The 2024 Hong Kong racing season officially came to a close with a night of celebration that firmly belonged to Ka Ying Rising and jockey Zac Purton, as the city’s top equine and human performers were honored for their excellence on the track.

A Season of Ascendancy for Ka Ying Rising
Trained by David Hayes for the Ka Ying Syndicate, Ka Ying Rising was the undisputed standout of the season, sweeping three major awards: Horse of the Year, Champion Four-Year-Old, and Champion Sprinter. His blistering acceleration and consistent form across sprint and mile distances made him a fan favorite and a statistical standout. For Hayes, the accolades capped a campaign of precision planning and execution.

“It’s been a joy to train him. He’s all heart and class,” Hayes remarked after the ceremony.

Voyage Bubble Doubles Up
Not to be outshone, Voyage Bubble delivered a rare double of his own. The Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate-owned gelding took home the titles of Champion Miler and Champion Stayer—a remarkable achievement that highlights his stamina and versatility. Trainer Ricky Yiu, no stranger to producing elite talent, guided the star miler through a campaign that spanned several testing trips, including a thrilling stretch duel in the season’s premier staying event.

Romantic Warrior Stays Supreme Over Middle Distances
In the Champion Middle-Distance Horse category, Romantic Warrior reaffirmed his position as a powerhouse over 2000m. Owned by Peter Lau Pak Fai and trained by Danny Shum, the six-year-old turned in another season of strong performances, showing he remains a force to be reckoned with both domestically and abroad.

Zac Purton: A Champion Again
Champion Jockey honors once again went to Zac Purton, whose season was defined by world-class race-riding and tactical brilliance. The Australian rider continues to build a legacy as one of Hong Kong’s greatest-ever jockeys, regularly delivering wins in high-stakes races across the calendar.

Emerging Star: My Wish
In the Most Improved Horse category, My Wish earned recognition for his dramatic rise through the ranks. Owned in partnership by Ada Che Xiao Hong, Suki Tang Xianfang, and Ruby Hui Like Sea, and trained by Mark Newnham, the gelding developed rapidly over the course of the season, showcasing sharp improvement and resilience.

2024 Hong Kong Racing Awards

Horse of the Year
🏆 Ka Ying Rising

Owner: Ka Ying Syndicate

Trainer: David Hayes

Champion Jockey
🏇 Zac Purton

Champion Four-Year-Old
🥇 Ka Ying Rising

Owner: Ka Ying Syndicate

Trainer: David Hayes

Champion Sprinter
⚡ Ka Ying Rising

Owner: Ka Ying Syndicate

Trainer: David Hayes

Champion Miler
🔥 Voyage Bubble

Owner: Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate

Trainer: Ricky Yiu

Champion Middle-Distance Horse
🎯 Romantic Warrior

Owner: Peter Lau Pak Fai

Trainer: Danny Shum

Champion Stayer
🏁 Voyage Bubble

Owner: Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate

Trainer: Ricky Yiu

Most Improved Horse
🌟 My Wish

Owners: Ada Che Xiao Hong, Suki Tang Xianfang & Ruby Hui Like Sea

Trainer: Mark Newnham