Fownes in box seat to claim HK trainers’ title

Caspar Fownes strengthened his bid for a fifth Hong Kong trainers’ championship at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, extending his lead in the title race after combining with Joao Moreira to win with Sky Cap in the Class 3 Des Voeux Road Central Handicap (1000m).

With only six meetings remaining in the 2025/26 season, Fownes sits on 64 wins, five clear of Danny Shum on 59, while Mark Newnham (58), Francis Lui (54) and David Hayes (52) remain in contention. Cody Mo was the standout trainer on the night, saddling a treble.

Moreira produced a polished ride aboard Sky Cap (120lb), settling the gelding behind the speed before finishing strongly to secure victory and a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million.

The win continued Moreira’s productive reunion with Fownes since returning to Hong Kong as the trainer’s retained jockey. The Brazilian has ridden 24 winners since his return, with 21 of those victories coming for Fownes.

“It’s (every win) getting crucial at this stage. I’m very happy for the owners (Kwan Yui Man), they’re one of my biggest supporters, the whole (Kwan) family. They’re the most beautiful people to train for – they let me do my job and never hassle me,” Fownes said.

“I’m so happy to get the win for them and on top of that, to get the first win bonus, which is great. The horse has done a good job for us.

“We dropped the horse back to 1000m and I said to Joao just give him a chance to just get in behind the speed – one out, one back. That was the winning move. He just lasted so I’m very happy.”