Vincent Ho, Caspar Fownes dominate at Happy Valley

Vincent Ho took riding honours at Happy Valley on Wednesday night with a treble to continue his bright start to the 2026/27 season, as Caspar Fownes ignited his charge for a sixth Hong Kong trainers’ championship with a double.

Vaulting to second place in the jockeys’ championship, Ho is level with Zac Purton on four wins but trails the nine-time Hong Kong champion with fewer minor placings.

“I was happy for the night, I’ve got to keep it going and get more good rides and support,” Ho said after triumphing on the Fownes-trained Jumbo Blessing, Cody Mo’s Fortunate Son and Pierre Ng’s Ace Champion.

Underscoring his reputation as the “King of the Valley”, Fownes last season slotted a record 46 wins at Happy Valley to claim his fifth Hong Kong trainers’ title with 69 victories overall from Danny Shum (65 wins) and Mark Newnham (61).

With an unmatched 676 victories at the city circuit, Fownes has more wins at the venue in Hong Kong’s professional era of racing than any other horseman and he delivered a swift reminder of his potency.

Bidding to add to championships secured in 2006/07, 2008/09, 2013/14, 2020/21 and 2025/26, Fownes pointed to the difficulty of claiming successive titles.

“It’s very tough (to go win consecutive championships). We’re happy with the team. The thing is we’ve got quite a few PPs coming into the system and they need to contribute in order to give yourself a chance to win the championship,” said Fownes, who has 1237 Hong Kong wins overall.

Purton posted his 750th victory at Happy Valley when Francis Lui’s Mighty Steed fought doggedly to fend off Firefoot.

Referring to the milestone, Purton quipped: “It’s another chapter in the book.”

Purton subsequently completed a double when Robot Lucky Star scored for Mark Newnham. – Hong Kong Jockey Club