A thrilling victory by Wunderbar at Sha Tin on Saturday, 14 June 2025, has brought veteran trainer John Size closer to an unmatched 13th Hong Kong trainers’ championship. Overcoming past setbacks and injury concerns, Wunderbar roared back into the spotlight in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 HKU Business School And Faculty Of Engineering Handicap (1200m), delivering a powerful late surge under Hugh Bowman to secure his seventh career win.
Known for his previous victories over Ka Ying Rising, the now world-acclaimed sprinter, Wunderbar had spent much of 2024 recovering from surgery to remove bone fragments from his knee. Since then, his performances had been inconsistent, with a few low-key finishes. But Saturday’s return proved that he still holds elite class potential, outpacing Raging Blizzard and Harmony N Blessed with a sharp turn of foot and clocking a fast 1m 08.12s.
John Size, who now sits nine wins ahead of David Hayes with just eight meetings remaining this season, praised the gelding’s improved racing rhythm, noting how adjustments in training finally paid dividends. Bowman echoed the sentiment, applauding Wunderbar’s balance of pace, position, and finishing strength, all aided by favorable track conditions and a low draw.
Meanwhile, young apprentice Ellis Wong had another standout day. With 10 wins since May, Wong’s double on Aerovolanic and Joy Of Sprint lifted his career tally above 45, reducing his apprentice claim from 7lb to 5lb. Trainers like Caspar Fownes were quick to commend Wong’s talent, highlighting his growing potential as a leading local rider.
Elsewhere on the card, Matthew Chadwick edged closer to rival Matthew Poon in the race for the Tony Cruz Award, notching his 32nd seasonal win aboard Hinokami Kagura. Jamie Richards’ two-year-old The All Out remained undefeated, clocking a sharp 55.84s in the HKU Faculties Of Arts And Education Plate, guided expertly by Zac Purton.
David Eustace-trained Truly Fluke also stood out, launching from barrier 13 to seize a dramatic late win in the University Hall Handicap. Eustace indicated the horse may rest now, with a view to climbing the ranks next season. Andrea Atzeni capped his day with a victory on Mojave Desert, whose bonus-earning win added further gloss to Mark Newnham’s stable.
Tony Cruz enjoyed a double celebration thanks to Smart Beauty and Kingly Demeanor, both graduates of the Hong Kong International Sale. The card also featured wins for Harold Win (trained by Francis Lui) and Patch Of Stars (trained by Manfred Man), who bookended the day’s action.
With the Royal Ascot festival set to unfold next week in the UK, all eyes now turn to Sha Tin’s Sunday, 22 June meeting, featuring the G3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m) and the G3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m), each carrying a purse of HK$4.2 million.
