Antoine Hamelin will depart Hong Kong’s riding ranks at the end of this season and the talented jockey is grateful for his experience and excited ahead of future endeavours as he gears up for a return to where it all began as a fresh-faced teenage apprentice in France. “I’m glad to have the experience here. I am taking everything I can take from here. I’ve learnt so much and I am glad for that. Thank you to The Hong Kong Jockey Club for giving me the chance to come to Hong Kong,” Hamelin said. Hamelin, 34, has ridden 110 winners in Hong Kong. The climax of his career in the city, which began at the tail-end of the 2019/20 campaign, is five wins at a single fixture at Sha Tin in January, 2021 – a remarkable feat achieved by victories aboard Golden Link, Family Folks, Ping Hai Bravo, Hongkong Great and Tempest Express. “That was a crazy day. That’s tattooed in my brain forever. There’s a lot of memories, either in the racing bubble or out of it. I’ve met a lot of great people here and even though it’s only five years it feels like 10 or 15 years in my head being here,” Hamelin said. The Frenchman’s best return came in 2020/21 with 27 winners for HK$43.97 million in stakes. Ahead of the 2024/25 campaign’s final three race meetings, Hamelin has started in 2,223 Hong Kong races for HK$177.71 million total earnings. Among his most memorable moments this season are wins with Happy Fat Cat, Nordic Dragon and a Class 2 score on Raging Blizzard. After commencing his career as an apprentice in Chantilly with trainer Jean de Roualle in 2009, Hamelin gained experience across Europe, the Middle East and the Americas before setting up base in Hong Kong. A winner at Royal Ascot atop Different League, Hamelin also won the 2012 G1 Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) with fairytale hope Saonois, a horse he later rode in Hong Kong. “I was a little bit lost and impressed by everything in Hong Kong. Everything goes fast and everything is bigger here. I was happy to discover new things and I felt I adapted really well quite quick. I really enjoyed my time in Hong Kong,” Hamelin said. “I leave Hong Kong but Hong Kong is in my heart. It’s part of my life, so I will always be happy to come back for work or a vacation, but I’ll be back for sure.” Hamelin takes three rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (9 July) – the season’s 86th of 88 fixtures – booked for Jolly Ruler, Red Majesty and Nordic Dragon. The midweek programme’s headliner is the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Begonia Handicap (1800m), where 12 gallopers duke it out, including Pierre Ng’s Cambridge (126lb), ridden by soon-to-be Australian Racing Hall of Famer Zac Purton. “He was a bit unlucky last time heading into the straight and he lost to a lighter weight horse. Zac’s on and he trialled well with him the other day. The horse looks more mature and hopefully he can get another winner for us,” Ng said. Formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien in Ireland, Cambridge has won once previously in Hong Kong over tomorrow night’s course and distance as a 24/1 shot in May. “He looks like he can keep improving. He comes from the Northern Hemisphere, so he should be slowly progressing into a very nice horse. In future, once he learns to settle more, then he’ll be very effective in staying races,” Ng said. Frankie Lor has Flamingo Trillion (127lb) entered in the same contest, chasing a reward for reliability with the five-year-old, who has placed three times this season – twice by under a length. “I trialled him once at Conghua. He wasn’t too bad, but it was over 1200 metres. I hope he can run a good race for the owner, because this season, he hasn’t been too lucky – always placing at Happy Valley. He won’t carry a big weight. I hope he has a chance. “It’s a little bit different with the rating band being 90 to 60. But his form is good. I hope we can run a good race,” Lor said. Ricky Yiu has sided with in-form apprentice Ellis Wong, hoping to capitalise on his five-pound allowance which reduces C P Brave’s impost to 128lb in the nine furlongs contest. “He’s got Ellis Wong on him claiming five pounds. He’s done well, the kid, lately. I think he’ll do well with the claim and the apprentice in form. The horse never misses a day of trackwork at Conghua. He’s pretty consistent. It’s a good race for him,” Yiu said. The quality Class 2 feature also sees Noisy Boy (134lb), Bravehearts (129lb), Embraces (128lb), Jumbo Legend (127lb), Woodfire Bro (127lb), Beauty Alliance (126lb), Winning Wing (119lb), Star Mac (115lb) and Packing Hurricane (115lb) line up. Yiu is seeking consecutive wins with Gracious Express when the Irish-bred takes aim at the Class 3 Cotton Tree Handicap (1200m) from barrier two with James Orman up. “He’s another consistent horse. Last time he won in good style,” Yiu said. Wednesday night’s (9 July) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Hawthorn Handicap (1000m). By Declan Schuster

Wednesday’s Hollywoodbets Scottsville card is packed with tricky handicaps and unexposed runners, so punters will need to stay sharp.

In the opener, Glen Kotzen’s Cassandra has strong form but must bounce back after a narrow defeat. Dean Kannemeyer’s unraced Gimmeanotherviking is well-bred and worth a market watch, while Opera Fan and Omnia have shown enough to feature.

Bruh should be ready to win in Race 2 after steady progress, but French War Lord could improve stepping up from a good draw. Master Spy can also do better for Sean Tarry.

The first leg of the Pick 6 is tough with many first-timers. Tarry’s Xenophon has gone close twice and should go close again. Next Of Kin and Cardinal Chief both showed promise on debut and are open to big improvement.

Celestial Diamond could be one of the better bets in Race 4 for Duncan Howells. She’s been consistent and should hold off Lucienne, who has strong course form.

Race 5 is wide open. World Of Royalty tries a mile for the first time and could bounce back. El Capitan is consistent and well drawn, while Limelight Legend and Queen Of The Air have good each-way claims.

Howells’s Princess Palace must be respected in Race 6 with a light weight. Hodgepodge is always thereabouts.

In Race 7, Dancing On A Cloud gets another chance to find his best, but the filly Lock And Key might be the one to beat despite taking on males. Royal Invitation and Tirpitz are others to note.

The finale looks competitive. Rafa’s Boy has a big weight but benefits from a claiming rider. Major Tommie, B Fifty Two, and Rhythm should be in the mix.

Cape Town’s winter rain threatens Tuesday’s Hollywoodbets Kenilworth meeting, but if racing goes ahead, Kaiboy stands out in Race 3 over 1100m.

The Candice Bass-Robinson-trained gelding has long promised plenty and, rising four, could still blossom into a Stakes performer. He ran well last time in the Winter Sprint over 1200m, finishing a length behind Arctic Wizard under a big weight. Dropping to 1100m, where he has solid form, could suit him perfectly. Sean Veale, enjoying a standout season, takes the ride.

Dumbledore, beaten just 0.2 lengths by Kaiboy in that race, is a danger. With Richard Fourie up for one of only three rides on the card, he could prove a threat if the going isn’t too testing.

Meu Capitano returns after four months off and goes well on soft ground but fitness is the question mark. Time Fo Orchids relocates from Johannesburg and brings strong Grade 2 form into this race — well-weighted, she could surprise.

Earlier, Rockanrollin looks the one in Race 1. The Wootton Bassett colt stayed on nicely when debuting over 1200m and will have improved. Wish List is another to watch in Race 2 after a smart debut when third behind Paralegal.

Race 4 is modest but Rare Earth could build on her recent improvement. In Race 5, Firingonallengines is a tricky but game frontrunner — if he repeats last time’s effort, he’ll be in the mix despite top weight.

Race 6 is open, with La Divina given a tentative nod. Lovers Lane deserves a win in Race 7 after consistent efforts. The Charleston rounds off the card in Race 8 and could take advantage with a handy apprentice claim.

Video Stars Race 1 No 4 MOTOR He’s had no luck in his past two starts, having been held up in the closing stages on both occasions. Two runs back, he was badly held up between the 400m and 250m, eventually finishing fourth. Last start, he again struck traffic — this time from the 200m to the 150m — but still managed to grab second. With clearer running this week, he looks ready to break through for his first career win. Race 9 No 8 AKASHVANI His sixth-place finish last start had hidden merit, as he was pushed early to race on the speed from a wide draw. The frantic early tempo was clearly against him, and it was no surprise to see him weaken in the straight, eventually finishing five lengths off the winner over 1400m. The drop back in distance is likely to suit him better this week, and with a more economical run in transit, he looks well placed to bounce back. Sectional Stars Race 3 No 1 MR ENERGIA He was well supported in Class 3 last start and produced a powerful late run to finish a close fourth over this track and distance. The race appeared to be run at a moderate tempo, which makes his performance even more noteworthy. With a drop in class this week, he looks ideally placed to return to the winner’s list. Race 4 No 9 FAMILY FORTUNE He was held up between the 400m and 250m last start before finishing strongly to grab sixth over this track and distance, beaten just 2.25 lengths. With a smoother trip and a race run to suit, he’s certainly capable of making his presence felt.

Highly progressive three-year-old PATCH OF STARS appears well-placed to notch a fourth consecutive victory in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at Sha Tin this Saturday. Since things finally clicked three starts ago, PATCH OF STARS has been unstoppable, stringing together a hat-trick of wins. On his Class 3 debut last time out, the All Too Hard gelding was even more dominant than in his previous two Class 4 victories, powering away late to score by 1.5 lengths over this track and distance. With the season nearing its end, PATCH OF STARS lines up against a below-par Class 3 field and shapes as the clear standout — both on form and potential. He looks the best horse in the race, and possibly one to follow well beyond this level. Debut winner AEROVOLANIC looks poised to extend his unbeaten run this Saturday in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin. The Frosted gelding impressed on debut three weeks ago, having shown promise in his lead-up trials. Despite a betting drift and some in-race mishaps — including his rider dropping the whip near the 200m and needing to steady him — AEROVOLANIC responded gamely, regaining momentum and producing a sharp late burst to claim victory. He remains in Class 4 this weekend and doesn’t face a significantly tougher field. A progressive three-year-old with clear upside, AEROVOLANIC looks well placed to make it back-to-back wins.

By Adam Morgan, PA It promises to be a big afternoon for all connected with Bond Thoroughbreds on Sunday, as the exciting Maranoa Charlie makes the first start for the Yorkshire-based operation in the Prix Jean Prat. Monsieur Bond and Ladies Are Forever both famously flourished in the black and yellow spots of the late Reg Bond, who enjoyed Group One success in France as part-owner of 2014 Prix de l’Abbaye winner Move In Time. Now with son Charlie now at the helm, the Bond Thoroughbreds operation has a growing broodmare band at Yapham Mill Stud near Pocklington and have added a touch of quality to the ranks by swooping for Christopher Head’s crack French-trained three-year-old Maranoa Charlie, who is blessed with both a glowing pedigree and impressive on-track CV.

“The reason we bought him was his form, but to have a colt with the speed in the pedigree from Tiggy Wiggy and by Wootton Bassett was so exciting to add to the ranks with what Bond Thoroughbreds is trying to achieve in racing,” said Charlie Bond. “Wootton Bassett is flying at the minute and he looks to have great stallion potential for a long way down the line. We have a big broodmare band now, so we do need to be looking towards the future as well. “We saw his last win and the time of the race compared to the other racing that day and he won a bit cosily carrying a penalty. The previous owners were fantastic to deal with and will be joining us on Sunday at Deauville.” Maranoa Charlie was subject to plenty of hype as a two-year-old when effortlessly winning his first three starts before seeing his momentum checked when upped to Group One level at Saint-Cloud in the final outing of his juvenile campaign.

However, he has left that minor blip in the past since returning this season, winning two Group Three contests to tee-up a return to the highest level at Deauville – which in turn could lead to a raiding mission to York for the upgraded Sky Bet City of York Stakes on August 23. “The main race for him will probably be the City of York which Christopher identified and it is our home track, which I think will really suit him,” added Bond. “Obviously we will see how he gets on stepping back into to Group One company on Sunday, Christopher is looking forward to running him and we’ll get to see what level he is at.

“It’s the best of the best in the Jean Prat and we’re straight in there in a really hot race. “But his stature, when you look at the videos we’ve been sent of him, has been impressive and we’re really looking forward to seeing him in person. “I’m also really looking forward to seeing him as a four-year-old. He’s a great looking horse now, but the potential improvement at four looks to be there.” Maranoa Charlie is one of eight standing their ground for the Deauville feature, with Harry Charlton’s Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up Cosmic Year and Charlie Appleby’s dual Group One-winning two-year-old Shadow Of Light providing further British interest.

By PA Sport Reporters A top-class field of six horses will go to post for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday. All eyes will be on Ombudsman after his brilliant Prince of Wales’s Stakes victory at Royal Ascot, although John and Thady Gosden’s four-year-old faces a serious test. Leading the opposition is Sosie for French master Andre Fabre, while Aidan O’Brien runs beaten Derby favourite Delacroix, who is the choice of Ballydoyle number one Ryan Moore, and French Derby hero Cammille Pissaro, who will be reunited with Christophe Soumillon. Hotazhell, winner of the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster last year, takes his chance for Jessica Harrington and is a third Irish raider making the visit to Esher. Charlie Appleby has opted to run his 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court, who completes the sextet stepping up to 10 furlongs for the first time and will be partnered by Oisin Murphy, with Godolphin number one William Buick pledging his allegiance to Ombudsman.

Reigning premiership trainer Simon Dunderdale enjoyed a day out saddling four winners at the Selangor Turf Club Meeting last week and a couple of former Australian gallopers with genuine chances will represent the stable this Sunday. HYPEMAN, a four-year-old by Dundeel easily accounted for a Class 4 lineup on his Malaysian debut and will be attempting to maintain his unbeaten record in the country when he steps out in the 1200m Max Two Stakes (Race 8). The gelding arrived in Malaysia with some handy form lines in Australia and local punters jumped on board before the galloper delivered his two-length victory as a short-priced favourite over 1100m on June 15. HYPEMAN did score second up during his last Australian campaign and is expected. The main danger on best form is CINNAMON BLAZE, a fast beginner and proven weight carrier. Denied his third career win after being demoted to 2nd following an objection last start on June 1, the five-year-old will be seeking redemption and was kept up to the mark with a quiet trial during the week. Another Dunderdale runner worth watching is VALOIS, which is engaged in a competitive Supreme B contest (Race 10) over 1600m. The gelding had no luck from a wide draw in the recent 4YO Sprint Championship when carried deep on the home turn to finish 3.75L behind the winner. His Class 3 win on his local debut should be a reliable form pointer considering he nosed out the inform Filial Dragon on that occasion. The only query is that he failed in one previous attempt over the mile but that was against group company in Australia and VALOIS has matured into a handy performer capable of winning at the top level in Malaysia. SMART STAR, BIG HEARTED and TE AKAU BEN filled the placings in a 1400m Supreme A contest recently and are all seasoned campaigners which have scored over the mile previously. BIG HEARTED was the eye-catching run in the race and is a chance to break through at start number six in Malaysia. Australian jockey, Will Price has a book of six quality mounts on the twelve-race program, including HYPEMAN and VALOIS. Will, the son of Simon Price who rode with success on the Malaysian circuit in the early to mid-nineties, was a former leading Victorian apprentice in the 2020-2021 racing season and will make his Malaysian riding debut this Sunday. Price will be legged up on the ultra-consistent six-year-old THE STAR for trainer Lawson Moy in the 1020m Class 4A on Track Two (Race 5). Coming of an effortless 5.5L win here on June 15 from barrier ten, the gelding has defied the class rises and is yet to miss a place locally in seven starts (4 wins). THE STAR draws a similar barrier after scratchings but looks the horse to beat. Rookie trainer, Hamish Aloysius came close to winning with his first stable runner at last Sunday’s meeting with Never Ask More had to settle for the runner up position. He has recently taken over the training of TENNET TENTENNET, which gets his chance to break through in the 1400m Class 4A contest (Race 6). The four-year-old is coming off four minor placings in a row and providing he doesn’t give away a big start which he does tend to do, then the gelding may give Selangor’s newest trainer his maiden success. TRIGGER PEGASUS caught the eye with a fast-finishing 2nd in the Penang Farewell Trophy on May 31 and despite not winning for eleven months, he is one to watch on the downgrade on the freshen up.

The eight-race Standside fixture at Turffontein on Sunday, 6 July is headlined by the Grade 3 Sea Cottage Stakes (Race 7) — the final leg of the Highveld Winter Series for three-year-olds, honouring the legendary Sea Cottage.

Sea Cottage famously survived a shooting in 1966 before dead-heating the Durban July a year later with the bullet still lodged in his hindquarter. He won 20 of his 24 starts for trainer Syd Laird, cementing his place as a South African racing icon.

Alec Laird, Syd’s son, saddles just one runner on Sunday, but it’s a big one. His star colt Fire Attack bids to land a win worthy of the family legacy. The Fire Away colt, last season’s Highveld Champion Two-Year-Old, has been in superb form this term — runner-up in the Gr2 Dingaans and Gr3 Got The Greenlight Stakes, then second again at Gr1 level in the TAB SA Classic over this same course and distance.

Fire Attack crowned his campaign with a Gr1 victory in the Premier’s Champions Challenge against older horses at weight-for-age over 2000m. He’s been off for 14 weeks but is well treated under the race conditions and, even with 60kg, rates well clear on official ratings. He should prove hard to beat despite conceding 3kg to his rivals.

His main dangers are Musical Score and Choisanaada, both in form and trying 1800m for the first time. Choisanaada is chasing a series clean sweep and the R500,000 bonus after winning the Winter Series legs over 1400m and 1600m, beating smart horses each time.

Elsewhere on the card, watch promising recent winners Shadowfax (Race 2) and Constellation (Race 4) for more clues. Clive Robinson

Justin Snaith, alongside owners Nick Jonsson and Johann Rupert, has confirmed that star colt Eight On Eighteen will lead their charge in the prestigious Gr1 R5 million Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville on Saturday, 5 July. Drawn in barrier 11, the talented three-year-old could make history as the first to win both the Gr1 WSB Cape Town Met and the Durban July in the same year.

With South Africa’s reigning Champion Jockey Richard Fourie in the irons, chasing his fourth July win and Snaith seeking his sixth, Eight On Eighteen will carry a hefty 57kg — the highest for a three-year-old since Abashiri in 2016. His brilliant wins in the Gr1 Daily News 2000 and the Cape Met stamped him as a standout, but he faces strong rivals.

Last year’s winner, Oriental Charm, looms as the main danger. Beaten just half a length by Eight On Eighteen in the Met, he now meets his younger rival on 5.5kg better terms. He tuned up well, finishing a close second in the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge.

Veteran See It Again, also racing for Jonsson, returns for a third tilt at the big prize, now partnered by Raymond Danielson. Stuart Ferrie’s Gladatorian and Dean Kannemeyer’s late closer The Real Prince add depth, while Nathan Kotzen’s Royal Victory — third last year — arrives in peak form.

Highveld hopes rest on Confederate, lightly raced but consistent, with champion jockey Warren Kennedy flying in from New Zealand. The father-son De Kock team fields Immediate Edge, drawn next to Eight On Eighteen, carrying a handy 53kg.

Snaith also saddles Okavango and Native Ruler, while Alec Laird pins his hopes on Summer Cup winner Atticus Finch for an upset in this history-making field.

It is Wimbledon week in the world of tennis, and it is fitting that Sharapova has found her best form of late and looks set to win Race 8, a MR 80 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1400m on the Fairview Polytrack on Friday. For those who don’t follow tennis, Maria Sharapova was a former world No 1 and won Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of just 17, famously defeating Serena Williams. The equine Sharapova, trained by Alan Greeff, has won two of her last three starts, including a victory last time out over 1200m on this surface under current jockey Kendall Minnie. The well-bred Querari mare will need to see off stable companion Arabian Red and consistent Nemorosa. As is often the case, Greeff has a strong hand throughout the card. Dubai Hills should go close in Race 5, a MR 82 Handicap over 1200m. Jockey Xolani Ndlovu has developed a solid partnership with the four-year-old gelding, who has won two of his last three starts and continues to improve – suggesting there may be more wins to come. It’s also encouraging to see a feature race on the Polytrack – Race 7, the Walmer Handicap (Non-Black Type) over 1800m – and once again the finish could be dominated by Greeff-trained runners. Lotus Island narrowly edged out stablemate First Wish at this course a couple of months ago, and a similar result could unfold again. Earlier in the day, in Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1300m, American Matador, trained by Gavin Smith, could be the one to beat. He disappointed in his first start since being gelded but has had time to recover from the procedure and should bounce back to score. By Clive Robinson

Zac Purton hailed David Eustace’s horsemanship after Light Years Charm (129lb) continued impressive progress with victory in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Hong Kong Reunification Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Tuesday (1 July). Sold for A$3,750 (approx. HK$18,500), the Rubick gelding (129lb) took his Hong Kong earnings to HK$9.2 million from only nine starts in the city with a third successive win after withstanding a ferocious late challenge from Mickley (117lb) to prevail by a head in 1m 21.11s. Previously trained by Brett Dodson in Australia where he raced as Bretsal, the four-year-old won a maiden in Lismore – Purton’s birthplace – before transferring to Eustace as 64-rater, Light Years Charm has risen to 93 in the handicap with four wins, a second and two thirds at Sha Tin. Settling second last, Light Years Charm forged to the outside of the 12-horse field entering the straight as veteran Healthy Happy (133lb) and Gustosisimo (124lb) disputed the lead before taking over inside the final 150m as Mickley threatened late. “It was pretty straight forward, he got out of the gates okay for him and he was in a lovely rhythm the whole race, handled the ground really well and he was just able to come into it with a nice-timed run,” Purton said. “He had to stave off the challenger the last 100 metres, he did a really good job to keep sticking his head out. “David has done an exceptionally good job with him to bring him this far in his first season and they did a good job to find him – he came out of Lismore. It was well spotted by the agents.” Ellis Wong continued a searing form run to post his 50th Hong Kong win with We Are Hero’s (127lb) triumph in the HK$1.86 million Class 4 Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup Handicap (1000m) as Manfred Man dominated with a treble. Following on from his 26 wins last season, Wong has thrived since May and the apprentice produced another fine display on Man’s We Are Hero, who emerged powerfully from the midfield to deny Alsonso (117lb) by a short head in 56.07s. “He felt good. I expected the horse to run well. He’s always good over 1000 metres. The horse is honest and the pace was not too quick. He travelled really well for me today and the last 200 metres, I was actually confident already,” Wong said. Man also featured when Pearl Of Pangs finished stoutly under Derek Leung to land the Class 4 Riding High Together Handicap (1600m) before Keith Yeung drove Yuen Long Elite clear in the Class 3 Better Future Handicap (1600m). Man’s three-timer propelled the veteran to 43 wins for the term – one short of his best seasonal total of 44, posted in 2022/23. “Three winners for me is a big day,” Man said. “I think I can break my record.” James Orman posted his first Hong Kong double with the wins of Wonderstar and Pakistan Legacy. Wonderstar gave Orman his 10th victory of the term, saluting in the Class 4 Serving The Community Handicap (1200m) for Me Tsui to give the much-travelled galloper the distinction of winning in three different jurisdictions – Australia, Macau and Hong Kong. Triumphant in a Bairnsdale Maiden in Australia in 2023, the Starspanglebanner gelding won four more races in Macau before transferring to Sha Tin. Rated 82 on debut in Hong Kong, the six-year-old dropped in grade to Class 4 and, after two recent seconds, claimed a deserved victory today. Orman then guided Chris So-trained Pakistan Legacy to success in the Class 3 Sportsmanship Handicap (1200m) as the gelding earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. Unbeaten in two starts in Australia, where he raced as The Reluctant Star for Tom Conlan, Pakistan Legacy broke through at his sixth Hong Kong start. “First double – pinching myself really,” Orman said. “I thought he was a good chance. He’s been running well, he had blinkers on. The race didn’t really work out how I was expecting, he did a good job. It’s a good thrill to build a bit of momentum. Hopefully I can keep it rolling.” John Size struck in the Class 4 Uncompromising Integrity Handicap (1400m) with Spirit Of Peace (131lb), who was given a seamless ride by Brenton Avdulla before holding off impressive first-starter China Win (127lb). David Hall’s Gold Tack broke through under Purton in the Class 5 Racing Goes On Handicap (1800m), triumphing at his 30th attempt, before Luke Ferraris ended a frustrating run of minor placings and slotted his first win since 8 June when Jimmy Ting’s Amazing Galaxy controlled the Class 4 World-Class Leadership Handicap (1000m) from the front. “Despite the bad barriers we’ve been getting, it’s good to get on the board. It’s nice to end a dry month and start off July with a winner. I’m really pleased for Jimmy, the horse is in good form and he won with a bit of authority,” Ferraris said after notching his 45th victory of the season. Meaningful Dragon made a fine return to racing with success in the Class 4 Continuous Development Handicap (1400m) for Francis Lui and Antoine Hamelin, prevailing at his first start since undergoing knee surgery in December. Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Saturday (5 July) with Chairmen’s Day. By Leo Schlink

Diminutive Durban-born jockey Muzi Yeni is the only rider at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday 5 July with a full book of 12 rides at the Hollywoodbets Durban July meeting, and he’ll likely head home to KwaZulu-Natal for the big day brimming with confidence, as a trip north to the Highveld for a midweek eight-race Vaal card on Thursday 3 July should bring with it multiple race victories. Yeni has half a dozen rides at the Vereeniging-based track and, while solid cases can be made for each of his mounts, two are of particular interest. Both runners represent St John Gray, with whom Yeni has forged a formidable partnership. In the last 110 associations, Yeni has achieved a 67% first-four finish on Gray-trained horses, including 24 wins at a healthy rate of 22% and 50 places (45%). This jockey-trainer duo combine late in the day with Guerilla Warfare (Race 7) and Palace Prince (Race 8) and the pair seem good value for a race-to-race double. Hard-knocking handicapper Guerilla Warfare will be as hard as nails when he lines up over 1600m for what is his third start in two weeks. This three-year-old New Predator gelding is maintaining form off his current mark and he deserves a reward for his consistency. He backed up an improved third a fortnight ago by finishing a close-up fourth over 1600m last week on Turffontein’s Inside track. and a repeat of either performance (both under Yeni) should suffice. Stable companion Palace Prince caught the eye on debut when a fast-finishing third over 1200m, overcoming his inexperience on that occasion to clock a brisk 22.6 seconds 400m-to-finish. He confirmed the promise of that introduction with a last-start 1160m maiden victory under Yeni on the Standside track at Turffontein. There should be more to come from this two-year-old Potala Palace colt on his handicap debut, even against older more-experienced rivals. Gray’s youngster is open to any amount of improvement, especially over the extended trip that should unlock further potential. Clive Robinson

Trainer Alan Greeff and jockey Richard Fourie look set for a strong meeting at Fairview on the Polytrack on Wednesday 2 July. Golden Grey, in the very first race, could get the ball rolling for them. This Danon Platina gelding has been costly to follow, with four runner-up finishes in his last six starts. The four-year-old is a difficult ride who tends to flatten out right when it matters most. However, he meets a weak field this time and could finally go one better. Smashing, a daughter of the very speedy dam Wrecking Ball, has taken her time to find her best form but looked good when winning on this surface. The Rafeef filly picked up a 5-point penalty for that win over 1200m, yet she can follow up and take out Race 4, a FM 64 Handicap over 1000m. She is not well drawn but has the speed to make all the running. Like her stable companion Golden Grey, the filly Walkonthewildside is also a tough ride. The Gimmethegreenlight filly tends to lose interest mid-race and often gives her rivals a head start going into the final 400m. However, she is capable of a strong finish and has won 3 of her 7 starts. Walkonthewildside tries the 2000m of Race 8 for the first time, but she could well send favourite punters home with a winner. Clive Robinson

Benno Yung’s training career will come to a close at the end of this season in Hong Kong and the 66-year-old horseman is proud to depart the official ranks with fond memories and cherished lifelong friendships after the 2024/25 Season Finale on 16 July at Happy Valley. Yung retires after being licenced since the 2013/14 term. He’s trained 359 winners across the 12-season period and is admired for his stable’s consistency as well as his own resilience to return to racing amidst an acute myeloid leukaemia battle last year. “I’m happy with it. I had some very good support, some long-time owners. Even during my challenging period. They supported me and it impressed me. They really wanted me to produce a good horse,” Yung said. “Aside from just having a trainer-owner relationship, it was a real friendship. It wasn’t just a working relationship but a friendship.” Excluding this season, Yung is yet to dip below 20 wins in a campaign. Six times he has surpassed or matched the 30-win mark, while his stable stars were hulking grey Pingwu Spark, Hong Kong Derby-third Romantic Touch, Hinchinlove, Son Pak Fu and Precision King – triumphant over former champion Rapper Dragon early in his career. Yung began his journey in racing as an apprentice jockey in the 1970s. He became an assistant trainer in 1991 to Christopher Cheung before spending two seasons with Tony Millard. He then transferred to the John Size stable in 2001, playing a pivotal role in Size’s first seven trainers’ championships, before embarking out on his own. “I’ve enjoyed it. Working with John was wonderful, everyone knows he is a genius in horse training. I learnt a lot from him. It was a great experience,” Yung said. Size, who leads the 2024/25 trainers’ championship, said: “Benno was with me for 12 years and we never had a cross word. That’s not easy to do – it’s a bit of an achievement. He looked after me very well when I arrived because, obviously, I knew nothing about The Hong Kong Jockey Club and how it worked. “He was instrumental in my success in the early years and then he continued with me. We worked well together. He did the job with excellence and he was a constant source of support.” Yung spent his early days grafting at Sha Tin’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School as a youngster before being assigned to two-time Hong Kong Derby-winning trainer Tam Man Kui’s stable. “It was a good learning experience. Back then it was very hard during those times. There were a lot of apprentices in that period. Each stable could have one, two or three apprentices. Very difficult compared to now. It was great competition. For example, George Moore might have two or three (apprentices) at varying levels, some close to graduation and some not,” Yung said. “It was hard to get a ride and even in track work it could be hard to get a ride.” Easily his standout talent, Pingwu Spark reached a career-high rating of 119, the highest of any horse to race for Yung. The grey was renowned for his racecourse presence, weighing in excess of 1,300lb, requiring careful management by his trainer. “He did a good job. At the start, we were cautious to race and train him because he was so heavy. We had to give him time and build him up gradually,” Yung said. Pingwu Spark won five out of his first seven starts in Hong Kong, including four times in Class 2. He was also third to Beauty Only in the 2018 G2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) before retiring with earnings of HK$8.75 million. Heading into Tuesday’s (1 July) fixture at Sha Tin, Yung has last-start winner Tourbillon Prince (119lb) engaged in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Hong Kong Reunification Cup Handicap (1400m). The five-time winner in Hong Kong pairs with Matthew Poon from gate nine. “Class 2 now – which is very strong. It’s a tough race and since he came to me, he’s been quite honest and consistent,” Yung said. Light Years Charm (129lb) represents David Eustace in Tuesday’s Class 2 feature, breaking from draw 10 with Zac Purton up as the rising star four-year-old seeks a hat-trick of wins. Stablemate Swift Ascend (120lb) is also engaged in the same race for Eustace. “It was a good win last start. He (Light Years Charm) obviously benefitted from a really strong pace. He’s got to improve but he’s been training nicely at home – just ticking over and holding his condition. I’m looking forward to it,” Eustace said. Straight To Glory was a 56/1 second for Yung last start. The three-year-old son of Hellbent returns in the Class 4 World-Class Leadership 1000m Handicap with James Orman up. “He has potential. It didn’t surprise me his last run. The race before over 1200 metres, I was maybe a bit disappointed because I thought he would run well. I think he stepped up too quick, so that’s why we are going back to 1000. I think he will run well,” Yung said. Tuesday’s (1 July) 10-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 4pm with the Class 5 Racing Goes On 1800m Handicap. By Declan Schuster

Quotes courtesy of Great British Racing International. Image of Charlie Fellowes © Tattersalls. Newmarket trainer Charlie Fellowes will aim to add the US to the list of countries where he has saddled winners when lining up LUTHER (GB) in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby on Friday 4^th July. In doing so, the trainer who has already claimed major races in Europe, Qatar, Dubai and Australia will seek to have his Group/Grade 1 breakthrough. Luther, a son of world-leading sire FRANKEL (GB), won a Listed contest on his third start as a two-year-old. His career best performance however came in the Group 1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains, where he finished fourth only a length behind two multiple Group 1 winners. He then stepped up to 2200 metres (1m2f) in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club, the French Derby, where he was forced to race wide with no cover due to a poor draw, fading out towards the latter stages of the race. Fellowes spoke to Great British Racing International (GBRI) about his bid for the Belmont Derby: “We were delighted with Luther’s run in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains. He had a wide draw and used up a lot of petrol to get a position but still finished well. In the [French] Derby, he raced wide and probably did not stay that distance so we felt that were reasons for him to finish tamely. “He has been good since and trained very well. He did a lovely bit of work on Tuesday before flying on Wednesday. The tight track at Saratoga will suit him and he has a proper turn of foot so I think the conditions could be in his favour. He’s not the biggest horse but he has the best attitude in the world. He has that will to win and wants to do his best.” Luther was sourced by agent Will Douglass of Charlie Gordon Watson Bloodstock from the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1. Speaking of the thrill Luther’s owners have had, the trainer added: “He has been brilliant since he came to the yard. His Listed win last year was electric and the owners have taken a huge amount of enjoyment racing him so far. Paul Hickman is based in Singapore and he wants to compete on the world stage so it’s been amazing for him. Nicholas Jones bred him and still owns a share which is great. He still has the mare and Luther has improved the pedigree.” Fellowes’s career highlights include Royal Ascot and Qatar Goodwood Festival victories as well as nearly winning the Group 1 Melbourne Cup not once or twice but thrice. PRINCE OF ARRAN (GB) finished on the podium of Australia’s most prestigious race for three consecutive years between 2018 and 2020. He also won a rich handicap at the Dubai Racing Carnival. Of his international travels and success, Fellowes said: “I love having horses good enough to go abroad. You need the right ones and generally we have done really well. I am quite selective and would not run just for the sake of running, and with Luther I feel that I have a horse who will love travelling. “My days with Prince Of Arran were my best memories in racing. It’s only when they’re retired that you realise how incredible those horses are. Prince Of Arran turned up in the world’s best races and consistently ran well. I adored travelling around the world with him.”