Maxime Guyon is no stranger to Sha Tin’s biggest afternoons, and the French rider will return to a familiar stage this Sunday when he partners the progressive Top Dragon in the Hong Kong Classic Mile. Fifteen years after steering Ambitious Dragon to Derby glory, Guyon is again at the heart of Hong Kong’s four-year-old narrative, this time chasing early-season honours in the opening leg of the Classic Series.
Guyon’s association with Hong Kong racing is forever tied to Ambitious Dragon, one of the territory’s modern greats. The powerful gelding captured 13 victories between 1400 metres and 2000 metres, earned dual Hong Kong Horse of the Year titles, and amassed HK$58.72 million in prize money. His 2011 Derby triumph remains a defining moment, not only for the horse but also for a then-young rider tasting Hong Kong success for the first time.
Reflecting on that breakthrough, Guyon recalled a partnership built on class and simplicity. Ambitious Dragon, he said, possessed a decisive turn of foot and a temperament that made him a joy to ride — qualities that carried him through a dominant four-year-old campaign that also included success in the Hong Kong Classic Cup.
Hong Kong Classic Mile Sets the Early Test
The Hong Kong Classic Mile marks the opening chapter of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, a programme that has carried its current identity since the 2016/17 season. The mile contest is followed by the Hong Kong Classic Cup over 1800 metres on 1 March, before the series culminates in the Hong Kong Derby later that month, a race that continues to define careers.
Top Dragon arrives at this assignment as a steadily improving contender. The Pierata gelding has progressed through the grades with each of his 11 starts and recently tested himself in Class 2 company. Over the Sha Tin mile, he finished third behind Sagacious Life after encountering congestion at a key stage, yet still produced the fastest closing sectional of the race, a telling indicator of his development.
A subsequent trial offered further encouragement. Partnered by Guyon, Top Dragon finished strongly behind Group 3 winner Patch Of Theta, closing ground late without being fully extended. The rider reported the gelding to be straightforward and in good order, noting that his previous run suggested there was still improvement to come.
Trainer Chris So oversaw a light workout earlier in the week, with Top Dragon stretching out alongside stablemate Carryon Smiling. The pair moved smoothly through the exercise, reinforcing confidence that the four-year-old is holding his form at the right time.
Guyon’s current Hong Kong stint has been productive, yielding 11 winners from 113 rides since November. His highlight came with a top-level success aboard Sosie in the Hong Kong Vase, adding to a growing record of big-race performances during his short-term engagement.
Sunday’s Hong Kong Classic Mile has drawn a deep entry list, featuring established performers such as Sagacious Life, Little Paradise, Beauty Bolt and Patch Of Cosmo, alongside a host of emerging talents still shaping their Classic credentials. Reserves remain on standby should places become available, underlining the strength and depth of the four-year-old crop.
Away from Sunday’s feature, the Chris So stable has also been active with Sing Dragon, who produced a commanding display in a recent dirt trial at Sha Tin. The gelding is being aimed at international sprint targets later in the season, highlighting the broader ambitions within the yard.
For Guyon, however, attention is firmly fixed on the mile ahead. With memories of past triumphs and a promising partner beneath him, the Frenchman returns to Sha Tin once more, hoping the Hong Kong Classic Mile can open another memorable chapter.
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