Entering his third training season in Hong Kong, Australian conditioner Mark Newnham is enjoying the most fruitful spell of his career. Having closed out his debut campaign with 31 wins, he added another 44 victories in 2024/25. As of the end of December 2025, Newnham sits second in the trainers’ premiership with 26 wins, celebrating a milestone 100th Hong Kong victory at Sha Tin on 20 December when rising four-year-old Invincible Ibis stormed home.
A key factor behind his success has been the Conghua training base, with 17 of his 26 wins this season coming from horses prepared there before their last start. His latest Conghua-trained success came with New Forest, who made all to claim a dirt 1650m event on 27 December.
Newnham attributes much of his stable’s consistent performances to the world-class facilities at Conghua. “There are different training options in Conghua, allowing you to prepare horses in varied ways and environments. The track and facilities are much quieter, which suits horses that don’t have the temperament to stay at Sha Tin full-time,” he explained.
The Conghua complex offers an uphill gallop, water walker, and spacious paddocks, giving horses the chance to relax and maintain peak condition. Horses like Spicy Gold have thrived, winning four races after moving to the quieter environment of Conghua. Mid Winter Wind has also flourished, benefiting from the variety of training exercises that keep him mentally sharp and physically ready for competitive racing.
Newnham typically keeps a team of 25 to 30 horses at Conghua, with a rotation system that sees many shuttling between the mainland and Hong Kong just days before racing. This approach allows horses to maintain condition, adapt to travel, and consistently perform at their best.
Reflecting on the broader contribution of Conghua, Newnham praised the facility not only for training but as a racing venue. “The track is well designed, giving horses fair opportunities from all barriers. The surface is consistently maintained in excellent condition. It benefits owners, trainers, and jockeys alike, and in the years ahead, it will play an increasingly important role in Hong Kong racing.”
Mark Newnham 100 Hong Kong Wins milestone was celebrated in style as his Conghua-trained stars continued to shine on the Sha Tin track.
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