Ryan Moore wrapped up his brief but impactful Hong Kong riding tenure in impressive fashion at Happy Valley, securing a double that propelled trainer John Size to the top of the 2024/25 championship standings. With victories aboard GOLDEN RISE and BEAUTY ALLIANCE, Moore concluded his three-meeting stint with four wins and five placings from 26 rides. Size, benefiting from the successful partnership, matched David Hayes with 36 wins for the season but edged ahead due to superior minor placings.
The evening’s success provided a fitting conclusion to Moore’s latest Hong Kong visit. After a challenging day at Sha Tin, where he recorded three minor placings from nine rides, the Englishman rebounded with characteristic determination. Expressing gratitude for the support received, he acknowledged the inevitable ups and downs of competing in one of the world’s most competitive racing jurisdictions and remained hopeful of making a return in the future.
GOLDEN RISE delivered a hard-fought victory over PRIME MORTAR in the Class 4 Kwoon Chung Macau Limousine Rental Services Handicap (1200m), setting the tone for Moore’s night. His second triumph came with BEAUTY ALLIANCE in the Class 4 Kwoon Chung Inclusive & Accessible Service Handicap (1800m), further cementing his productive collaboration with Size.
Fellow British jockey Harry Bentley matched Moore’s feat, securing a brace of wins with EXCELLENCE VALUE and ROMANTIC SON. Bentley’s strength was instrumental in ROMANTIC SON’s narrow success in the Class 3 Kwoon Chung Bus 60th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1200m), earning a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. EXCELLENCE VALUE, trained by Mark Newnham, secured an identical reward with a determined performance in the Class 3 Trans-Island Chinalink Handicap (1650m). Previously known as DIABELLI when trained in Australia, the Fastnet Rock gelding showcased his promise with only his fourth Hong Kong start.
Newnham further bolstered his season’s tally, reaching 30 wins after Alexis Badel steered SPICY GOLD to victory in the Class 3 New Lantao Bus Handicap (1200m). Meanwhile, Hugh Bowman also enjoyed a successful evening, registering a double with SKY VINO in the Class 4 Sichuan Bipenggou Tourist Attractions Handicap (1650m) and DRAGON FOUR SEAS, who led from start to finish in the Class 4 KC Smart Mobility Handicap (1200m). The latter’s triumph marked his second career win in Hong Kong under the guidance of trainer Manfred Man.
Declan McDonogh added his name to the list of winners, securing his first Hong Kong victory aboard NICE BIRDIE in the Class 5 Kwoon Chung Motors Handicap (2200m). The experienced Irish jockey, who has amassed over 1,200 career wins globally, was delighted to break through in Hong Kong, describing his ride as smooth and well-executed. His mount displayed resilience in fending off a late challenge, securing a well-earned triumph.
Angus Chung also enjoyed a milestone moment, registering his first win since returning from a facial fracture sustained in a race fall at Sha Tin on February 9. Guiding Jimmy Ting-trained HARMONY N HOME to victory in the Class 4 Intercontinental Limousine Handicap (1200m), Chung overcame early nerves to deliver a composed performance. The reigning Tony Cruz Award winner expressed relief and satisfaction at rediscovering his winning touch, aiming to build on this momentum.
Hong Kong racing now shifts focus to Sha Tin, where the next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, promising another thrilling day of competition.
