Massive Sovereign took an important step towards rebuilding his Hong Kong career with a determined victory in the Class 2 HKEX TECH 100 Cup Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 14 October. The six-year-old finished strongly under Jerry Chau to secure a hard-fought half-length success, recalling the form that carried him to Hong Kong Derby glory in March 2024.
The No Nay Never gelding has endured a frustrating period since that landmark triumph, with recurring injuries keeping him away from racing for a cumulative 16 months. However, a change of trainer to Frankie Lor last season brought encouraging signs of progress, including a staying-on fifth over 1650 metres on his Happy Valley debut on 16 September.
Wednesday’s performance marked a significant return to winning ways in just his 11th Hong Kong start, offering fresh encouragement for the months ahead.
Massive Sovereign Finds Room to Strike at Happy Valley
Breaking from barrier one and carrying 127lb, Massive Sovereign settled towards the rear as Helene Feeling (124lb) dictated a modest early pace. The field began to quicken approaching the bend, leaving the eventual winner with ground to make up as the runners turned for home.
Chau remained patient before finding a gap along the inside. Massive Sovereign responded with a powerful burst over the final 200 metres, producing the decisive move to defeat his rivals by half a length.
Lor admitted that victory had exceeded his expectations, despite the horse’s encouraging preparation.
“I hoped he could run a good race and go close, but for him to win the race was a big surprise,” the trainer said.
He explained that the slow early tempo and acceleration around the turn had left Massive Sovereign at the back of the field, but the opening along the rail proved crucial.
Lor also reflected on the horse’s condition when he first took charge, noting that he was still lame at the time. Seeing him return to the winner’s enclosure was therefore particularly satisfying.
Chau credited the horse’s preparation and ability to settle early for the performance. Having discussed the race plan with Lor and the owner, the jockey expected Massive Sovereign to finish strongly if given the opportunity.
Although the pair encountered a little difficulty near the top of the straight, the six-year-old responded intelligently when room appeared, completing the decisive move with assurance.
Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse and Hong Kong Cup Under Consideration
Massive Sovereign could return to Happy Valley or another suitable assignment in the coming weeks, with Lor identifying the Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) on 8 November as a possible next target.
The trainer also raised the prospect of a start in the Hong Kong Cup during December’s Hong Kong International Races, although the decision will depend on the horse’s physical condition and recovery following Wednesday’s effort.
Lor expects the victory to lift Massive Sovereign’s rating into the 100s, potentially opening the door to stronger company. Nevertheless, his immediate priority will be ensuring that the gelding remains healthy before committing to another assignment.
After such a difficult period, the focus will remain on maintaining his progress rather than rushing him back into competition.
Zac Purton Completes a Treble Before Sydney Trip
Reigning champion jockey Zac Purton enjoyed a memorable final Hong Kong meeting before travelling to Sydney, Australia, where he will defend the Group 1 The Everest title aboard Ka Ying Rising.
Purton opened his account with Cheerful Wongchoy (135lb), who secured a first career victory in the Class 5 D’Aguilar Handicap (1650m). The front-running performance also gave trainer Douglas Whyte his fourth win of the season.
The jockey followed up aboard Shooting To Top (134lb), who captured the first section of the Class 4 Elgin Handicap (1650m) for Cody Mo. The result marked Mo’s ninth win of the season and took Purton to 19 victories from 11 meetings.
Purton completed his treble when China Win (124lb) recorded a third career success in the Class 3 Gage Handicap (1800m) for trainer David Hayes. The result lifted the jockey’s seasonal tally to 20 wins and secured his first treble of the 2026/27 campaign.
Chau and Yuen Add to the Night’s Winners
David Eustace continued his impressive start to the season when Akermanis Gold (128lb) won the second section of the Class 4 Elgin Handicap (1650m). The victory marked back-to-back successes at the city track for the horse, with Chau completing a double on the evening.
Champion trainer Caspar Fownes also celebrated success as Elegant Life (129lb) won the first section of the Class 4 Finance Handicap (1200m). Apprentice Ellis Wong partnered the winner to record his fifth victory of the campaign.
Charming Babe (120lb) returned to winning form in the third section of the same 1200-metre contest, finishing strongly under Nichola Yuen for trainer Ricky Yiu. It was the horse’s first victory in almost a year.
Yuen completed a double when Flashing Fighter (126lb) won the second section of the Class 4 Finance Handicap (1200m), giving Ricky Yiu another success. The lightly raced five-year-old now has two victories from four career appearances.
The evening concluded with Ace Champion (126lb), ridden by Vincent Ho, taking the Class 3 Harbour View Handicap (1200m) for Pierre Ng. The result strengthened the horse’s position in the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge.
Hong Kong racing returns at Sha Tin on Monday, 19 October, with the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) among the principal attractions.
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