A soft pat on the neck, a nod from trainer David Eustace, and a quiet smile from Harry Bentley told the story before the horses even left the parade ring. Fresh from an impromptu British racing cameo, Bentley is hoping for a winning start to the 2025/26 Hong Kong season when he partners Victor The Winner in Sunday’s HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin.
The 33-year-old English jockey will ride Victor The Winner — last year’s HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup champion — for the first time. The seven-time course and distance victor jumps from barrier eight alongside an elite field that includes world-class sprinters Ka Ying Rising and Lucky Sweynesse.
Victor The Winner Looks to Repeat Glory
Victor The Winner carries the minimum weight of 115lb, giving Bentley optimism in a race where weight can make all the difference. “I galloped him on Tuesday, and he felt very well,” Bentley said. “We’re taking on the likes of Ka Ying Rising, so it’s a tough ask for anyone, but a horse with that sort of weight always has a chance. I’m happy with the ride and looking forward to giving it a good crack.”
The HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup is one of the most prestigious sprints in Hong Kong racing, with Ka Ying Rising — the world’s highest-rated sprinter — attempting to become a two-time winner, carrying 135lb. Victor The Winner joins Lucky Sweynesse (2022) and Ka Ying Rising (2024) in pursuit of a rare second triumph in this storied event.
Field and Weights: A Battle of Champions
Apart from Victor The Winner and Ka Ying Rising, the race features nine other runners: Lucky With You, Beauty Waves, Copartner Prance, Raging Blizzard, Magic Control, Bottomuptogether, Divano, Gorgeous Win, and Harmony N Blessed — all carrying 115lb. The diversity of the field sets up a thrilling test of speed, stamina, and tactical skill, making every stride at Sha Tin critical.
Bentley’s riding program on Sunday includes three other mounts — Flying Akeed, Golden Fairy, and Yoda’s Choice — giving him a busy start to the season and a chance to showcase his skill across multiple races.
Bentley’s Unexpected British Cameo
Bentley had planned a quiet off-season, but an invitation to ride in the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York changed that. He ended up riding six races, including a partnership with Spicy Marg, in a brief but productive stint that allowed him to keep race-sharp and refine tactics.
“It was purely a holiday, but the offer to ride in the Nunthorpe was too good to turn down,” Bentley reflected. “York is one of the best tracks in the country. It was a great chance to get my eye in before the Hong Kong season kicks off and also to see how World Pool meetings operate. It’s valuable experience for the profile of any jockey.”
Sha Tin Racecourse: Setting the Stage
The 2025/26 Hong Kong season opens on Sunday, September 7, with the Class 5 Grassy Hill Handicap (1200m) at 1pm, setting the tone for a weekend packed with elite sprinting action. With the eyes of racing enthusiasts focused on Victor The Winner and his new partnership with Bentley, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
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Get full race details and entries at Hong Kong Jockey Club.
