Latest news with #ClassicSeries
South China Morning Post
04-05-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
David Eustace's smart three-year-old dazzles at Sha Tin: ‘we've always liked him'
Dazzling Fit threw his hat in the ring as a potential Classic Series horse for next season with a sparkling win in the first section of the Class Four Cox's Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Luke Ferraris settled David Eustace's galloper in mid-pack early on and turning out of the back straight still had a lot of ground to make up. When hitting top gear Dazzling Fit flew down the straight to record a very comfortable win over Max Que, obliging for favourite backers after being sent off $2.65. Eustace sung the praises of his three-year-old post-race. Seriously impressive, Dazzling Fit! 🤯@EustaceRacing's 3YO son of Ribchester explodes to a first win at Sha Tin under @LukeFerraris...#LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) May 4, 2025 'We've always liked him. He'd put in two really good performances but was showing signs of greenness and just inexperience, which is very normal,' said Eustace. 'He was good today. He jumped well and he relaxed. He had a bit of ground to make up and I thought he flattened out well and picked them up well. 'He'll be a lovely horse for next season. He'll definitely stay a mile. Whether he needs to do that now I'm not sure, but for next year he will. 'We'll see how he is as to whether he has another run or whether we give him a chance to mature. I'll just be guided by the horse.' Whip rules come into focus Jockey Club officials will discuss Hong Kong's whip rules with the city's riders on Tuesday, with executive director of racing Andrew Harding suggesting 'there is probably a case for reducing, in some circumstances, the use of the whip'. Under Hong Kong's current whip rules, jockeys can be punished for using the whip in an 'excessive, improper, unnecessary or inappropriate manner' but there are no official restrictions on how many times the whip can be used. 'We continue to look at various aspects of regulation and one of them is the use of the whip. We've been doing that for some time and having ongoing discussions with jockeys and trainers,' said Harding. 'After we have spoken to [the jockeys] and trainers and owners, we will make an assessment about whether there should be changes to the rules with a view to, if we change anything, introducing it next season. 'We're not suggesting anything at this stage. Obviously there have been changes to the way the use of the whip has been regulated in other major racing jurisdictions over time. 'We continue to monitor those changes, see how they've worked and we'll continue to do that. 'It is a conversation we'll be having with the jockeys – whether there is a case for making the changes here, and if we did make changes, what would be sensible? 'I would say overall, I think that there is probably a case for reducing, in some circumstances, the use of the whip.' Wong ends long wait for Victory Apprentice Britney Wong Po-ni returned to the winners' enclosure for the first time in almost two months when she booted home Circuit Victory in Sunday's Class Five Jordan Handicap (1,200m). Winless since firing in a double on the Sha Tin dirt on March 9, Wong snapped a drought of 39 rides without success after guiding Manfred Man Ka-leung's Circuit Victory to his first victory at start 11. The 25-year-old rider didn't let the lean period weigh her down and paid tribute to support from the industry. 'I've been not in the winners' circle for over a month, so it's all been a bit lost on me. It's good I have got all the good culture and good help around me and I just stick my head into it and I really feel good,' Wong said after notching her 13th triumph of the season. Circuit Victory is not for catching! Apprentice Britney Wong lands her 13th win in Hong Kong... 🔥#LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) May 4, 2025 Relishing the addition of blinkers, Circuit Victory crossed from gate 12 early to lead for Wong and drew clear in the straight to comfortably beat Ever Smart by a length and three-quarters. 'It's really great and I really appreciate all the support from Manfred,' said Wong, who received a two-meeting careless riding suspension for her winning effort. 'He's been a big supporter even since I was a trainee. It's a nice feeling to reward him and his team in this way.' Matthew Poon Ming-fai broken an even bigger drought on Sunday, ending his streak of 75 winless rides with a desperately needed success on Cody Mo Wai-kit's Ka Ying Superb in the second section of the Cox's Handicap. Stellenbosch to stay at home Japanese mare Stellenbosch will not run in the Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) later this month, but Jockey Club officials remain confident the other two overseas entries – Dubai Honour and Al Riffa – will step out at Sha Tin on May 25. Third in December's Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m), Stellenbosch's connections have opted to head towards the Group One Victoria Mile in Tokyo on May 18 instead of another trip abroad. Local entries for the race, which close on May 12, are expected to be headed by Ricky Yiu Poon-fai's Triple Crown hopeful Voyage Bubble.
South China Morning Post
29-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Mark Newnham ‘proud' of My Wish as he maps out ambitious Group One campaign next season
Mark Newnham is ready for an exciting next campaign with My Wish (pink cap). Photos: Kenneth Chan My Wish is off for a well-earned rest but his trainer Mark Newnham is confident he has a bona fide Group One horse on his hands for next season. His four-year-old started the season winning off a rating of just 54 but has soared to incredible heights since that 1,200m success at Sha Tin. His crowning glory came back in January, when he was given a peach of a ride by Luke Ferraris to win the Hong Kong Classic mile ahead of a stacked field. My Wish ran two mighty seconds in the next two legs of the four-year-old Classic Series, bumping into a charging Rubylot in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1,800m) before a desperately unlucky run in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m). Classy as! 👏 My Wish staves off challengers to capture the first #4YOSeries leg - the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile - with @LukeFerraris for Mark Newnham... #LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 31, 2025 He was forced to come from last and had to spin nearly eight-wide into the straight to make his challenge, thundering down the outside and recording the fastest final 400m sectional over 2,000m in Sha Tin history in the process. He confirmed his status as one to watch for next season when running a huge race behind Red Lion, Voyage Bubble and Sunlight Power in the Group One FWD Champions Mile and Newnham is looking ahead to some big targets. 'I thought he did us proud, like he did all season,' said Newnham. 'He's been very consistent horse right from the start of it. That'll do him this campaign, but he gives us every indication we can aim high next time around. 'He led all the way over 1,200m at the first meeting of the year, so he's done a really good job. Next season, hopefully we can aim for the [Hong Kong Mile] and then the Champions Mile again.' In the immediate future, Newnham is looking forward to the chances of Mission Strike, who has Zac Purton on for the first time in the Class Four Korea Racing Authority Trophy (1,800m). Mission Strike was always outpaced on debut at Sha Tin over 1,400m, but showed improved form over the 1,800m at Happy Valley, finishing third and a flashing-home second when given a mountain to climb from last off the turn. He took a small backwards step at Sha Tin last time, but Newnham is confident he has found the key to unlocking the best from his three-year-old. 'He was reluctant to come between horses and finish the race off last time,' said Newnham. 'He's going in the blinkers this time and his two runs over the 1,800m at Happy Valley before his last run at Sha Tin were good – I think it's a good race for him, especially back at Happy Valley. 'He seems to have reacted to the blinkers and hopefully it gives him a bit more confidence. He's only a young horse with limited experience, so it's understandable that he's still learning his craft. 'He's got enough talent to be winning races and he just needs a bit of help to get there. His slow starts have forced us into racing quieter early on. 'He drew well the other day and was closer – he didn't finish off the race like we hoped but I think that was more because of his reluctance to come between horses.'
USA Today
06-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
FootJoy HyperFlex golf shoes
FootJoy HyperFlex golf shoes A lightweight lateral support system, foam midsole and spiked outsole combine to make the updated HyperFlex a footwear option for golfers at every level. Throughout his junior days, his time as a star for the University of Alabama, and his professional career, Justin Thomas wore classic-styled footwear like FootJoy's Premiere Series, Classic Series, and Icon line. The two-time major winner had a modern game and demanded a high level of stability and traction, but his golf shoes often featured throwback styling. But if you have seen JT play this season, you might have noticed that he's wearing golf shoes that are much more sporty and relaxed looking: FootJoy's updated HyperFlex. Arriving in stores now, the FootJoy HyperFlex shoes ($180) are available in sizes 7 through 15 for men and 6 through 11 for women. The outsole features a combination of replaceable spikes and traction-enhancing lugs that help keep a golfer's feet stable throughout the swing, even on wet or muddy turf. To enhance stability and help golfers maintain a solid base, FootJoy designed the HyperFlex with TruFit, a series of flexible pieces that extend up from the midsole and are secured by the lacing system. After putting your foot into the shoes, TruFit wraps around your foot and helps to increase lateral support, keeping your foot bonded to the shoe more effectively. For golfers who want even more stability, FootJoy has a version of the HyperFlex coming in April called HyperFlex Carbon that features a carbon fiber plate in the sole that makes the bottom of the shoe more rigid when you swing. To make walking 18 holes more comfortable, the HyperFlex has a midsole designed using StratoFoam, a lightweight material that provides cushioning. A plate designed in the midfoot also helps to return energy to your feet and propel you forward as you walk, making covering the course easier too. The upper of the HyperFlex is made using FootJoy's ControlKNIT, a waterproof, spiral-wound material that is durable, breathable and easy to clean, yet repels water so effectively that the HyperFlex has a two-year waterproof warranty.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FootJoy HyperFlex golf shoes
Throughout his junior days, his time as a star for the University of Alabama, and his professional career, Justin Thomas wore classic-styled footwear like FootJoy's Premiere Series, Classic Series, and Icon line. The two-time major winner had a modern game and demanded a high level of stability and traction, but his golf shoes often featured throwback styling. But if you have seen JT play this season, you might have noticed that he's wearing golf shoes that are much more sporty and relaxed looking: FootJoy's updated HyperFlex. Arriving in stores now, the FootJoy HyperFlex shoes ($180) are available in sizes 7 through 15 for men and 6 through 11 for women. The outsole features a combination of replaceable spikes and traction-enhancing lugs that help keep a golfer's feet stable throughout the swing, even on wet or muddy turf. To enhance stability and help golfers maintain a solid base, FootJoy designed the HyperFlex with TruFit, a series of flexible pieces that extend up from the midsole and are secured by the lacing system. After putting your foot into the shoes, TruFit wraps around your foot and helps to increase lateral support, keeping your foot bonded to the shoe more effectively. For golfers who want even more stability, FootJoy has a version of the HyperFlex coming in April called HyperFlex Carbon that features a carbon fiber plate in the sole that makes the bottom of the shoe more rigid when you swing. To make walking 18 holes more comfortable, the HyperFlex has a midsole designed using StratoFoam, a lightweight material that provides cushioning. A plate designed in the midfoot also helps to return energy to your feet and propel you forward as you walk, making covering the course easier too. The upper of the HyperFlex is made using FootJoy's ControlKNIT, a waterproof, spiral-wound material that is durable, breathable and easy to clean, yet repels water so effectively that the HyperFlex has a two-year waterproof warranty. This article originally appeared on Golfweek: FootJoy HyperFlex golf shoes blend sporty looks, traction and comfort
South China Morning Post
27-02-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
History on My Wish's side as he looks to snare more Classic Series glory
Seven of the past nine Classic Mile winners have gone on to taste further success in Hong Kong's prestigious four-year-old series and the Mark Newnham-trained My Wish will look to continue that trend, starting with this Sunday's Classic Cup (1,800m) at Sha Tin. A well-backed winner of last month's Classic Series opener, My Wish will look to join the likes of Sun Jewellery, Rapper Dragon, Golden Sixty and Helios Express in doing the Classic Mile-Classic Cup double. The highest-rated galloper in the field on 95, My Wish jumps from barrier nine under Luke Ferraris and his handler is quietly confident he has the tools to handle his first assignment at 1,800m. 'I've had confidence in him all season so there's no point backing down now,' Newnham said. Classy as! 👏 My Wish staves off challengers to capture the first #4YOSeries leg - the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile - with @LukeFerraris for Mark Newnham... #LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 31, 2025 'He was still strong late [in the Classic Mile]. He put himself in a winning position and once he got to the front he maintained it. He was still strong at the line. 'I think a fair chunk of the field are untested at that trip, including us, but the way he's relaxing now through his races, he's going to give himself every chance.' My Wish, who has four wins and two thirds to his name from six starts this season, looked to be maintaining his form with a nice trial third last week as Newnham sticks to a familiar formula. 'He's had exactly the same preparation pretty much all season. A month between runs and a trial in a between. I've been completely happy with him the whole way through,' Newnham said of his son of Flying Artie, who will find himself alongside the likes of Divano, Packing Angel, Packing Hermod and Rubylot near the top of the market this weekend. One galloper who isn't running in the Classic Cup but Newnham hopes isn't finished in the four-year-old series is Talents Ambition, who tackles the Class Three Yan Tin Handicap (2,000m). 'Hopefully that'll give him his chance to qualify for the Derby,' said Newnham of Talents Ambition, who was ninth in the Classic Mile and fourth reserve for the Classic Cup. 'He's a horse who has always suggested to me that he'll get over distance so it's a nice race to test him in. Blake Shinn is going to ride him and Blake rode my first ever winner as a trainer, so if he can do me a favour again this weekend I'd be more than happy.' Also among Newnham's hand is Ramadan, the Yulong-owned four-year-old who has taken a little while to settle into Hong Kong after being brought to the city with the Classic Series in mind. A long last behind the imperious Voyage Bubble in December's Group One Hong Kong Mile while under the care of James Ferguson, Ramadan has trialled three times since joining Newnham's stable. 'There's been no hurry with him,' Newnham said ahead of his charge's run in the Class Two Tai Hing Handicap (1,400m). 'I've been happy with his work the past couple of weeks and he trialled well. I galloped him on Tuesday morning and was happy with his work, so it was time to send him to the races.'
