Caspar Fownes strengthened his position at the top of the Hong Kong trainers’ championship standings after a successful Happy Valley meeting on Wednesday night, where he combined with jockey Joao Moreira to build a five-win advantage with only six fixtures remaining.
Hong Kong Trainers’ Championship
Fownes moved to 64 wins for the 2025/26 season after Sky Cap produced a polished performance in the Class 3 Des Voeux Road Central Handicap over 1000 metres. The victory helped the veteran handler maintain control of the title race, with Danny Shum, Mark Newnham, Francis Lui and David Hayes among those still chasing.
The Hong Kong trainers’ championship remains a closely followed contest as the season approaches its final stage.
Sky Cap’s victory came through a patient ride from Moreira, who guided the gelding into the right position before launching the decisive move. The win also added to Moreira’s impressive return since coming back to Hong Kong as Fownes’ retained rider.
The four-time Hong Kong champion jockey has now recorded 24 wins this season, including 21 victories for Fownes.
“It’s getting crucial at this stage,” Fownes said after the race. “I’m very happy for the owners and the whole family. They let me do my job and never put pressure on me.”
Fownes praised Sky Cap’s effort after the decision to drop the horse back to 1000 metres proved successful.
“We gave him a chance to settle behind the speed, one out and one back. That was the winning move. He just lasted, so I’m very happy,” he added.
Cody Mo was another major figure on the night, collecting a treble with Flying Fortune, Meowth and Jumbo Treasure. The emerging trainer has continued to make progress, reaching 45 victories in the 2025/26 campaign after securing 20 wins in his first season and 40 in his second.
“I’m very happy with the three wins,” Mo said after Jumbo Treasure delivered a strong late finish in the Class 3 Leighton Road Handicap over 1200 metres.
Mo’s other victories came with Flying Fortune in the second section of the Class 4 Morrison Hill Road Handicap and Meowth in the Class 4 Racing World 50th Anniversary Cup Handicap.
Luke Ferraris, who partnered Meowth, praised the performance and credited Mo’s team for producing the horse in excellent condition.
Ferraris also ended the meeting on a high note with David Eustace-trained Definitive, who defeated Romantic Gladiator and Fivefortwo in the Class 3 King’s Road Handicap over 1650 metres.
Rosewood Fleetfoot continued his strong course record by winning the Class 5 Ice House Street Handicap over 2200 metres for Ricky Yiu and Karis Teetan, while All Are Mine gave Brett Crawford his 23rd Hong Kong winner during his first season in the region.
Manfred Man also enjoyed a successful evening, recording a double through Blossomy and Danica’s Choice. Blossomy secured the first section of the Class 4 Morrison Hill Road Handicap, while Danica’s Choice broke through in the Class 4 Connaught Road Central Handicap over 1200 metres.
Formerly trained in New Zealand, Danica’s Choice produced a powerful finish to defeat Cloud Nine.
“I told the owner I was confident he had a chance because last time he was close,” Man said. “The draw was my only concern, but he still won.”
With the season entering its closing weeks, attention now turns to the remaining meetings as trainers battle for one of Hong Kong racing’s most respected honours.
Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Saturday, 27 June.
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