3 minute read

History shows domestic runners are always the ones to beat in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile and the trend was upheld when Voyage Bubble won, defeating Japanese runner Soul Rush with the following six horses all being Hong Kong trained.

Best of the internationals was French runner Lazzat, seventh, whilst Ramadan ran last. The Harry Eustace trained Docklands was twelfth and Australian horse Antino could only manage eleventh. There were excuses for many, most notably the Pierre Ng trained Galaxy Patch (sixth) who suffered multiple interference which resulted in a Stewards Inquiry. Jockey Vincent Ho said:

"He (Galaxy Patch) came across some interference a couple of times, but he ran well."

Other horses that finished in the second half were caught in the backwash.

Voyage Bubble is now eight wins from twenty starts, five coming over course and distance. This was his second G1 success having won the Stewards' Cup in January. James McDonald was crowned LONGINES World's Best Jockey for 2024 on Friday with nine G1 winners for the year prior to his successes on Sunday. 

McDonald was full of praise for the winner:

"He's a great horse in his own right. He felt excellent going to the gates today – he was really on the job. Credit to Ricky (Yiu) and his team – they've prepped him up beautifully.

"He just gives his all. He has a very big heart and he's very uncomplicated."

This was trainer Ricky Yiu's fourth win at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races having previously won the Hong Kong Sprint with Fairy King Prawn (1999) and Sacred Kingdom (2007 & 2009).

Of the win, Yiu said:

"Out of all of jockeys who have won on him James knows him the best and the draw (five) helped him. The way the race was run suited him. We have wonderful team, and we work together very nicely."