As the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge at Happy Valley reaches its climax on Wednesday, all eyes are on RYAN MOORE, whose presence could be the decisive factor in the series finale. The highly accomplished jockey, who has secured the LONGINES World’s Best Jockey Award four times (2014, 2016, 2021, and 2023), is set to ride two of the four remaining contenders in the competition.
Currently leading the standings with 50 points, SOLEIL FIGHTER will have MOORE in the saddle for the Class 3 Tsui Man Handicap (1650m), while ETERNAL FORTUNE, positioned fourth with 40 points, will also benefit from the expertise of the internationally acclaimed rider in the Class 3 King Kwong Handicap (1000m). With a points system rewarding 15 points for victory, six for second place, four for third, and three for fourth, the title remains within reach for I CAN (42 points) and AURORA LADY (36 points), making the final night of the series a thrilling spectacle.
Despite not participating in the final race, GUSTOSISIMO remains second on the leaderboard with 42 points, leaving the title race open. The winning connections will receive HK$1 million, with HK$350,000 awarded to the runner-up and HK$150,000 for third place.
MOORE’s return to Hong Kong extends beyond the Happy Valley contest, as he is also set to compete at Sha Tin in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on Sunday. Expressing his enthusiasm about riding in Hong Kong again, he acknowledged the privilege of competing in one of the world’s most professionally managed racing jurisdictions. Having been inactive since his last ride in the Arima Kinen in Japan last December, he recently resumed racing in Saudi Arabia and is eager to continue his momentum before the start of the season back home in March.
Trainer DAVID HAYES has placed his confidence in MOORE for SOLEIL FIGHTER, believing the gelding is well-positioned to capitalize on his good draw from barrier one. Reflecting on the advantage of securing a world-class jockey for the ride, HAYES emphasized his expectations for a strong performance, particularly given SOLEIL FIGHTER’s solid third-place finish at Happy Valley just a week earlier.
Adding another layer of competition, trainer PIERRE NG will look to challenge MOORE’s dominance with I CAN in the Tsui Man Handicap, a contest that could ultimately determine the series winner. Meanwhile, AURORA LADY remains in contention, needing a victory in the Class 3 Sing Woo Handicap (1200m) and favorable results elsewhere to claim the title.
Last season, the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge saw TOMODACHI KOKOROE and COPARTNER AMBITION share top honors in a series that runs from September to February, featuring Class 3 races and above. For trainers and owners, winning this competition is not just about the prize money—it is also an opportunity to showcase their horse’s colors prominently throughout the season.
Beyond the Million Challenge, HAYES has outlined an ambitious path for KA YING RISING, who is set to contest the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on 30 March following his recent triumph in the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m). The sprinter has emerged from his latest race in excellent condition and will continue preparations at Conghua. If he remains undefeated in his next two starts, he will equal the Hong Kong record of eight wins in a season, a feat previously achieved by champions BEAUTY GENERATION and LUCKY SWEYNESSE.
The nine-race card at Happy Valley on Wednesday night kicks off at 6:40 pm with the Class 1 Blue Pool Handicap (1200m), setting the stage for an exhilarating night of high-stakes racing.
