WINNO'S WINNERS - HAPPY VALLEY - THE LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS' CHAMPIONSHIP

By Darren Winningham | Tuesday, December 9, 2025

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s week long international extravaganza kicks into action on Wednesday 10 December 2025 with the running of the Hong Kong LONGINES International Jockeys Championship (IJC).

THE LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS’ CHAMPIONSHIP AT HAPPY VALLEY – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

In recent years the jockey’s allocation has been streamlined with each jockey getting a horse ranked within the betting market across the four selected races.

This year the races allocated are: Races 4 and 5 … and races 7 and 8.

Rail is in the normal position. Fine weather and a Goodtrack – the best conditions possible for this amazing night! In recent weeks they have been swooping and winning from all over the place – but horses drawn inside of barrier 6 and that can work forward seem to have solid statistics at this track.

Time for the preview.

Race 1

A Class 5 race over 1650m to start off the program.

Sterling Wonchoy (3) drops from Class 4 to Class 5 grade for his second run. Trained by Douglas Whyte and Hugh Bowman is aboard – some minor gear changes after his last effort here. Drawn well in barrier 3, he will get a gun run throughout. He just missed last start here at the track and distance – he looks well placed.

Windicator Family (7) is a David Hall runner – James McDonald will ride. He came off a 7-week break prior to his effort at this grade and distance last time out. He had no luck at the start – belted early – but worked home nicely. He is one to watch from a nice barrier – well placed.

Tsuen Wan Glory (6) has Hollie Doyle aboard for KL Man. Despite being an eight-year-old he is racing in career best form - loves to race on the speed and he is drawn perfectly in barrier one looking for a bold effort.

Lucky Blessing (1) Is a last start winner at the track and distance and must be respected. However, he is drawn barrier 11 for this race and he may have to be used up to get across to take up his customary role as leader. He has gone up in weight and with the wide barrier this could bring his demise. Matthew Poon will ride for trainer K Mo.

Dragon Sunrise (8) will be partnered by Lyle Hewitson. He was drawn wide last time out at this distance, and they decided to take him back. This made it nearly impossible for him to win on that evening. He has drawn better this week. Look for him to go forward and be prominent in the running.

Selections:
3 – Sterling Wongchoy
7 – Windicator Family
6 – Tsuen Wan Glory
8 – Dragon Sunrise
Rough chance – (1) Lucky Blessing

Race 2

A Class 5 race over 1200 metres here.

The king of Happy Valley is trainer Casper Fownes who has a tremendous record at this track. He pairs up with the Magic Man Joao Moreira here with Lucky Generations (12) who was six weeks between runs when he raced at this track and distance last time out. He is down in the weights and has drawn nicely . I just think we'll see some improvement now he has a previous run under his belt - and of course throw into the mix some “magic”.

Riding High (6) Is another solid chance for the combination of Douglas Whyte and Hugh Bowman. He was checked at the start over this track and distance last time out, however was still able to regain his composure and finish off the race strongly. Look for him to be prominently placed throughout the running and be difficult to run down.

Telecom Power (1) has jockey Vincent Ho to ride. He was unwanted in the betting last start out here, but managed to put in a solid performance and run second. He has drawn nicely this week and a repeat of that last effort will see him somewhere in the finish.

Oriental Surprise (7) is trained by David Hayes and has Hong Kong’s leading rider Zac Purton to ride. He should appreciate the genuine tempo in the race and I think he is one that will finish off strongly - keep this one safe.

Good Prospect (2) is another not without a genuine each way chance.

Selections:

12 – Lucky Generations
6 – Riding High
1 – Telecom Power
7 – Oriental Surprise
Rough chance – (2) Good Prospect

Race 3,

A Class 4 race over 1650 metres.

Zac Purton and Mark Newnham combine with Bull Attitude (7) who was probably unlucky last time out here at this distance. He was sent out favourite on that occasion and just had some awful luck in the running. Purton will have to go back on him as he has drawn barrier 10, but there appears to be some genuine speed in the race and that should help him late.

Stormi (12) down the bottom in the weights is a genuine contender here and should not be overlooked. He will be ridden by Jerry Chau for trainer K Mo. Chau’s apprentice claim here could be the vital factor in the final stages of the race. In his last start he drew barrier 12 and crossed the field and rolled outside the leader throughout the run, but just could not hold on late. He will be improved for that run and look for bold effort here.

Prestige Ricky (4) is trained by P Yiu and Brenton Avdulla will ride him again. He drew terribly last start, drawing barrier 11, however, this week he has barrier 2 which places nicely not to be used up in the running and should be given a good smother behind the leaders and be strong at the end.

The Azure (2) is trained by Frankie Lor and James McDonald will ride. Barrier 12 is of some concern for me. He finished hard on the heels of the winner last time out here - adjusting with the senior rider aboard we could see a drastic improvement.

Incanto Star (10) is trained by David Hall with Jimmy Orman riding. He has been racing over the shorter distances. I just wonder if he has been looking for this longer trip – time will tell.

Selections:

7 – Bull Attitude
12 – Stormi
4 – Prestige Ricky
2 – The Azure
Rough chance – (10) Incanto Star

Race 4 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (First Leg)

The first leg of our International races on the program.

Sponsored by LONGINES – long term sponsors and supporters of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The jockeys will need luck here – this race is over 1000 metres – they will go fast.

The King Of The Valley Casper Fownes has Super Sixty (2) in this race with Joao Moreira to ride. He has had a seven-week let up – but he loves this track and distance. Barrier 11 is not ideal – but Moreira knows all the short cuts at this place – watch for a dynamic ride.

Bunta Baby (11) will be ridden by William Buick for KL Man. He resumed from a five week break to run at this track in distance with an apprentice aboard. He had no luck, being poleaxed at the start, but, somehow, he managed to pick himself up and run a placing. He doesn't win often, however draw nicely and with the senior rider aboard I must give him an each way chance.

I like the chances of Zeta Hedge (5) trained by CW Chang and Hugh Bowman riding. He had his first career start in Hong Kong for this stable last time and ran a superb race running time as well. He has been freshened since that effort. He is drawn barrier 7 and with the speed in the rice I expect Bowman to smoke his pipe and then unleash late to claim them in the shadows of the post.

Cap Liner (6) is trained by Jamie Richards and will be ridden by the 2024 LONGINES IJC champion Mikael Barzalona. He is only third up for the new stable. He is having his first look at the Happy Valley circuit as he has done all these career racing at Sha Tin so far. I really think that this horse commands respect in this race as he has been running time in all his career starts. Keep him safe.

Honest Witness (2) is one of the seven runners in the IJC races for David Hayes – he must want the HK$300,000 for being the most successful trainer of the evening! Christophe Lemaire will ride – he is drawn well in barrier 2. He does resume here – any market moves will be the story with this runner.

Selections:

5 – Zeta Hedge
6 – Cap Liner
11 – Bunta Baby
2 – Super Sixty
Rough chance – (7) Honest Witness

Race 5 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Second Leg)

The second leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1650 metres – Class 4.

David Hayes has three runners here – they all have genuine chances.

Let’s just work through them down the page. Star Mac (2) will be ironically ridden by “J MAC”.

He's dropping back from class three grade to class four grade and dropping back in distance from 1800 metres. I think his best performance is over the mile and he should get every chance here to break through for another win for the stable.

Amazing Gaze (6) will be ridden by Mikael Barzalona. He was a heavily backed favourite at this track and distance last time out - and probably should be considered unlucky. I think with the genuine speed in the race if you can get the breaks in the straight, he will be powering home.

The last David Hayes runner is Youth Power (10) who will be ridden by Zac Purton. He has drawn nicely and should race close to the speed which should be of benefit – can Purton lift him across the line?

I like the Casper Fownes trained Corleone (3) ridden by Ryan Moore who he is no stranger to the LONGINES IJC – he won it 2009 & 2010. He was the last start winner at this track and distance - ran some solid time and sectionals that should make him very difficult to beat again. He is drawn nicely in barrier 2 and despite going up in weight for that victory looks ideally placed.

After two legs I have Bowman, Ryan Moore and Mikael Barzelona all equal on 12 – still two legs to go!

Selections:

3 – Corleone
6 – Amazing Gaze
10 – Youth Power
2 – Star Mac
Rough chance – (4) Quantum Patch

Race 6

An intermission in our feature races with a Class 4 race over 1200 metres.

Grab a drink and something to eat and get ready for the last two races of the LONGINES International Jockeys Championship.

Winning Money (10) will be ridden by Zac Purton for trainer Francis Lui – this is my BEST BET OF THE NIGHT.

He has had four starts at the Happy Valley track for two seconds in one third placing. Is drawn well and looks to get the perfect run throughout. At his last start he drew barrier 12. They took him to the front and he just got run down late - looking for a more conservative run with Purton riding.

Savvy Twinkle (12) is trained by Frankie Lor with Hollie Doyle to ride. He has been racing consistently in this company. Last time he was forced to race wide without cover, and this left him exposed. Looking for him to get a better run this week and with no weight on his back could be hard to hold out.

Argento Ocean (2) is another runner for the Whyte/Bowman combination. A last start winner here when heavily supported late. He goes up drastically in the weights for that win – however, is perfectly drawn again.

Free Pony (7) is third up here and finally has drawn a barrier. Look out for a bold effort with Derek Leung to ride.

Selections:

10 – Winning Money
12 – Savvy Twinkle
2 – Argento Ocean
7 – Free Pony
Rough chance – (9) Win Method

Race 7 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Third Leg)

The third leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1650 metres – Class 3.

Back to it – the penultimate race to decide the 2025 winner. This is a tough race – many chances.

Flying Fortress (2) looks a solid chance for Zac Purton – trained by W Mo. He was a gallant second last time out here at this distance. He can over-race in his races – Purton will need to get him to relax. He has drawn well.

Silvery Breeze (3) another nice ride for Hugh Bowman in the series. Trained by David Eustace. He should race on the speed – is draw nicely here. Look for Bowman to sneak in behind the leaders and he should unleash late with a solid effort.

Max Que (6) is trained by Mark Newnham and Vincent Ho (IJC winner 2023) will ride. He has been doing all his racing at Sha Tin – his last two efforts over the mile at Sha Tin have been great. He must be respected.

Samarkand (8) is another runner trained by David Hayes. He loves to bowl along in front and with Rachel King (representing Australia) to ride they are the perfect pairing. He has drawn well barrier 2 – goes up in grade from Class 4 to Class 3 – but in saying that he lumped 61 kilograms last time out and still ran a good time. Down in the weights – he could set this race up and could just keep going.

Selections:

2 – Flying Fortress
3 – Silvery Breeze
6 – Max Que
8 – Samarkand
Rough chance – (11) Solid Win

Race 8 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Fourth Leg)

The fourth leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1200 metres at Class 3 level.

Looks like Bowman holds a lead from a battle royale between Purton, Moore and Barzelona – it will come down to this last race!

Mr Desira (9) is trained by Casper Fownes – if it runs in the top two – Casper could win the Trainers Bonus! The horse will be ridden by Hollie Doyle. He likes to lead and he is drawn barrier 1 so he won't spend a penny getting to the front if he wants to take up the running. His last win was over 1000 metres, but he has won at this track and distance previously - he runs good sectionals and that would suggest he's going to be very difficult to peg back in this last leg of the challenge.

Tourbillon Golfer (12) comes off a last start win here in Class 4 – he goes up in grade to Class 3 – but in saying that his last start win was dominant and full of merit. He is trained by Ricky Yui and the USA representative Umberto Rispoli will get the chance to post his maiden win on debut in the IJC. He has had a month freshen up – will be primed to show his best.

Akashvani (5) is another Hayes runner – James McDonald will ride. This runner was desperately unlucky last start here at the distance when he was sent out as a prohibitive odds-on favourite and just could not get clear at the 200-metre mark. He is ideally drawn in barrier 6 and does like to lead, however in this race there are some other on speed horses and McDonald may decide to travel a few pairs back.

Rachel King rides Romantic Son – trained by Hayes as well. Is a last start winner here at the track and distance and goes up in weight by three kilograms which may prove detrimental late. His win last time out was solid – but I have seen weight stop horses here at this track.

By my calculations the winners for 2025 are:

Looks like a win for Hugh Bowman – from Zac Purton – the Mickael Barzalona & Ryan Moore for third.

In the trainers contest – David Hayes first from Casper Fownes – if Casper wins this race he will beat Hayes!

Selections:

5 – Akashvani
9 – Mr Desira
12 – Tourbillon Golfer
6 – Romantic Son
Rough chance – (3) Pakistan Legacy

Race 9

A Class 2 race to finish off the night over 1800 metres.

Speed Dragon (2) is trained by Francis Lui and Mickael Barzelona will ride. Raced last start here over 1650 metres - he looked like he got too far back but finished off the race strongly suggesting that the extra distance will suit.

Helene Feeling (3) is trained by Danny Shum with Hugh Bowman aboard. He has had a freshen up – is drawn nicely.

Huge Wave (4) is trained by J Ting and M Guyon will ride this runner. He is a last start winner here over 1650 metres. He has drawn poorly in barrier 12 and will need a lot of luck in the running, however his last start win sectionals were superb and I am sure that he'll be storming home late with the extra distance.

Sky Heart (7) is another Casper Fownes runner. Umberto Rispoli aboard. Has been working up to this distance – a solid effort last time out at Sha Tin – back to Happy Valley – will make his presence felt.

There is a good tip around for the Casper Fownes trained - Jumbo Legend (6) with Joao Moreira to ride.

The Boom Box (11) can fill a place at odds as well.

Selections:

2 – Speed Dragon
4 – Huge Wave
3 – Helene Feeling
7 – Sky Heart
Rough chance – (6) Jumbo Legend & (11) The Boom Box
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Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

1,6,7,12 / 4,7,12 / 5,6,11 / 3,6,10 - cost is $108 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

1,6,12 / 7,12 / 5,6,11 / 3,6 - cost is $36 to $1

Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,10,12 / 2,3,6,8 / 5,6,9,12 / 2,3,4,6,7 - cost is $240 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

2,3,6,8 / 5,6,9,12 / 2,3,4,6,7 - cost is $80 to $1

Best Bet

Race 3 – 7 – Bull Attitude

Best Bet

Race 6 – 10 – Winning Money

Each way

Race 8 - 5 – Akashvani

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