Newnham reclaims trainers’ premiership lead

Expatriate Australian Mark Newnham returned to the top of the Hong Kong trainers’ championship on Wednesday evening at Happy Valley, moving to 50 wins for the season after Armor Golden Eagle won the Class 3 Jeju Handicap.

Newnham’s rise follows My Wish’s Champions Mile victory on Sunday, adding to his Hong Kong Derby success with Invincible Ibis in March.

Caspar Fownes sits level on wins but trails on countback, while Danny Shum (49), David Hayes (48), Francis Lui (43) and John Size (41) remain in contention.

Zac Purton rode three winners to move within 14 victories of 2,000 career wins in Hong Kong.

Douglas Whyte also posted a treble, including Giant Ballon, who earned an ISG Bonus of HK$1 million.

Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday with the G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap.