from a rating of 50 to emerge as a genuine Derby contender. Dominating his recent races at Happy Valley over 1800m, he has proven his staying ability and racing maturity at the perfect time.
“He’s improved significantly since the start of the season,” Size remarked. “He’s always been a tough horse, and now that he’s had the right amount of racing and distance, he’s starting to shine.” French jockey Alexis Badel, who steered Voyage Bubble to Derby success in 2023, will be hoping to replicate his winning feat aboard Beauty Alliance.
The BMW Hong Kong Derby will also feature an exciting international jockey lineup, with Joao Moreira (Packing Angel), Christophe Soumillon (Noisy Boy), Craig Williams (Cap Ferrat), and William Buick (Markwin) joining Ryan Moore and Alexis Badel in the quest for Classic glory.
With a rich history of training excellence and a powerful trio in contention, John Size is once again primed to make an indelible mark on Hong Kong racing’s most prestigious event.
