Dragon boat races took place across Hong Kong on Friday for the Tuen Ng Festival, drawing thousands of competitors and spectators despite recent unsettled weather. Events were held in Stanley, Aberdeen, Sha Tin, Tai Po, Tai O, and Sai Kung, with participants expressing excitement and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Jockey Ethan Brown is set to ride Patch Of Theta and Chancheng Glory in Group Three races at Sha Tin on Sunday, following a career-best treble last Saturday. The 26-year-old expressed gratitude for the support from trainers John Size, David Hall, and Francis Lui.
British jockey Harry Bentley is undergoing rehabilitation after a severe fall at Sha Tin resulted in a fractured forearm, fractured shoulder blade, and five broken ribs. He aims to return to riding at the start of next season in September.
Hong Kong police arrested 150 people in a three-day crackdown on an illegal bookmaking syndicate that handled over HK$320 million in wagers. The operation targeted multiple locations and websites, with police warning against illegal betting during the Fifa World Cup.
A Hong Kong poultry stall tested positive for the H9 bird flu virus, leading to disinfection. Shoppers at Sha Tin's Wo Che Market appeared unfazed, with one vendor noting lower foot traffic but no increased public concern.
A sample from Hong Kong's Wo Che Market tested positive for H9 bird flu, days after a two-year-old boy visiting the venue contracted a mild H9N2 strain. The risk of a serious outbreak is considered low, with the boy in stable condition and household contacts asymptomatic.
A market in Hong Kong tested positive for bird flu H9 after a child who visited the location contracted a mild strain. Health officials state the risk of a major outbreak is low.
Australian jockey Ethan Brown achieved his first Hong Kong treble at Sha Tin on Saturday. Meanwhile, jockey Harry Bentley's season is likely over after a fractured forearm sustained in a fall. Francis Lui Kin-wai also celebrated a treble.
Francis Lui, the leading trainer at Sha Tin this season, is set to field a strong team at Saturday's meeting, including in-form Packing Angel and last-start winners Superb Spirit and Meaningful Dragon, as he aims to add to his 37 turf victories.
Hong Kong actress Barbara Chan Man-yee has died at the age of 66. She passed away peacefully on Friday morning at Prince of Wales Hospital after an illness, surrounded by family. Her sons announced her death, stating that a private memorial service will be held.
Legendary trainer John Moore, forced into retirement by age limits, is returning to Hong Kong racing as an owner. His horse, Grand Eagle, will debut at Sha Tin on Saturday.
Trainer Mark Newnham is looking to capitalize on recent success with six horses running at Sha Tin on Saturday, including Max Que and Infinite Resolve in the Class Two Peacock Handicap. Newnham is focused on horse welfare over championship standings.
Hot Delight, ridden by Vincent Ho, won the Class Two Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships Handicap, solidifying his Classic Series contender status. Meanwhile, Ricky Yiu achieved his 1,100th Hong Kong win, and trainers Dennis Yip and Mark Newnham also secured doubles.
Hong Kong's Apprentice Jockeys' School opens recruitment for its 50+ year program, attracting hundreds of hopefuls for 25 spots, following in the footsteps of local legends like Tony Cruz and Vincent Ho, with success stories like Britney Wong.
Trainer Brett Crawford is optimistic about his stable's prospects at Sha Tin, with Public Attention, The Unique Star, and Ninja Derby among his strong contenders. Crawford has had a successful first season in Hong Kong, with many wins from stable transfers.
Caspar Fownes took a two-win lead in the trainers' championship after securing a double at Sha Tin on Sunday with victories from Papaya Brose and Family Jewel. Three debutant horses also achieved notable wins.
David Eustace achieved his first Group Three victory in Hong Kong with Light Years Charm winning the Lion Rock Trophy at Sha Tin. The longshot horse, ridden by Jerry Chau, secured a gritty win by a short head in a thrilling finish.
Patch Of Stars, ridden by Karis Teetan, won the Group Three Sha Tin Vase at Sha Tin on Sunday, narrowly defeating Raging Blizzard. This marks the horse's fourth win of the season and a significant step up in class.
Zac Purton becomes the first jockey to achieve 2,000 wins in Hong Kong, riding Rising World to victory in the Hong Kong Wu Hua General Association Cup Plate at Sha Tin.
Winning Ovation, recovering from a tendon injury, aims for a Group Three Lion Rock Trophy win at Sha Tin, facing Sky Jewellery and Group One performers.
Champion trainer John Size's rising star Sky Jewellery aims to climb the Hong Kong racing ladder in the Group Three Lion Rock Trophy, despite health concerns, while Size also fields strong contenders in other Group Three races.
Zac Purton needs 2 wins to reach 2,000 Hong Kong victories, with 8 chances at Happy Valley on Wednesday, including rides on Honest Witness and Armor Golden Eagle.
Plainclothes police removed a monitor and hard disks from Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kolkata, citing a routine removal of security equipment after his Z-plus security cover was withdrawn.
Jockey Andrea Atzeni is optimistic about securing a Group Three double on Sunday with Sky Jewellery in the Lion Rock Trophy and Crimson Flash in the Sha Tin Vase. Sky Jewellery, trained by John Size, returns after a racing ban, while Crimson Flash seeks his fourth win this term.
