Hong Kong carried a sense of history as Caspar Fownes became only the fourth trainer to saddle 1,200 wins in the city. The landmark came in fitting fashion, with a stirring late burst from Sky Vino and a double on the card that lifted Fownes alongside Mark Newnham at the summit of the 2025/26 trainers’ championship.
On a warm afternoon at Sha Tin, the achievement placed Fownes in rare company alongside John Moore, John Size and Tony Cruz. By day’s end, he was level on 35 wins for the season with Mark Newnham, while David Hayes lurked just one behind on 34.
“It’s great to know that we’re in the top three or four of Hong Kong,” Fownes reflected. “I’ve still got a few years left in me, hopefully, so we’ll just keep building on that 1,200 – I’m very happy to hit it.”
Hong Kong racing results headline act: Sky Vino’s electric finish
The milestone arrived in the Class 3 TVB Lo And Behold Handicap (1650m, dirt), where Sky Vino (115lb) produced a performance of rare authority. Guided with composure by apprentice Ellis Wong, the 2.6 favourite was buried in 12th turning for home, some 10 lengths off the leaders, before unleashing a withering run down the centre of the track.
Wong judged the tempo to perfection, waiting for daylight before asking his mount to lengthen. The response was immediate and decisive, Sky Vino sweeping past tiring rivals to secure Fownes’ 1,200th local success.
Fownes admitted he had once harboured ambitions of lining the gelding up in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby over 2000 metres in March. “I’ve always had a high opinion of the horse and, actually, he’s come up a bit short for me this season. I really thought it was my Derby horse. But sometimes horses in Hong Kong just need a little bit of time. The kid was very patient on him, and he quickened up nice from the back.”
Sky Trust (115lb) ensured the celebrations were prolonged, completing a double for both Wong and the four-time champion trainer. In the Class 2 TVB Cup Handicap (1200m), the son of So You Think edged out Invincible Shield (130lb) by a short head after a desperate duel to the line.
Francis Lui also struck twice. Amazing Partners (133lb), ridden assertively by Vincent Ho, made it two from two this preparation in the Class 4 TVB Yan Oi Charity Show Handicap (1400m). Later, Turquoise Velocity (117lb) quickened smartly under Keith Yeung to land the Class 3 TVB Midlife, Sing & Shine Handicap (1000m), marking Lui’s 15th winner since the turn of the year and lifting him to fifth in the standings.
Italian rider Andrea Atzeni maintained his fine form with a brace of his own. Serangoon (124lb), trained by Cruz, responded gamely in the Class 4 TVB Pok Oi Charity Show Handicap (1800m) to claim a first win in almost a year. Later, the progressive Chill Buddy justified strong support in the Class 3 TVB Yan Chai Charity Show Handicap (1200m), handing Ricky Yiu a 24th victory of the campaign and earning a lucrative PP Bonus for connections.
There was high drama in the Class 4 TVB Lok Sin Tong Charity Corner Handicap (1200m), where Gor Gor (118lb) and Karis Teetan got the verdict in a head-bobbing finish over Incredible Moment (120lb). Trainer Brett Crawford admitted he needed more than one viewing of the replay to be certain. “A lot of credit has to go to Karis, as he managed to get him on the fence from stall 10. It was a really good, strong ride.”
Cruz doubled up when California Star (123lb), partnered by champion jockey Zac Purton, captured the Class 4 TVB The Queen Of News Handicap (1650m, dirt) with a patient, well-timed run.
The second section of the Class 4 TVB Scoop Handicap (1400m) saw Run Run Smart (129lb) make every yard under Derek Leung for Frankie Lor, while Lor completed a double as Stormy Grove (125lb), ridden by Harry Bentley, stormed home from barrier 14 to claim the Class 3 (Restricted) TVB Miss Hong Kong Pageant Handicap (1600m) by three-quarters of a length.
As the Hong Kong racing results from Sha Tin were filed, attention already turned to the next meeting on Thursday (19 February), the Year of the Horse Raceday, with the trainers’ title race finely poised and Fownes’ remarkable career still gathering momentum.
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