Hong Kong-trained horses dominate the March edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, which were released on Thursday, 12 March, occupying the top two spots.
Ka Ying Rising remains the world’s highest-rated horse in training with a rating of 128 in the March edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. Photo source: HKJC
David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising maintained his position as the top-rated horse in training with an international rating of 128, while Danny Shum’s Romantic Warrior was ranked second with a rating of 124.
Both horses are focused on domestic glory for the remainder of this season: Ka Ying Rising is aiming to retain his Hong Kong Speed Series honours with victory in April’s G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), while the world’s highest-earning horse Romantic Warrior is looking to complete the Triple Crown with a win in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 24 May.
Romantic Warrior strengthened his global standing after claiming a record-extending 13th Group 1 success in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 1 March. Photo source: HKJC
Ka Ying Rising next races in Easter Monday’s (6 April) G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin when he goes for a 19th win in succession.
Hong Kong boasts four entries in the top 20 of the March edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. Manfred Man’s Lucky Sweynesse is ranked joint-11th with an international rating of 118, while John Size-trained Helios Express is joint-15th with a rating of 117.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at a launch ceremony today (9 July) that this year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. The Manchester United Academy U16 squad will visit Hong Kong and join young local players in a week-long football and cultural exchange programme. The highlight of the summit will be two friendly matches, with young players from both sides showcasing their skills on the pitch.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at a launch ceremony today (9 July) that this year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. Photo by Bastille Post
The two matches are scheduled to take place on 14 and 16 August at Mong Kok Stadium. The first match will be between the Manchester United Academy U16 squad and the Hong Kong Premier Youth League U18 Champions - Kitchee. The second match will feature the visiting team versus the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team.
During the summit, two Manchester United legends - former captain Antonio Valencia and former defender Jaap Stam - will also visit Hong Kong. They will join young players in exchange activities and appear at the matches respectively to meet and interact with fans, further heightening the excitement at the stadium.
This year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. Photo by Bastille Post
Members of the public can register online at charities.hkjc.com from 10:00 am on 13 July (Monday) to obtain free tickets for the matches (each person can register a maximum of 4 tickets for each match). On-site activities will also include game booths, photo opportunities and live performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere for football fans.
Photo by Bastille Post
Officiating at the ceremony, Casper Stylsvig, Executive Director, Sports Business of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said football offers young players a valuable opportunity - not only to develop their skills, but also to build discipline and perseverance. The summit provides training and exchange opportunities, helping to strengthen young people's self-belief. He added that, as a world-class equine sports and charity organisation, the Club has donated close to HK$6.7 billion to support sports development at both elite and community levels. The Club is also committed to supporting major "M" Mark sports events, reinforcing the city's status as a world-class hub for international sports and entertainment.
Casper Stylsvig, Executive Director, Sports Business of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Photo by Bastille Post
David Vincent, Partnerships Director of Manchester United, stated that football has the transformative power to inspire and develop young people. The JC Youth Football Academy Summit provides a truly unique platform for young footballers from both Manchester and Hong Kong. It's an initiative through which talent meets opportunity; where the players learn, exchange views and gain invaluable understanding of cultural differences and similarities - experiences that extend far beyond the football pitch.
David Vincent, Partnerships Director of Manchester United, Photo by Bastille Post
John Morling, Technical Director of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, said the JC Youth Football Academy Summit offers Hong Kong's young players a valuable platform for football and cultural exchange. The Football Association hopes that by interacting with and learning from Manchester United Academy players, they will broaden their horizons, enrich their lives, and continue to improve and progress in their football careers.
John Morling, Technical Director of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, Photo by Bastille Post
Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov drew on his own experiences to encourage young people to stay resilient in the face of setbacks.
Recalling his tryout for Bulgaria's national youth team, he admitted he had been confident of making the cut—only to be left out. "That moment was really painful for me," he said. "It felt like someone was telling you that you weren't good enough. It was crushing."
Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov, Photo by Bastille Post
Yet he refused to let that disappointment define him. Instead, he kept pushing forward, and that persistence eventually paved the way for the success he enjoys today.
Reflecting on his journey, he described the opportunity to connect and learn with young people from diverse backgrounds as "a wonderful process." He also offered a piece of heartfelt advice: "I hope they will stay committed to learning and remain consistent in their efforts, because that will truly make a difference."
Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov, Photo by Bastille Post
