John Size strengthened his bid for a record-extending 13th Hong Kong trainers’ championship with a commanding treble at Sha Tin, securing a four-win advantage in the 2024/25 standings. With his total tally now at 42 wins, he leads David Hayes (38) and remains firmly at the top ahead of the prestigious BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) scheduled for next weekend.
The veteran Australian trainer’s formidable run of form saw him claim victories with Crossborderpegasus, Lifeline Express, and Juneau Pride. The triumph comes just over a week before he saddles key contenders Bundle Award, Mickley, and Beauty Alliance in the highly anticipated HK$26 million Derby.
Crossborderpegasus delivered a strong performance in the Class 4 Azalea Handicap (1200m) under jockey Hugh Bowman. Lifeline Express, partnered with Andrea Atzeni, secured a well-deserved win in the Class 3 Angelonia Handicap (1200m), while Juneau Pride, guided by Brenton Avdulla, excelled in the second section of the Class 3 Cosmos Handicap (1400m).
Size’s stable has demonstrated remarkable momentum following a measured start to the season. This month alone, he has notched up 10 wins across five race meetings, including a treble and three doubles, highlighting his stable’s resurgence at a crucial juncture.
Meanwhile, Hugh Bowman further cemented his status as a leading rider, boosting his seasonal tally to 48 wins—second only to the sidelined Zac Purton (84). Bowman secured three victories on the day, including wins aboard Sunlight Power in the Class 2 The Kowloon Tong Club Trophy Handicap (1600m) and Monarch County in the Class 4 Hydrangea Handicap (1400m).
Reflecting on his successes, Bowman credited favorable race conditions for Sunlight Power’s performance, noting the gelding’s ability to settle into a strong rhythm on rain-affected ground. He also lauded Crossborderpegasus, an undefeated three-year-old with significant potential but acknowledged the horse’s tendency to lay in, which will need to be managed as he progresses in the ratings.
John Size echoed similar sentiments, recognizing Crossborderpegasus’s ability and the importance of his continued development. With promising signs for the future, the young runner remains one to watch as the season unfolds.
Among the day’s other notable performances, Lifeline Express ended a string of close finishes with a well-earned victory, improving his career record to two wins, six seconds, and three thirds, amassing HK$4.36 million in earnings. Monarch County, a Hong Kong International Sale graduate, capitalized on rain-affected conditions to secure his maiden win at his fifth start for trainer Caspar Fownes.
Trainer Manfred Man enjoyed a successful outing with a double, courtesy of Super Strong Kid’s victory in the Class 4 Chinese Hibiscus Handicap (1000m) and Gold Master’s powerful finish under Atzeni in the Class 4 The Association Of Hong Kong Racing Journalists Challenge Cup Handicap (1800m).
David Hayes also remained in contention for the trainers’ championship, with World Hero finally breaking through in the Class 5 Snapdragon Handicap (1200m) under Luke Ferraris at his 10th start. Hayes expressed confidence in the three-year-old’s future, anticipating stronger performances as he matures and develops physically.
On the jockeys’ leaderboard, Brenton Avdulla further solidified his third-place standing with 33 wins, following a successful partnership with Pierre Ng’s Soaring Bronco in the Class 5 Dahlia Handicap (1600m). Additionally, Harry Bentley guided Hong Lok Golf to a determined victory over Size-trained Sky Jewellery in the first section of the Class 3 Cosmos Handicap (1400m), capping off a high-stakes day of racing at Sha Tin.
As the season intensifies, all eyes remain on John Size and his Derby contenders, with the master trainer aiming for his fourth triumph in Hong Kong’s most prestigious race. With a strong team and momentum on his side, he remains the frontrunner in the battle for championship glory.
