The final jewel of the Hong Kong Triple Crown, the prestigious Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (G1), is set to take center stage at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, May 25, 2025. As one of Hong Kong’s most storied and valuable races, this Group 1 feature has long symbolized excellence, endurance, and elite competition in the territory’s racing calendar. With a lucrative prize purse of HK$13 million and elite contenders vying for glory, the event has become a magnet for top-tier trainers, owners, and jockeys. Its placement as the third and final leg of the Triple Crown—following the Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and the Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m)—adds further prestige to the day, which will feature a nine-race card and attract racing fans from across the region.
This historic race was first introduced in 1870 as the Champion Stakes. In 1926, it was renamed the Chater Cup in honor of Sir Catchick Paul Chater, a key figure in the development of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The name was changed again in 1955 to the Champions & Chater Cup, and the race distance was standardized at 2400 meters, where it remains today. In 2015, the race was elevated to Group 1 status, cementing its place as one of the most important races in Hong Kong’s thoroughbred calendar. Since 2010, Standard Chartered Bank has served as the race’s title sponsor, giving the race its current name—the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup. The combination of historical prestige, elite international appeal, and a substantial prize purse ensures the event’s position at the pinnacle of Hong Kong racing.
As of May 12, 2025, eleven horses have been entered for this year’s running. The current lineup includes Bundle Award trained by J Size, Cap Ferrat trained by K W Lui, Ensued trained by J Size, Five G Patch trained by A S Cruz, La City Blanche also trained by A S Cruz, Moments In Time trained by C S Shum, Noisy Boy trained by C H Yip, Rubylot trained by D A Hayes, Sword Point trained by F C Lor, Voyage Bubble trained by P F Yiu, and Winning Dragon, another entry from the A S Cruz yard. Final declarations for the race are expected on May 22, 2025, after which the field will be confirmed for the much-anticipated showdown.
In 2024, the race saw a historic moment when Rebel’s Romance became the first internationally trained horse to win the Champions & Chater Cup. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick for the Godolphin stable, Rebel’s Romance triumphed in a time of 2:25.62, underlining the international prestige and reach of the event. In previous years, Russian Emperor had secured back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2023, further emphasizing the caliber of horses that compete in this illustrious race. Perhaps the most iconic figure in the race’s history is River Verdon, who dominated the event with four consecutive victories from 1991 to 1994—a feat that remains unmatched. Other notable multiple winners include Super Win, who claimed the race three years in a row from 1975 to 1977; Silver Lining, who was victorious in 1978, 1979, and 1981; and Viva Pataca, who lifted the Cup in 2006, 2007, and again in 2009.
Race day on May 25, 2025, promises a packed schedule with nine races on the card. The first race is set to begin at 12:30 p.m., building anticipation throughout the afternoon. The day’s highlight, the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup, is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. and is expected to draw major attention both locally and internationally. Beyond its domestic importance, the race often serves as a springboard for contenders aiming for prestigious targets overseas, including competitions in Japan, Australia, and Europe. The event’s reputation as a showcase of top-class middle-distance talent makes it a crucial fixture not just in the local calendar but on the broader international racing stage.
The Champions & Chater Cup continues to stand as a celebration of Hong Kong’s vibrant horse racing culture and rich sporting heritage. The continued sponsorship from Standard Chartered has helped elevate the race’s profile globally, ensuring its place among the elite racing events worldwide. As excitement builds for the 2025 edition, racing fans and connections alike will be watching closely to see which contender will add their name to the illustrious roll of honor. Whether you are following from the grandstands at Sha Tin or tuning in from across the globe, this year’s finale of the Hong Kong Triple Crown promises a spectacular afternoon of racing at its very finest.
