Hollie Doyle’s trademark determination and quiet focus were on full display at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning as the British riding sensation prepared to begin her eagerly anticipated Hong Kong stint. With seven mounts lined up for Wednesday night’s Happy Valley meeting, the world-renowned jockey embarks on a fresh chapter of her global journey — one that blends experience, resilience, and unmistakable ambition.
For Doyle, 29, returning to Hong Kong feels almost like revisiting a familiar challenge — a test of precision and adaptability she’s learned to master. Having already collected five wins in Hong Kong and ten Group 1 triumphs globally, the record-breaking rider arrives with confidence and purpose. In May this year, she cemented her status as Britain’s most successful female jockey, surpassing Hayley Turner with her 1,023rd British victory at Ascot.
“I’ve been very lucky to have been invited to the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship a few times, so I’ve had a good taste of Hong Kong racing,” Doyle said. “You have to adapt very quickly — it’s tactical, tight, and sharp — but that’s part of what makes it so exciting.”
Doyle’s Happy Valley Rides and Key Chances
Doyle’s Hong Kong licence runs until 23 December, allowing her to ride through one of the season’s most high-profile events — the HK$130 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races on 14 December. Her first evening’s book of rides at the city’s tight-turning Happy Valley circuit includes Ever Smart, Roman Crown, Lightning Arrow, Run Run Smart, Inno Century, Young Arrow, and Victory Sky.
After a morning of trackwork and barrier trials at Sha Tin, Doyle assessed her rides with characteristic poise: “I did a few routine canters on my runners for tomorrow. It’s nice to have support from a range of trainers — hopefully we can land a few good results.”
Among her seven mounts, Doyle highlighted Victory Sky as a standout chance. Trained by Ricky Yiu, the consistent gelding steps out in the Class 3 Hanshin Handicap (1650m) carrying 119lb.
“Victory Sky would probably be my best ride of the evening,” Doyle said. “He’s up to 1650 metres, which could bring about improvement, and we’ve got a good draw in three. Hopefully, he can finally get his head in front.”
Rival Stars and Local Momentum
Elsewhere on the card, Hong Kong’s championship leader Zac Purton will again be a major presence. The Australian ace partners Bienvenue (127lb) from barrier six in the Class 3 Nakayama Handicap (1200m) for trainer David Hayes — a combination that has already yielded two victories.
“He ran well last start,” Purton said. “He got out of the gates nicely, travelled in a good rhythm, but was just beaten by a horse that had the softer run. The tempo at Happy Valley should suit him better.”
Trainer Michael Chang, meanwhile, arrives in top form with three wins from his past six starters. He’ll look to continue that momentum when Always My Folks (133lb) lines up in the Class 5 Niigata Handicap (1000m), drawn ideally in barrier one with Karis Teetan aboard.
“I’ve changed his gear this time — blinkers on to make him concentrate more,” Chang explained. “We’ve dropped him back to 1000 metres. No tactics, just jump and go.”
Wednesday’s (5 November) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6:40pm with the Class 5 Chukyo Handicap (2200m). The Class 4 Japan Racing Association Trophy Handicap (1200m) is the fifth race at 8:40pm, while Doyle’s headline mount Victory Sky will feature later in the evening.
With her global experience, relentless work ethic, and sharp racing mind, Hollie Doyle’s Hong Kong campaign promises to add another exciting layer to a remarkable international career.
Hollie Doyle’s Happy Valley debut marks the start of her short-term Hong Kong contract, featuring seven rides and a strong chance aboard Victory Sky. With her signature precision and adaptability, Doyle looks set to make a powerful impression on the Hong Kong circuit through December.
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