The mid-season rhythm of Hong Kong racing sharpens this Sunday as Sha Tin hosts one of its most anticipated fixtures of the month, with champion trainer John Size assembling his strongest hand of the campaign for the Sha Tin races 18 January. Thirteen runners will carry the familiar colours for the 13-time champion as he looks to reassert momentum at a critical point in the season.
The 11-race programme marks the 15th National Games Hong Kong Medallists Raceday, and Size’s representation equals his largest deployment of the season so far. While his tally of 17 victories leaves him eighth on the trainers’ table, the Australian Hall of Famer remains firmly in the hunt as the 2025/26 campaign approaches its halfway stage.
Recent weeks have offered mixed signals. A productive festive stretch delivered six winners across four meetings, but the stable has since endured a quieter run, with 19 starters passing without success. Size, however, believes the tide may be turning, with several of his runners poised to take advantage of suitable conditions.
Among them is Flow Water Flow, a progressive four-year-old who has been consistently competitive since arriving in Hong Kong. Assigned 134lb for the Class 4 Triathlon 1600m Handicap, the Proisir gelding steps up in trip after three solid efforts over shorter distances this term.
“The horses that have beaten him have done well on the day,” Size said. “He’s obviously due — he just needs a bit of luck. Going up to 1600 metres gives him more time to get home. With that consistency, I think he’s going to win a few races.”
Another stable runner attracting attention is Juneau Pride, whose debut Hong Kong season was marked by three victories and a climb to a rating of 80. The Pride Of Dubai four-year-old has yet to rediscover that form this term, finishing unplaced in three outings, but a reunion with Brenton Avdulla in the Class 3 Fencing 1400m Handicap offers renewed optimism.
“He did a fair bit last season and got to a mark of around 80,” Size explained. “Sometimes it takes a couple of races to get back there, and I think he’s nearly there now. Brenton’s always ridden him very well. I think he’ll run better this weekend.”
While Size fields strength in depth, Sunday’s feature brings fresh intrigue through an exciting new arrival. The Class 3 The 15th National Games Hong Kong Medallists Cup Handicap over 1000m sees Jamie Richards unveil City Gold Banner, a privately purchased four-year-old with a sharp turn of foot.
The Starspangledbanner gelding impressed on debut in Australia and has followed up with strong trials at Sha Tin. Champion jockey Zac Purton takes the ride, adding further interest to the gelding’s local debut.
“He’s a nice horse and he’s been trialling well,” Richards said. “I think he’ll get further in time, but he’s been a bit keen, so 1000 metres looks a good place to start. There’s improvement to come, but I’m quietly confident he’ll run a nice race.”
The broader programme also carries significance beyond individual races, with longer-term narratives beginning to take shape. Ricky Yiu confirmed his stable star Voyage Bubble remains on course as preparations continue for the HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup, where a clash with Romantic Warrior looms.
“He’s doing really well and had a good trial,” Yiu said. “I’m really interested to see how these two horses run against each other. Depending on the draw, it could be a very tactical race.”
Sha Tin Racecards 18 January begins at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Rugby Sevens 2000m Handicap, setting the stage for a meeting that blends established champions, emerging talent and key seasonal storylines at the Sha Tin races 18 January.
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