The roar of the crowd and the sparkle of floodlights at Happy Valley set the perfect stage for Hollie Doyle to mark her return to Hong Kong racing in spectacular fashion. On Wednesday night (5 November), the 29-year-old jockey steered Run Run Smart to victory in the Class 4 Japan Racing Association Trophy Handicap (1200m), notching her first Hong Kong winner and adding another memorable chapter to the gelding’s career.
It was a story of reunion and triumph. Run Run Smart, a Dandy Man gelding, had tasted victory under Doyle’s guidance in Britain as a two-year-old at Chester before moving to the yard of Frankie Lor. Their partnership rekindled in Hong Kong proved instantly fruitful.
“Obviously, he jumped really clean – jumped really well – and had the gate speed he showed last time over 1400 metres,” Doyle said. “Back down to 1200 on the sharp track, I just made use of him, but I was going a bit too quick, to be honest. I managed to get a little breather into him and he went again and managed to get his head in front. I’m pretty lucky to have had the opportunity to ride a horse like this with a good chance – I don’t take it for granted. I just want to ride winners.”
Doyle, who has a short-term Hong Kong licence until 23 December, is set to feature in the prestigious LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) on 10 December alongside global stars including Ryan Moore, Zac Purton, Mickael Barzalona, Joao Moreira, Christophe Lemaire, James McDonald, William Buick, Rachel King, and Umberto Rispoli.
The night also belonged to Frankie Lor’s Regal Gem (135lb), who extended his lead in the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge with a decisive win in the Class 3 Nakayama Handicap (1200m), taking his points tally to 36 and earning promotion to Class 2. Derek Leung’s precise handling provided a double for the trainer-jockey duo.
Brett Crawford celebrated his first Happy Valley winner when Jerry Chau guided Speedy Smartie (133lb) to triumph in the Class 5 Niigata Handicap (1000m), completing a dramatic turnaround just three days after finishing second over 1200m. Crawford praised the Satono Aladdin gelding for his resilience, highlighting the horse’s exceptional form since joining his yard.
Other notable victories included Hugh Bowman’s stylish return with Corleone (130lb) in the Class 4 Tokyo Handicap (1650m) and Zac Purton reaching his 30-win milestone for the season aboard Tourbillon Golfer (132lb) in the third section of the Class 4 Kyoto Handicap (1200m). Luke Ferraris and Purton both celebrated doubles, while Karis Teetan piloted Super Hong Kong (116lb) to his first win since July 2023 in the Class 5 Chukyo Handicap (2200m).
Hong Kong racing now turns its focus to Sha Tin on Sunday (9 November) for the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day, headlined by the HK$4.2 million G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m).
Read more about Hollie Doyle’s Hong Kong racing exploits on RaceBuzz.
