Stormy Grove added another significant chapter to the Hong Kong 4YO Series at Sha Tin on Sunday night, producing a sweeping late charge to capture the second leg of the series and confirm his status as one of the city’s most progressive four-year-olds.
Ridden with patience, the son of Toronado settled toward the rear in his familiar rhythm. As the field straightened for home, he was still spotting the leaders several lengths. But once angled into clear running, he lengthened with authority, surging past a group of promising middle-distance rivals to secure a second consecutive victory in decisive fashion.
Invincible Ibis finished strongly to complete an Inglis graduates quinella, yet there was little doubt about the winner in the final strides as Stormy Grove’s acceleration proved telling.
Owners Marc Chan and Lili Chan Li Lei will now aim their talented gelding at the series finale, the Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin on March 22 — the most coveted prize on the local racing calendar. With this latest success, Stormy Grove has propelled himself firmly into the Derby conversation.
Stormy Grove Eyes Hong Kong Derby After Sha Tin Success
Bred by Adam Sangster alongside Rebecca and Simon Lurati’s Ealing Park, John Dickson’s Sandown Lodge and Tim Jones, Stormy Grove began his racing journey in Australia under Patrick and Michelle Payne. He made an immediate impact, scoring impressively on debut at Geelong in December 2024 before finishing an eye-catching second at Flemington in BM70 Saturday grade.
Those performances prompted his transfer to Hong Kong. Originally a $135,000 purchase at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale by Nardoo Valley Stud’s Philip George from the Collingrove Stud draft, he was later secured by Jamie McCalmont on behalf of Marc Chan following his two Australian runs.
Co-breeder Sangster described the win as deeply satisfying.
“It’s a great thrill to co-breed a horse like this,” he said. “It’s a fabulous result for Toronado, who has an incredible record in Hong Kong, and it’s a great boon for our home sale, the Inglis Premier Sale, which showed again today just how strong it is.
“Full credit to Jamie McCalmont, who purchased Stormy Grove on behalf of Marc Chan. This horse has always had ability. He showed it as a yearling, he showed it early in Australia and he’s showing it again here in Hong Kong. He’s now starting to get recognised, and deservedly so.
“The Hong Kong Derby is the biggest race of the year for Hong Kong owners and to have a live chance in a race like that is fabulous.”
The victory marked the fourth straight year an Inglis graduate has taken this middle leg of the series, following Rubylot (2025), Helios Express (2024) and Super Sunny Sing (2023). Inglis alumni have also claimed the opening two contests of this season’s 4YO programme after Little Paradise landed the first leg four weeks ago.
As anticipation builds toward the Derby, Stormy Grove appears to be peaking at the right moment. With his potent closing burst and growing maturity, he has rapidly evolved from promising import to genuine headline act in one of Hong Kong’s most competitive age-restricted contests.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz