Greeff can provide the bankers
Race for the Trainers’ Championship: Lui braced for a battle
The Hong Kong racing season has moved into its final quarter, and there’s plenty on the line between now and the concluding meeting on 15 July, with nothing currently commanding more attention than the mouthwatering battle for the trainers’ championship.
There are five trainers within eight wins of the pace-setting Mark Newnham’s 52 victories, with Caspar Fownes and Danny Shum sitting on 51 successes and David Hayes (48) and John Size (44) also lurking.
Veteran Francis Lui is also among the chasing pack after amassing 45 winners through the season’s 69 meetings so far.
While Lui admits “it won’t be easy” to prevail, he is no stranger to coming from behind to claim championship success after winning four of the final five races of the 2023/24 season to pip Pierre Ng to the title by one win.
Lui sat five wins adrift of Ng after 69 meetings of the 2023/24 season, and while it came down to the final day and he had to orchestrate one of the all-time great finishes to snare victory, he believes this year’s task is greater still.
“Last time I was only in competition with Pierre, but this time as many as five other trainers can win it. They are all so close and I’m sure they will have plenty of winners,” he said.
“Of course, I will try hard to win my second premiership but it won’t be easy.”
While Lui started the season slowly, he warmed up through October and November before a quiet December gave way to a fruitful start to 2026, with January (10 winners), February (eight) and March (10) his biggest months of the campaign so far.
April was tougher going for Lui; he banged in a timely double late on last Sunday’s (3 May) Sha Tin card, grabbing the final two races with Baby Sakura and Turquoise Velocity to begin May on a high.
The lightly raced pair look capable of winning again this season, as do the undefeated Hot Delight and the in-form Gold Patch.
“I have quite a few horses who can win more races but I can’t say that I am confident of winning the premiership,” Lui said.
“It’s very close. It all depends on how they run. I will take it step by step. To have so many trainers fighting it out is great competition.”
Hot Delight and Gold Patch are among Lui’s 10 runners at Sha Tin this Saturday (9 May), with the former looking to make it four wins from four starts in the Class 2 Sai Wan Shan Handicap (1200m) and the latter chasing a hat-trick in the Class 3 Lei Yue Mun Park Handicap (1200m).
Amazing Partners in the Class 3 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Handicap (1600m) is another in-form Lui galloper heading to Sha Tin this weekend, while the handler will be eager to see what debutants Almighty Warrior, Spirited Steed and Winalot can produce.
Trainers’ Ranking (Top 6) – As of 7 May, 2026
| Trainer | Win | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Total runs | |
| 1st | M Newnham | 52 | 43 | 42 | 46 | 29 | 450 |
| 2nd | C Fownes | 51 | 36 | 35 | 32 | 33 | 437 |
| 3rd | D Shum | 51 | 32 | 29 | 35 | 28 | 405 |
| 4th | D Hayes | 48 | 36 | 36 | 43 | 39 | 534 |
| 5th | F Lui | 45 | 35 | 52 | 26 | 33 | 409 |
| 6th | J Size | 44 | 52 | 48 | 35 | 49 | 484 |
Storm Titan Eyes Immediate Redemption
Isivivane must show his mettle
Champions Season has reached a crucial stage as trainers begin fine-tuning their paths toward the Hollywoodbets Durban July, balancing form with the challenge of securing a favourable handicap weight. Saturday’s WSB 1900 at Hollywoodbets Greyville could once again provide key July clues.
Peter Muscutt saddles Isivivane, still on the fringe of the July field but likely to secure a berth with victory here. While his recent wins have come on the polytrack, he has a favourable draw and workable weight.
Champion trainer Justin Snaith fields several major contenders. Native Ruler carries top weight and has little to lose ratings-wise, while stablemate Regulation, ridden by stable jockey JP van der Merwe, receives a significant weight advantage. Betting support may prove revealing. Snaith also unleashes Legal Counsel, who finished strongly behind Questioning last time and should improve for the run.
Of greater interest are Note To Self and Eight On Eighteen. Note To Self was runner-up to top filly Wish List in the Cape Derby and a bold showing would strengthen his July claims, though it could result in a ratings increase. Eight On Eighteen, runner-up in last year’s Durban July behind The Real Prince, makes his local debut after an underwhelming Cape campaign. He may need the outing but possesses the class to feature prominently.
Candice and Tammy Dawson saddle classy three-year-old Trust, winner of the Dingaan’s and never out of the money in six starts. His performance will provide a strong measure of the current three-year-old crop. The Ultimate King, from the Paul Peter stable, also enters calculations after a narrow defeat to Fire Attack when fitted with blinkers for the first time.
The Pick 6 opener, a Conditions Plate, has shrunk to seven runners, four from the Snaith yard. Likely pacemaker Okavango has been excellent in front-running efforts, including a brave second in the Premier’s Champions Cup. He benefits from Mickaella Michel’s 1.5kg allowance and already sits high enough in the July weights to avoid a harsh penalty.
Elsewhere, Mocha Blend, winner of the Summer Cup, represents Frank Robertson and receives weight from most rivals, making her a serious contender. Lightly raced Ascalon Dancer, a recent maiden winner, also commands attention in a high-quality contest loaded with Durban July implications.
2026 French Guineas Preview
The Goodwood Preview
Another Derby dance for Greeff and Fourie
‘Marx’ the spot: Blaine primed to strike twice
Sha Tin Track Spy: Sunday, 3 May
Bow Echo all guns blazing ahead of Guineas bid
Race for the Trainers’ Championship – Fownes: “The most exciting trainers’...
The Hong Kong racing season has moved into its final quarter and there’s plenty on the line between now and the concluding meeting on 15 July, headlined by what Caspar Fownes has described as “the most exciting trainers’ championship ever”.
Rarely has the fight for the trainers’ premiership been so evenly poised so deep into a campaign, with Fownes and Mark Newnham level in the lead on 50 winners and Danny Shum (49), David Hayes (48), Francis Lui (43) and John Size (41) in striking distance.
Fownes is no stranger to premiership success, bagging the title on four previous occasions, and he revealed just how much he is relishing the fight for a fifth crown.
“I’m really enjoying it. I’m enjoying the competition, and I’m so glad there’s six guys fighting it out. The pressure is constant, and I’m just enjoying the fact it’s game on and everyone is having a go,” he said.
“I would say it’s the most exciting trainers’ championship ever. When you’ve got that many in the hunt – normally a couple clear out from the rest and fight it out – it’s really up for grabs.”
Fownes, who last took the title in 2020/21, finished third last season with 52 winners and is confident he has a nice spread of young horses on the up and older horses on the right ratings.
“I’ve got many winners left. I’m not going to let my competitors know what they are but I’ve got quite a few that can win two or three,” he said.
“I’ve just got to see if there are enough to get done what I want to get done – I want to win a fifth title. I’m in for the fight.
“I’m happy where I’m sitting. I’m sure someone will overtake me and I will overtake them and it will go back and forth and people will have a run. It’s going to be hard fought and it’s really exciting.”
Fownes has had a consistent season, starting strongly with seven winners in each of September and October and really putting his foot down with nine victories in December.
He kept things ticking over with half a dozen winners in February and March, and he has reeled off seven successes in April, thanks to a little help from none other than the “Magic Man”, Joao Moreira.
Moreira wasted no time after coming on as Fownes’ retained rider in early April, steering home a four-timer for his new boss at Happy Valley on 8 April to add another layer to the title race.
“It’s great to have Joao on board and I really want to win it this year. It would mean a lot. I’m focused and I’m putting everything into it,” Fownes said. “I’m working hard and I just hope I can get it done.”
Fownes saddles up nine runners at Sha Tin this Sunday, including Joy Of Spring in the G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) and Kaholo Angel in the Class 2 Members Cup (1600m).
Trainers’ Ranking (Top 6) – As of 30 April, 2026
| Trainer | Win | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | Total runs | |
| 1st | M Newnham | 50 | 42 | 41 | 44 | 28 | 437 |
| 2nd | C Fownes | 50 | 34 | 35 | 31 | 32 | 420 |
| 3rd | D Shum | 49 | 31 | 28 | 32 | 27 | 391 |
| 4th | D Hayes | 48 | 33 | 34 | 43 | 39 | 519 |
| 5th | F Lui | 43 | 35 | 50 | 26 | 33 | 398 |
| 6th | J Size | 41 | 50 | 46 | 34 | 46 | 469 |
May 3 Selangor Preview By Mark Lydeamore
Tin Pan Alley can play a hit tune
Viva can claim the Legal Eagle
The Legal Eagle Stakes at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth offers an important stepping stone toward the Hollywoodbets Durban July, with half the field holding entries for the country’s premier contest.
Viva’s Liberte, trained by Candice Bass, profiles as the horse to beat. Lightly raced and still developing, he has had a less-than-ideal preparation this season but has shown promise against strong opposition. His third in the Cape Derby behind Wish List and a solid effort in the Variety Club Mile suggest he is nearing peak fitness. With leading rider Craig Zackey aboard, this could be his moment to deliver a statement win and strengthen his July credentials.
Tenpenny, from the Paddy Kruyer yard, is another serious contender. He finished narrowly ahead of Viva’s Liberte last time and is arguably better suited to the step up in trip, despite a slight weight disadvantage. La Pulga, a consistent performer, is rarely far behind Tenpenny and should again be competitive, though he may need to find extra to match the top contenders.
Elsewhere on the card, Peace Garland looks ready to break through in Race 1 after two promising runs against useful juveniles. In Race 2, Swift Serenity—a consistent maiden with multiple placings—may have found her opportunity in a suitable sprint.
Race 3 could offer value through Signor Dante, who has faced stronger company in recent starts and may appreciate the drop in class. In Race 4, Lark’s Song, twice runner-up recently, appears poised to shed her maiden tag under Andrew Fortune.
The Listed Ladies Mile (Race 5) sees Swiatek as a lively contender, proven over the course and distance and capable of bouncing back in slightly easier company.
Among the juveniles, Kalahari King stands out in the Grade 3 Winter Nursery, having impressed with a fluent and professional victory last time.
Later, Sooty brings consistent if unpredictable form into Race 8, while Final Call looks progressive and could outclass her rivals in the finale.
With several runners eyeing bigger targets, Sunday’s meeting provides both competitive racing and key clues ahead of the winter feature season.
Zinovi to score again
Five-timer in sight as championship charge continues
France Express Form & Race Previews (Nantes/Tarbes) – Monday, May 11
RACE 1: BOIS JOLY STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 1) – 1100M – TIME: 17:42 PRIZE MONEY: EUR21000
Moods (FR) Showed nice potential to be fourth over this trip at Le Mans on his sole start on 21 April. Open to progress and can get off the mark. Yuquot (FR) Filly by Kingman, the dam won over 900m on debut in the USA. Looks good on paper and can be expected to know what is required on her first day at school. Obscure (IRE) Filly by Dark Angel, the dam won once over 1600m. Nice profile and from a stable that can ready a newcomer to strike on debut. Lady Osprey (FR) Ran with promise in fifth over 1100m at Le Mans on 21 April on her sole start. She will know more this time and holds each-way claims.
RACE 2: CHEZ MARIE HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 2) – 1600M – TIME: 18:17 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200
Parvage Two placed runs of late, third on the latter over 1600m in a Handicap at Fontainebleau on 20 April. Looks ready to get off the mark. All In Pink (FR) Placed on both starts this year, second on the most recent over 2000m at Saint-Cloud in a Handicap on 1 May. Capable of being a live player. Sociando (FR) Placed second last time over 2000m at Le Lion D’Angers in a Handicap on 20 April. Can make his presence felt. Beau Roman (FR) Placed third on his only run over 1600m at Bordeaux Le Bouscat in a Maiden on 11 April. One to pay attention to.
RACE 3: DE PROCE HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 3) – 1600M – TIME: 18:52 PRIZE MONEY: EUR14400
Gyp Sea (FR) Three unplaced runs this year, the latter when sixth in a Class 4 Handicap at Le Mans on 21 April. Well handicapped on her best form. Icalero (FR) Two fourth place runs of late, the most recent over 1600m in a Class 4 Handicap at this track on 14 April. Ought to be a live threat. Alpha Spirit (FR) Three unplaced runs of late, second before that over 1600m at this track in a Class 4 Handicap on 15 October. Capable of being competitive. Fireman (FR) Placed third on two of his three starts this year, the most recent over 1400m at Compiegne in a Class 3 Handicap on 25 April. Ought to be thereabouts.
RACE 4: FORET DU GAVRE HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 4) – 1600M – TIME: 19:27 PRIZE MONEY: EUR16300
Septimus (FR) Back to form when second at Fontainebleau in a Class 3 Handicap over 2000m on 20 April. Can gain another success. Jiepies Melody (FR) Two unplaced runs of late, seventh on the most recent in a Class 3 Handicap at ParisLongchamp over 1800m on 3 May. Player. Ildouce Flechois (FR) Unplaced last time, fourth previously over 2000m at Nancy in a Class 4 Handicap on 4 April. Capable of being involved. Delta Spirit (FR) Needed the run last start, fourth before that over 2100m in a Class 4 at Angers on 16 November. One to look at each-way.
RACE 5: BRAIN/LONGUENEE STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM NANTES RACE 5) – 2400M – TIME: 20:12 PRIZE MONEY: EUR10000
Molly De Gascogne (FR) Ran with promise when fifth at Senonnes over 3000m on 8 April. Likely to improve and can get off the mark. Mascaret De Loire (FR) Decent third two runs back at Machecoul over 3000m in a Condition on 10 February. Live contender. Moi Mon Vieux (FR) Good effort to be second on debut at La-Roche- Sur-Yon over 2400m on 19 April. Open to improvement and can be on the premises. Magique D’authie (FR) Unraced gelding by Martinborough, the dam won 6 races on the flat. Nice profile and from a respected trainer that does well with newcomers. In the mix.
RACE 6: ODOS STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM TARBES RACE 1) – 1100M – TIME: 22:52 PRIZE MONEY: EUR21000
Ludwig (FR) This colt is out of the mare Chasing The Dawn who raced once in Naas for a sixth. He may put up a solid debut effort. Petit Genie (FR) This colt is out of the 1-time winning mare Zorra Chope who raced 41 times in her career. Will put up a solid fight. Pink Palace (FR) This filly is out of the 1-time winning mare Hunza Dancer who also competed in Listed races on French soil. She could school the top two boys. Reve De Nuit (FR) This colt is out of the 1-time winning mare Loshad who found success once over the mile. He may need further.
RACE 7: ALAIN LEQUEUX MAIDEN STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM TARBES RACE 2) – 1500M – TIME: 23:27 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200
Violet Leduc (IRE) Polished into second in a Maiden over 1600m at Bordeaux Le Bouscat on 11 April. Strong winning chance. Orya (FR) Good third on debut in a Maiden over 1800m at Salon-De-Provence on 16 April. Threatening chance here. Lonely Road (FR) This filly is out of the mare Wakening who raced twice on British soil for one win. She could be anything. Hello Louis (FR) Put a line through his last run when finishing eighth in a Maiden over 1600m at Pau on 6 February. Can make amends.
RACE 8: JF BERNARD HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM TARBES RACE 3) – 2300M – TIME: 00:02 PRIZE MONEY: EUR19200
Britania (FR) Finished fifth in a Class 4 Condition over 2400m at Langon-Libourne on 6 April. Well-entered and can go close. Xilofono (FR) Good second in a Class 3 Handicap over 2400m at Toulouse on 19 April. Strong winning chance on form. Nikolaj (FR) Pleasant fifth in a Class 3 Handicap over 2000m at La Teste- Bassin Arcachon on 22 April. Firm place chance. Poca Gen (FR) Polished up on current form when finishing third in a Class 3 Handicap over 2400m at Toulouse on 19 April. Include in all plays.
RACE 9: S. DE MORATALLA HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM TARBES RACE 4) – 2100M – TIME: 00:37 PRIZE MONEY: EUR16300
Yes Boy (FR) A winner in a Class 4 Handicap over 2200m at Dax on 1 May. Has every chance in following up. Burning Heart (FR) Smart second in a Class 4 Condition over 1600m at ParisLongchamp on 26 April. Solid each way chance. Lanceur D’alerte (FR) Pleasant sixth in a Class 4 Handicap over 2000m at Toulouse on 19 April. Place chance at best. Puerto Madero (FR) Decent fifth in a Class 4 Handicap over 2000m at Toulouse on 19 April. Can go close to upsetting the party.
RACE 10: BAGNERES HANDICAP (TURF TRACK) (FROM TARBES RACE 5) – 2100M – TIME: 01:11 PRIZE MONEY: EUR14400
Sedition Yet to win but did run a much improved race when a runner-up in a Handicap at Toulouse over 2000m on 19 April. Can go one place better. Valzak (FR) Bounced back to form with a runner-up in a Handicap at Bordeaux-Le Bouscat over 1600m on 27 April. Can contest the finish. Rayo De Luz (FR) Holding form and finished fourth in a Handicap at Toulouse over 2000m on 19 April. Can be competitive once again. Moon Of The Night (FR) Showed some improvement when third in a Handicap at Dax over 2200m on 1 May. Must be respected in this line-up.
RACE 11: MANDARINE III STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM TARBES RACE 6) – 2100M – TIME: 01:43 PRIZE MONEY: EUR16000
Mouvante De L’aigle (FR) Showed some promise when runner-up on debut in a Condition at Toulouse over 2000m on 10 October. Returns from a break but could score. Manarah El Izz (FR) A 4YO filly by Izz Al Khail out of Muneera who is making her debut. Her dam won 2 of her 12 starts. Monitor the betting. Miss Des Vialettes (FR) May have needed her last run when fourth in a Condition at Mont-de-Marsan over 2000m on 23 March. Capable of doing better and is not out of it. Madjik De Chaillac (FR) Yet to win a race and finished eighth in a Group 2 at La Teste-de-Buch over 2000m on 22 April. Consistent before that and could make the frame.
RACE 12: ENTREE DE JEU STAKES (TURF TRACK) (FROM TARBES RACE 7) – 2300M – TIME: 02:15 PRIZE MONEY: EUR20000
Kriptogene D’ayza (FR) Much improved of late and won twice in a row, with the latter in a Condition over this track and trip. Can complete the hat-trick. Mossana (FR) Returned to form and was runner-up in a Condition over this course and distance on 5 April. Should be a threat to these rivals. Aslan (FR) Broke the ice with a victory at Auch over 2650m on 12 April. Consistent and can get involved with the finish once again. Madmax De Lassales (FR) Remains in good form and was fourth in a Condition over this course and distance on 5 April. Should contest the finish.
South Africa Express Form & Race Previews (Fairview) – May 11
RACE BY RACE PREVIEWS: FAIRVIEW POLYTRACK@2026.05.11
Fairview Polytrack, 11.05.2026, Race 1, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R78.000, 12:25GMT+2
Race Summary: ROCK ME MAMA has run well in all three of her races so far. She should prove hard to beat against these rivals. Stable companion NET ZERO is well bred and could run well on debut. ON THE OUTSIDE QUEEN’S AWAY and ROSES FOR TREX are all capable of improvement and can get involved with the finish. SABOTEUR and TP THUNDERCHILD need to improve to win but might play minor roles at very best.
Selections: #6 Rock Me Mama, #7 Roses For Trex, #5 Queen’s Away, #4 On The Outside
Fairview Polytrack, 11.05.2026, Race 2, Gallops, 1600m, Poly, R71.000, 13:00GMT+2
Race Summary: GREEN POINT showed promise on his local debut. He tries the Polytrack this time but can go one place better. SIXTYZERO seems to like this surface and can contest the finish. PRICELESS TREASURE looked an unlucky loser in her latest start. She should be right there at the finish. SALAGADOOLA and BUGLE both ran on well in their latest starts and can earn some money. GALACTIC BEAUTY, DEE DEE’S DELIGHT and AM STILL WINNING are also capable of earning some money.
Selections: #8 Green Point, #3 Priceless Treasure, #7 Bugle, #6 Salagadoola
Fairview Polytrack, 11.05.2026, Race 3, Gallops, 1200m, Poly, R71.000, 13:35GMT+2
Race Summary: FYFIELD LEGEND has been a disappointment in that he has yet to win. He takes on his elders this time around and could score. WORLD SOPRANO seems better than his last run and could contest the finish. PRETTY BOY makes his local debut and should be a threat. INDESTRUCTABLE is improving and would not be a surprise winner. FOCAL POINT, GOOD SHINE and WITHOUT HESITATION do need to find a little more to score but have place chances. ALLEYAH’S ROCKET showed improvement last time out but is not well drawn.
Selections: #3 Fyfield Legend, #5 Indestructable, #13 Alleyah’s Rocket, #12 Without Hesitation
Fairview Polytrack, 11.05.2026, Race 4, Gallops, 1200m, Poly, R95.000, 14:10GMT+2
Race Summary: CHOCOLATE BOMB fluffed the start last time out. He was impressive in his two previous wins and can bounce back to score. HOERIKWAGGO has hit the crossbar a couple of times in a row and is capable of going one place better. TRIPPING THUNDER is better than his last run would suggest and will like it back on the Polytrack. RAVILIOUS continues to win races and must be respected for that. NORTH STAR seems better than her last run. WAROFDYNAMITE is unreliable but is also not out of it. KWAGGA BLITZ makes his local debut and should improve.
Selections: #7 Chocolate Bomb, #8 Kwagga Blitz, #1 Hoerikwaggo, #3 Ravilious
Fairview Polytrack, 11.05.2026, Race 5, Gallops, 1000m, Poly, R79.000, 14:45GMT+2
Race Summary: A very open race. Juvenile filly DAFFODIL DELIGHT could score off this handicap mark. MOSCOW MISS was only run out of it late last time out and could keep rolling. GOT THE FEVER is unreliable but quite capable of winning. Stable companions STRING OF LIGHTS and PITON DE NEIGE have improved this season and are not out of it. JAPANESE GARDEN and WINTERONTHEGREEN are both arriving for this after improved performances and could earn some money. ICED MARMALADE is a reserve runner but can win if getting into the race.
Selections: #7 Daffodil Delight, #10 Piton De Neige, #6 String Of Lights, #3 Moscow Miss
Fairview Polytrack, 11.05.2026, Race 6, Gallops, 1400m, Poly, R90.000, 15:20GMT+2
Race Summary: THUNDER MASTER continues to shine brightly and is quite capable of winning again. SILVONIAN did not show his best last time out but has had some solid victories on the Polytrack and should be a threat. KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is not reliable but did run well in a better field than this a few weeks ago. HOSPICES DE BEAUNE is consistent and clearly not out of it. GUARDING THE WALL, KING’S SAILOR and BLAME IT ON ME are also capable of making the frame.
Selections: #2 Thunder Master, #1 Silvonian, #3 Kingdom Of Heaven, #9 Blame It On Me
Fairview Polytrack, 11.05.2026, Race 7, Gallops, 1600m, Poly, R80.000, 15:55GMT+2
Race Summary: A very open looking race. BURNING MAN has improved of late and could win a race of this nature. SUPREME JUDGE has cracked pole position draw and should challenge for top honours. ALADO’S PRIDE ran a decent race last time out but is not reliable. DISRUPTIVE was a very easy maiden winner and could have more to offer. GOLDEN GREY, NAUTICAL LANDING and O SPACE O are all capable of troubling the judge.
Selections: #2 Burning Man, #1 Supreme Judge, #6 Golden Grey, #7 Nautical Landing
Fairview Polytrack, 11.05.2026, Race 8, Gallops, 1900m, Poly, R85.000, 16:35GMT+2
Race Summary: Now that HOMING PIGEON has learnt to win races she may have a few more victories in her tank. She quickened nicely last time out and can score again under a penalty. FLIGHT DISPLAY is very consistent and should fight out the finish once again. HAT MONTERA could be dangerous if given a soft lead. GREEN ISLE and SPOIL YOURSELF are both capable of strong finishes when in mood and could earn some money.
Selections: #6 Homing Pigeon, #1 Flight Display, #2 Hat Montera, #4 Green Isle
Best Win: #6 ROCK ME MAMA
Best Value Bet: #7 CHOCOLATE BOMB
Best Longshot: #7 CHOCOLATE BOMB





























