There was a quiet satisfaction about Mark Newnham on Thursday night at Sha Tin. The Australian trainer didn’t celebrate wildly or punch the air — he simply smiled, nodded to his team, and walked back toward the barns. Another good night’s work, another step closer to what’s fast becoming a remarkable first full Hong Kong season.
The all-dirt meeting under the floodlights brought Newnham a smart double courtesy of New Forest and Notthesillyone, taking him to 20 wins for the 2025/26 campaign — the first trainer to reach that mark. It was enough to extend his lead in the trainers’ championship to six, ahead of Caspar Fownes (14), with David Hayes (13) and Danny Shum (11) in pursuit.
“It’s been a strong start,” Newnham said modestly. “My goal is to be in the top three, but you can’t maintain an 18.8% strike rate forever. The key is consistency. If we can keep the winners flowing steadily, we’ll give ourselves every chance.”
Hewitson Celebrates Birthday in Style
The night began perfectly for Lyle Hewitson, who marked his 27th birthday aboard New Forest (118lb) in the Class 3 Pyramid Hill Handicap (1650m). Overcoming a wide draw, the pair surged clear to score by three and three-quarter lengths over stablemate Mojave Desert (130lb) and Ariel (118lb).
“It’s a nice end to the day,” said Hewitson. “He jumped quickly, found his rhythm, and when I asked, he gave me everything. It was a strong, confident win.”
Grit and Glory for Notthesillyone
Later in the evening, Notthesillyone (134lb) showcased his resilience to cling on by a neck in the Class 5 Tsim Mei Fung Handicap (1200m), holding off a late charge from Cheer For South (125lb). Luke Ferraris steered him home for his third win of the season with Newnham.
“The track felt heavier tonight,” said Ferraris. “He’s a real fighter — he just kept finding. He struggles to finish on turf, but on dirt he really digs in.”
Chang Joins the Party with Double Success
Michael Chang also had reason to smile, landing a double with Leslie and Super Joy N Fun. The latter’s switch from turf to dirt proved an inspired decision, as the three-time Happy Valley winner stormed to success in the Class 3 Hebe Hill Handicap (1200m) under Alexis Badel.
“I always thought the dirt would suit him,” said Chang. “He’s got the pedigree and the action for it — and now he’s shown he can deliver.”
Veteran Leslie (118lb) earlier snapped a 677-day drought in the Class 4 Tin Ha Shan Handicap (1650m), powering home under Matthew Poon.
Purton, Hayes, and Tsui Add to the Highlights
Zac Purton guided Reliable Profit (135lb) to a commanding three-and-a-quarter length victory in the Class 4 Tiu Yue Yung Handicap (1800m), notching a fourth dirt course win for Danny Shum’s reliable performer — whose career earnings now exceed HK$3 million.
David Hayes was back in the winners’ enclosure too as Night Purosangue (134lb) broke through in the Class 5 Wa Mei Shan Handicap (1650m), with Brenton Avdulla ending a winless spell since September 21.
“He’s still learning, but he’s improving every start,” said Avdulla. “He really likes the all-weather surface.”
Hayes added, “Many late-maturing horses find their stride around this stage. If we keep him on dirt, he’ll continue progressing.”
Rounding off the card, Hinokami Kagura (122lb) struck for Chris So in the first division of the Class 4 Shek Uk Shan Handicap (1200m), while Vulcanus (130lb) handed trainer Me Tsui a fitting 65th birthday present in the second division, under a tactically sharp Hugh Bowman ride.
“The win means a lot — both of us have something to celebrate tonight,” smiled Tsui. “Credit to my stable team for keeping him in top shape.”
Next Stop: Happy Valley
Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Sunday, 2 November, as the 2025/26 season continues to build momentum. For now, though, it’s Mark Newnham who leads the way — his Sha Tin double the latest marker of a trainer quickly finding his stride among Hong Kong’s elite.
Read more Hong Kong racing coverage on RaceBuzz.
