SOLEIL FIGHTER delivered a commanding performance at Happy Valley, securing the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge title and cementing trainer David Hayes’ place at the top. Unlike last year, when Hayes had to share the title, this time he stood alone as SOLEIL FIGHTER clinched victory in the Class 3 Tsui Man Handicap (1650m) under the skilled guidance of jockey Ryan Moore.
Entering the race with an impressive 50 points, SOLEIL FIGHTER, the 1.4 market favorite, held on to claim victory and secure the HK$1 million bonus for connections. The DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, which runs from September to February, operates on a points system rewarding consistency in Class 3 races at Happy Valley. With 65 points, SOLEIL FIGHTER emerged as the undisputed champion, while AURORA LADY and RED ELEGANCE secured second and third places, earning HK$350,000 and HK$150,000, respectively.
Hayes, who previously won the 2023/24 edition with TOMODACHI KOKOROE in a shared victory with Danny Shum’s COPARTNER AMBITION, expressed satisfaction with this year’s outright win. SOLEIL FIGHTER, owned by Sze-To Kin Sun, has been a model of consistency this season, registering three wins and four placings. Hayes acknowledged the owner’s patience and support, particularly given the horse’s initial setbacks upon arrival.
The victory capped off a successful period for Hayes, who had recently celebrated triumph in the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) with KA YING RISING. Looking ahead, he has high hopes for RUBYLOT and MONDIAL in the upcoming HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) at Sha Tin. Hayes also hinted at future plans for SOLEIL FIGHTER, suggesting the horse has further potential and may be tested at Sha Tin after a short break.
Jockey Ryan Moore commended SOLEIL FIGHTER’s performance, noting that while the horse hit the front early and momentarily switched off, he had plenty left in reserve. Moore’s double for the night included a win with MOMENTS IN TIME in the HK$4.075 million Class 1 Shan Kwong Road Handicap (1650m), where the Danny Shum-trained runner narrowly edged out stablemate HELENE FEELING.
AURORA LADY secured second place in the Million Challenge after winning the Class 3 Sing Woo Handicap (1200m), while RED ELEGANCE moved into third with a decisive victory in the Class 3 King Kwong Handicap (1000m). Notable performances on the night also included SON PAK FU’s hard-fought victory in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 Blue Pool Handicap (1200m) under Matthew Chadwick for trainer Tony Cruz. The Fighting Sun gelding, without a win since late 2023, showed resilience to earn his seventh success over the course and distance.
The evening saw several trainers and jockeys making their mark. Australian jockey James Orman notched his first Hong Kong win aboard CHARMING BABE in the Class 4 Wang Tak Handicap (1200m) for trainer Ricky Yiu. Tony Cruz celebrated a race-to-race double, with SERANGOON claiming the Class 4 Yuk Sau Handicap (2200m) under Harry Bentley. Manfred Man’s STURDY RUBY also made a statement with a win in the Class 4 Yik Yam Handicap (1650m) under Luke Ferraris, while SUPER SIXTY broke a string of near misses with victory in the first section of the Class 4 Wang Tak Handicap (1200m) under Alexis Badel.
With momentum building, attention now turns to Sha Tin this Sunday (2 March) for the eagerly anticipated HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), where top contenders will vie for supremacy in one of the season’s premier events.
