TEETAN CLAIMS A FOURTH WIN IN THE GROUP 3 FEATURE AT SHA TIN TO KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE

By Hong Kong Jockey Club (Leo Schlink) | Thursday, January 1, 2026

Karis Teetan extended a deepening affinity with the HK$4.2 million G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Thursday (1 January) when the Mauritian pocketed his fourth victory in the race by piloting David Hayes-trained Storm Rider to a thrilling victory.

Teetan had previously triumphed in the Chinese Club Challenge Cup on Fifty Fifty (2018), Champion’s Way (2021) and Patch Of Theta (2025), while Hayes’ most recent success in the race was with Schubert in 2000.

Carrying only 115lb, Storm Rider drove relentlessly under Teetan’s riding to overhaul Dancing Code (116lb) in the last few strides to triumph by a short head in 1m 20.62s, with Patch Of Theta (134lb) a neck further away in third.

Rated 86 before today’s victory, Storm Rider has the ability to reach triple figures in the standings, according to Hayes.

“I just think he’s a horse that has got the potential to go above 100 and he was beautifully rated for his ability. My only concern was the barrier (nine), but Karis rode such a great race, it took the barrier out of that. Once he got that nice run, he was always going to be hard to beat with that light weight,” Hayes said.

Teetan said: “It’s a good start to the New Year. His trial last week was a really good trial. Last start, he just pulled too hard and he still ran home. The horse was coming to the races today with good form and David was very bullish that the horse could run well today.

“He said to me ‘Don’t take this horse back today, go forward and make our own luck’ so full credit to David and his team. The horse was very well.”

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