Harry Bentley will make his return to competitive action at Sha Tin on Sunday, September 6, after an arm injury brought his previous Hong Kong season to an early end. The 34-year-old rider is set to reunite with Tomodachi Kokoroe in the HK$4.2 million G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap over 1,200 metres, part of a 10-race programme that will also feature the return of dual Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ka Ying Rising.
HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup 2026 will headline the opening-day programme at Sha Tin.
Bentley was sidelined after being dislodged during a race in June, suffering injuries to his arm that required surgery the following morning. A plate was inserted into his left arm, and rehabilitation began immediately.
The recovery progressed smoothly, allowing Bentley to return to trackwork and trials last month. While the physical setback was handled well, the timing was difficult for a jockey who had been enjoying one of his strongest campaigns in Hong Kong.
Bentley had been moving towards the 40-winner mark for the first time in a Hong Kong season before the injury interrupted his progress. Among his notable successes was victory aboard Tomodachi Kokoroe in the G2 Premier Bowl Handicap over 1,200 metres.
He also partnered Stormy Grove to victory in the Hong Kong Classic Cup over 1,800 metres, which became Bentley’s most valuable success since beginning his Hong Kong career.
The enforced break also gave Bentley an opportunity to step away from racing and spend time with family and friends before beginning the final stages of his rehabilitation. Now back in the saddle, he is targeting another productive season and hopes to surpass the 40-winner milestone.
Since joining the Hong Kong circuit during the 2020/21 season, Bentley has recorded 159 winners. He finished last season with 34 victories, while his best seasonal tally stands at 39, achieved in 2023/24.
His comeback will immediately bring a familiar partnership back into focus. Tomodachi Kokoroe, trained by David Hayes, is among six runners entered for the Chief Executive’s Cup and has already shown that a break between races can suit.
The veteran will also carry the lightest weight in a contest that includes Ka Ying Rising, who has been allocated 135lb. The Hayes-trained star will be attempting to extend an extraordinary winning sequence to 21 consecutive victories.
Tomodachi Kokoroe produced some of his best work early last season and enters the race with plenty of experience behind him. The smaller field could also give Bentley the opportunity to settle into his return without an overly crowded contest.
The presence of Ka Ying Rising, however, gives the race an obvious focal point. The unbeaten champion will command considerable attention as the season begins, with history within reach if the winning run continues.
Bentley will have six rides across Sunday’s card, giving the returning jockey a full afternoon of opportunities rather than a single comeback appearance. Among them will be Flying Fortress, another horse with which he has established a strong association.
The Sha Tin meeting will begin with admission from 10.30am, while the first race is scheduled for 12.30pm. For Bentley, the opening fixture will mark the end of a lengthy wait and the start of another campaign in Hong Kong.
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