#Silvestre de Sousa

The HK$18.5 million Longines Hong Kong Sprint has fast become a global sprint championship race, with horses lining up regularly from many of racing's leading jurisdictions to determine which horse is quickest. Originally run over the straight 1000m course as a Listed race, Hong Kong legend Fairy King Prawn won the first edition in 1999. The…

A prolific winner with four wins from eight starts, Tuchel - trained by John Size - made his Class 2 debut a winning one after enduring a tough, three-wide passage from gate 14 before extending to score by half a length over fellow four-year-old Galaxy Witness. "I knew he had that ability but whether he was going to be able to produce that today,…

The Irish 1000 Guineas winner, ridden by Colm O'Donoghue, powered clear for a scintillating six-length victory over runner-up Threading, with Veracious third. Victory for the 11-4 favourite was another flat racing triumph for the Irish trainer whose successes over the jumps include last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John. "I have a lot…

Crowds have flocked to the Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire to to see the one of the world's greatest flat races - the Gold Cup. Order Of St George, ridden by Ryan Moore, is the favourite to win the Gold Cup with Betfair giving odds of 10/11. The two-mile long Group 1 race will kick off at 4.20pm. Royal Ascot is airing exclusively on ITV this year and…

3.00) at Royal Ascot on Saturday, as he bids to bounce back from his disappointing third in the 2000 Guineas. The Charlie Appleby-trained son of Shamardal was defeated for the first time in the Newmarket Classic and will once again take on Wichita, who finished second. Appleby said: "Naturally, you are always disappointed when you lose that…

Cheval Grand, shown winning the 2017 Japan Cup, returns seeking a repeat victory in Sunday's renewal. Photo courtesy of Japan Racing Association Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Weekend horse racing action stretches from Tokyo to Bahrain with a stop in England and a quick look at Hong Kong's preparations for its big weekend two weeks down the calendar. The Grade 1…

Full replay: Triple Time impresses at Haydock Kevin Ryan plans to take aim at next year's QIPCO 2000 Guineas with "exciting horse" Triple Time, who took a step up in class in his stride with an impressive success in the Betfair Exchange Ascendant Stakes at Haydock Park this afternoon (Saturday). The son of Frankel thrust himself into the picture…

Trainer Ian Williams has conquered this 2m4½f handicap on three occasions with a trio of useful dual-purposes recruits and he comes double-handed in his bid for a record-equalling fourth win in the race. Since 1988, only Mark Johnston has a better record in this contest, and the Williams-trained Reshoun heads the market for this unique event, which…

Dettori was at his best on the 7-4 joint favourite, trained by John Gosden, to see off runner-up Vazirabad and long-time leader Torcedor in third. It was the 47-year-old jockey's sixth Gold Cup win and he treated the 70000 crowd to a trademark flying dismount. Joint favourite Order Of St George, the 2016 winner and last year's runner-up, could only…

SIR BUSKER is fancied to call the tune in the Unibet Golden Mile (2.45) at Glorious Goodwood today. Having marked his return with a win at Newcastle at the start of June, the William Knight four-year-old followed up in the Silver Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot 15 days later. Oisín Murphy's mount then stepped back from a mile to seven furlongs for the…

Ghaiyyath won the Juddmonte International on day one of the Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival, for Will Buick and Charlie Appleby. Updates here Jockey William Buick with Ghaiyyath after their win in the 2020 Juddmonte International Ghaiyyath turned the Juddmonte International into a procession to land his Group One hat-trick. Will Buick set the…

Last Saturday Harry Skelton was crowned champion jump jockey after a long tussle with Brian Hughes and now the Flat battle gets under way, and it could be just as exciting. After a pandemic-affected title chase last year, the race returns to its 2000 Guineas day to Champions Day format this time, with Oisin Murphy hoping to finish top of the table…

It's been a week of ups and downs in the HK jockeys' room. Matthew Chadwick's good season is on hold after he broke his right ankle in a barrier trial accident on Tuesday and the 32-year-old "will not be fit to resume riding for some time" according to a HKJC statement. Karis Teetan is heading in the opposite direction after a three-month absence…

Racing fans will be watching Newmarket on Saturday where the first Classic of the Flat season is run at 3.40. The race is one of six on the ITV schedule The first Classic races of the Flat season take place this weekend, with Wembley hoping to score in the Qipco 2000 Guineas. The Galileo colt, named after the home of English football, was backed in…

Left handed, flat. In essence, York is a very fair track, ideal for the long-striding galloper. In recent seasons, the field tends to come more down the centre of the track than has historically been the case, particularly if conditions are testing. The track was made into a circuit in 2005 and offers a straight five furlong/six furlong track, on…

Down On Da Bayou blitzes her rivals in Thursday's UAE Oaks at Meydan, and now is headed for the Saudi Derby. Photo by Erika Rasmussen, courtesy of Dubai Racing Club Feb. 21 (UPI) Weekend horse racing features a dash of Kentucky Derby, Saudi Derby, Hong Kong Derby, Qatar Derby and even the Winter Derby with action from the Far East to the Middle…

ALCOHOL FREE is ready to spark celebrations with yet another Group 1 success in the Juddmonte International (3.35). Andrew Balding's daughter of No Nay Never tackles a mile and a quarter for the first time on day one of the Ebor meeting. Oisín Murphy, once again flying high at the top of the jockeys' championship, will be biding his time in her bid…

LATEST RESULTS, TIPS AND UPDATES: Find out every winner of every race, plus pictures and videos as the drama unfolds on Day 5 Royal Ascot 2018: behind the scenes of a top stables where the Queen's racehorses are trained Brighton-born Ryan Moore clinched a big-race double on the final day of Royal Ascot to leapfrog veteran Frankie Dettori in the…

Anything good is worth waiting for and a LONGINES HKIR day that was three years in the making due to Covid restrictions created a host of vivid images. It started with Joao Moreira choking up at a packed paddock presentation to mark his exit from the HK racing scene. Win Marilyn's success in the Vase completed another memorable global year for…

Wednesday's Happy Valley races are highlighted not so much by the horses but the riders, as it's Longines International Jockeys Championship day. Seven jockeys from outside Hong Kong join five locally-based riders for the four-race event, which carries a first prize of HK$500000 (about $64000). The international challenge is headed by Ryan Moore,…

HK might as well stand for Hokey Kokey after another week of dramatic ins and outs. In-form Zac Purton was ruled out of Wednesday's Happy Valley meeting, along with French rider Antoine Hamelin, due to a second positive Covid test in recent weeks. Both riders are back in for Sunday's Sha Tin card but Ruan Maia and recent Aussie import Jye McNeil…

28-1 shot Johan gives Mick Channon and Silvestre De Sousa unexpected victory in Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster JOHAN put one in the back of the net for former football ace and now trainer Mick Channon when landing the SBK Lincoln on the opening day of the turf Flat season at Doncaster. Partnered by Silvestre de Sousa, the 28-1 shot proved strong for…

Aidan O'Brien has an excellent record in the Qipco 1000 Guineas and Tuesday has a fine chance of winning it this year. Stablemate Tenebrism and Discoveries are other key contenders Sandrine runs in the Qipco 1000 Guineas Aidan O'Brien has two leading contenders as he goes in pursuit of yet another Qipco 1000 Guineas triumph. The Irish trainer, who…

Gun English jockey Ryan Moore will ride Wellington in next month's Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), with trainer Richard Gibson confirming his stable star is on track for the international races. Wellington pulled up lame after a disappointing sixth in the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) on November 20 but Gibson is pleased with how his…

Further easing in the local COVID restrictions meant that the biggest crowd since January-better than 13000 racegoers-took in Sunday's BOCHK Jockey Club meeting at Sha Tin in person and were they ever rewarded. Making their seasonal debuts and having a single prep towards next month's Longines Hong Kong International Races, both two-time defending…

THE Flat season officially comes to an end on Saturday and it goes out with a bang. The November Handicap is a real puzzle for punters but you'll be well rewarded if you can find the winner. COOKE up a win in the November Handicap at Doncaster. SAM COOKE looks a big improver on just his third run of the season. Ralph Beckett's hope showed loads of…

The crowd were captivated by last year's Derby finish, won by Wings Of Eagles (near side), and we're in for another mouthwatering contest this week It's a week that is all about Epsom on Saturday and the race that every breeder, owner, trainer, stable staff and jockey dreams of winning - not forgetting the occasional punter! Here's the racing…

This year's LONGINES IJC will also be the first time that the two leading female jockeys in the world ride on the same card - Australia's Jamie Kah who makes her debut, while Hollie Doyle returns for a third time. Kah, 26, is the most successful female jockey in Australian racing history with eight Group 1 wins and over 1100 wins overall. In…

The Queen will be without a runner at Epsom on Derby day after her final horse was not declared. Just Fine had been due to contest the World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap at the prestigious fixture. The gelding's trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, has the favourite for the feature Cazoo Derby (4.30pm). The big race is the only Flat Classic the Queen has…

The money came for Dragon's Luck in a big way and Lyle Hewitson left absolutely nothing to chance at Sha Tin on Saturday, ensuring the easiest of watches for punters who piled into the Douglas Whyte-trained debutant. Considered a $14 chance half an hour out from the race, Dragon's Luck was hammered from $10 into $4.35 in the final few minutes of…

Alenquer wins the King Edward VII cosily under Tom Marquand Alenquer, who beat the subsequent Derby hero Adayar at Sandown in April, justified warm favouritism with a fluent win in the King Edward VII Stakes. Recent Derby winners have generally proved hugely disappointing in subsequent races, so it's good to see the form of the latest Epsom scorer…

Charlie Appleby saddled his third winner from the last four editions of the Craven Stakes when last season's unbeaten champion two-year-old Native Trail convincingly landed very short odds to strengthen his position as ante-post favourite for the 2000 Guineas. Earlier the same day, promising stablemate Coroebus was put through his paces in a gallop…

The Amo Racing silks will be spotted plenty over the course of Royal Ascot - but connections feel their best chance of the week comes in Tuesday's Coventry Stakes with Persian Force. Winner of the Brocklesby Stakes by almost five lengths at Doncaster on the opening day of the season, the Richard Hannon-trained colt has only run once more…

Kameko (Oisin Murphy, left) bags last year's Qipco 2000 Guineas. Who will win this year? Your guide to the Qipco 2000 Guineas (3.40), the first Classic of the season and Saturday's big race at Newmarket.

Royal Ascot week is upon us, with thousands of people descending on the Ascot racecourse to witness Europe's oldest and most storied horse racing event. Sometimes considered to be more of a social event, the Royal Ascot brings the finest horses in British flat horse racing together for a week of non-stop action in the shadow of Windsor Castle. With…

Aidan O'Brien will be looked to assert his dominance and can the favourites take charge like they did on Wednesday has started off with a thrilling opening two days with plenty of money made by the punters. Highland Reel was the big winner on the second day in Berkshire as it won the Prince Of Wales's Stakes. There were also triumphs for Le…

St Mark's Basilica (centre) is absent but Wembley (left) and Thunder Moon (right) will run St Mark's Basilica is a notable absentee from the final field for the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday after 15 colts were declared for the first Classic of the season. Trainer Aidan O'Brien will still be represented by Battleground, Van Gogh and…

Zac Purton is already away and clear atop the HK jockeys' table but it would take a brave punter to take a heavy position on this year's trainers' championship. Tony Cruz leads on twelve winners after Street Scream completed a hat-trick at Happy Valley on Sunday but current champ Frankie Lor is only one behind after a double and Francis Lui, John…

In her Platinum Jubilee Year, the Queen's odds-on favourite Reach For The Moon was beaten by Claymore in the Hampton Court Stakes. Dettori was also a runner-up on Saga, as Thesis won the Britannia Stakes. And he had a nightmare passage as Stradivarius was denied a record-equalling fourth Gold Cup. The 13-8 favourite Kyprios, ridden by Ryan Moore…

A Lucky 15 consists of 15 bets: 4 singles, 6 doubles, 4 trebles, 1 four-fold. To place a multiple bet, select horses and options will appear in your betslip. An each-way Lucky 15, as advised below, is therefore 30 bets, and you will get a return of some kind if one horse places. Things went wrong for MANDOBI in the King George V Stakes at Royal…

Our in-form tipster has a 9-1 fancy in the Stewards' Cup, plus a 14-1 chance in the consolation race for the big sprint. Watch how they fare live on Racing TV. 1.20 Goodwood: Farasi Lane at a general 6-1 Has a lot in his favour here and looks set to run a big race. He is drawn two and has an habitual slow starter inside him so looks set to get the…

SILVESTRE DE SOUSA daren't put his phone on silent. For the sake of a moment's peace and quiet, he could end up missing out on hundreds of thousands of pounds. But the former champion jockey knew what he was signing up for when he swapped the UK for Hong Kong back in August. The Brazilian, 41, has had stints riding in the Far East in the past, but…

Zac Purton says his $1.20 hotpot Exultant fell victim to a severe lack of pace and a bad barrier in Sunday's Group One Hong Kong Gold Cup. The champion jockey was left with few options from barrier nine, jumping from the tricky 2000m Sha Tin start, and admits he knew he was in trouble 800m in when Joao Moreira was left to dictate proceedings on…

The Magic Man is finally back - but not without a few notable caveats. Joao Moreira returns to action at Sha Tin on Sunday after missing the first two meetings of a new season due to problems from last term and his messages to various media members are interesting. On the one hand he's "feeling much better" and "ready to go to war." But on the…

The old saying dictates that you can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you. There's much to be said for taking a break from one of the world's most intense cities - especially when the fight against Covid is far from over - but an eight-week hiatus is enough to sharpen the appetites of most racing fans and players alike. Zac Purton and Joao…

Matt Hulmes breaks down day three at the Royal Ascot including the Gold Cup, which Stradivarius is looking to win for a fourth time 20:05, 16 Jun 2021 Gold Cup Day at Royal Ascot and history is in the making with superstar stayer Stradivarius bidding to emulate Yeats and win the race for a fourth time and a fifth victory at the meeting. I'd…

There's been no racing in Hong Kong for more than seven weeks but there's still been plenty happening. Here are some of the off-season's more newsworthy events. The Jockey Club will offer its punters another form of fixed-price wagering in 2022-23, with the Trainer Challenge launching at Sunday's season opener at Sha Tin. Like the Jockey Challenge,…