On a day that signaled shifting tides in the Hong Kong trainers’ championship, Helios Express finally found his winning moment in a thrilling edition of the Group 3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap. After a season spent playing second fiddle to Ka Ying Rising, the talented four-year-old seized the opportunity in the champion sprinter’s absence, showing tenacity and class to edge out a strong field.
Settling at the back of the 11-horse pack, jockey Hugh Bowman kept his cool aboard Helios Express, waiting patiently as the early leaders Magic Control and Beauty Waves set a hot pace. Once into the home straight, Bowman launched the gelding wide with a powerful finishing drive. The battle to the line was intense, with Invincible Sage — a proven Group 1 performer — offering stiff resistance, but Helios Express prevailed by the narrowest of margins.
The winning time of 1 minute and 8.14 seconds reflected the quality of the contest, with a rapid final sectional of 22.01 seconds sealing the deal for Bowman, who admitted it was a close-run affair. The Australian rider, familiar with both Helios Express and runner-up Invincible Sage, acknowledged the wet surface had brought out the best in both runners, but his mount deserved the result after a campaign full of near misses.
For trainer John Size, the win was not only a vindication of the horse’s persistence but also a significant boost in his bid for a 13th Hong Kong trainers’ crown. With consistent form throughout the season but no major win since early victories in the Classic Cup series, Helios Express had often found Ka Ying Rising a hurdle too high. This time, without that formidable rival, he rose to the occasion.
Size praised his charge’s effort, noting the importance of race conditions and the weight allowance Helios Express received. The high-rated sprinter Lucky Sweynesse, carrying top weight, finished fourth — a result that underscored the unpredictable dynamics of handicap racing.
The win was part of a memorable day for Size, who also celebrated a narrow win with Masterofmyuniverse in the Class 3 Tai Wai Handicap. Guided by Zac Purton, the promising galloper squeezed through a tight gap to notch back-to-back victories and confirm his rising status.
Elsewhere on the card, David Hayes kept the pressure on in the trainers’ race by saddling Lucky Man to victory in a lower division race. Young apprentice Ellis Wong added to his growing reputation, scoring his fifth win of the month aboard Matters Most, who sprinted away in the Class 4 Sha Tin Hoi Handicap’s second section.
Riding talents continued to shine as Luke Ferraris partnered Dazzling Fit to an impressive win for trainer David Eustace. Ferraris spoke highly of the three-year-old’s potential, noting some immaturity but clear signs of promise for the seasons ahead. He capped off a fine day by winning again on Tourbillon Prince for Benno Yung in the Class 3 mile event.
In other highlights, Ka Ying Attack made a statement with a dominant front-running effort for trainer David Hall and jockey Matthew Poon, notching his third win from just six starts. Derek Leung was also in the spotlight, producing a clever ride to steer Lucky My Way to victory after threading through traffic at the right moment.
The dirt track events provided more success stories, with Lyle Hewitson and trainer Mark Newnham combining for a double. New Forest led all the way in the Class 4 Pai Tau Handicap, while later, Talents Ambition secured the Class 2 feature to round off the day in style.
With just a dozen meetings remaining in the current Hong Kong racing season, John Size’s lead in the trainers’ standings has widened to seven wins. As the battle continues, Helios Express’s long-awaited triumph could prove to be a defining moment in both his career and Size’s championship campaign.
Next stop: Happy Valley under the lights on Wednesday night, as the racing drama continues in one of the sport’s most competitive arenas.
