Red Lion delivered one of the most surprising results in recent Hong Kong racing history by clinching a thrilling win in the prestigious FWD Champions Mile at Sha Tin. On a day that had many expecting a different outcome, the six-year-old gelding defied odds and expectations to secure a hard-fought victory over the favored Voyage Bubble.
Starting from the widest gate and listed as a 89/1 longshot, Red Lion’s triumph was as dramatic as it was historic. He became the highest-priced winner ever in this HK$24 million Group 1 contest, showcasing unwavering determination throughout the mile-long journey. The closing stages of the race were tense, not only due to the tight finish but also because of an inquiry into contact between the leading duo, which momentarily cast uncertainty over the final result.
Owned by Ronald and Johanna Arculli, Red Lion carries the legacy of an ownership group deeply rooted in the sport. Ronald Arculli, a former chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, has been associated with some of the city’s most iconic horses, including Red Cadeaux and River Verdon. Red Lion has now added a significant chapter to that storied history with this remarkable performance.
This latest victory marks Red Lion’s sixth career win from 29 starts and brings his total earnings to nearly HK$35 million. For trainer John Size, it represents his fifth win in the Champions Mile, a testament to his enduring ability to prepare horses for elite-level competition. Jockey Hugh Bowman, who piloted Red Lion to victory, admitted to being almost speechless after the race, praising the horse’s grit and the stable’s preparation.
The early stages saw Red Lion move sharply across from his wide barrier to take the lead, while Voyage Bubble shadowed him closely. The two horses distanced themselves from the rest of the field in the stretch, setting up a gripping duel to the finish. Sunlight Power, under Christophe Soumillon, ran a strong race to finish third, though the distance may have been slightly beyond his best range. My Wish came in fourth after a valiant effort.
Bowman credited Red Lion’s resilience and adaptability, noting that he hadn’t planned to lead but trusted the horse’s ability. He also pointed out that the slightly softer track conditions may have played into their hands. Meanwhile, Size highlighted the mental strength of Red Lion, saying the gelding’s mindset was instrumental in getting him across the line first. He emphasized that winning at this level requires not only talent and consistency, but also favorable race conditions, all of which came together on this occasion.
Voyage Bubble’s rider, James McDonald, expressed pride in his mount’s performance, despite falling just short. The Ricky Yiu-trained runner was gallant in defeat and will likely remain a major force in future Group 1 races. Meanwhile, Soumillon was upbeat about Sunlight Power’s prospects, confident that the horse has more to offer at shorter distances.
Further down the field, Galaxy Patch, Happy Together, and Beauty Joy completed the top half of the finishing order, while some notable names such as Beauty Eternal and Mr Brightside finished well off the pace.
As the excitement of this upset win settles, the Hong Kong racing calendar marches on with the next meeting scheduled at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Red Lion’s victory will surely be remembered as one of the season’s most memorable moments, a reminder of how unpredictable and thrilling the sport can be.
