Sha tin, Hong Kong – September 21, 2025 – Jockey Zac Purton explained a challenging ride aboard Storm Runner in the Kowloon Tsai Handicap at Sha Tin Racecourse today, citing interference and a horse possibly seeking a longer distance. Hakka Radiance secured the win in Race 1, but the race was marked by several incidents impacting multiple runners.
The Kowloon Tsai Handicap, a competitive event for promising horses, saw Storm Runner hampered by a wide run without cover. Purton detailed how a shift by Yeaboi caused Storm Runner to lay out, disrupting his ability to ride with full vigour between the 300 and 200-meter marks. “When yeaboi shifted out this resulted in Storm runner wanting to lay out and away from that horse which then restricted my ability to ride my mount with full vigour at that point as my focus was on keeping Storm Runner balanced,” Purton stated. He believes Storm Runner would benefit from increased race distance. Trainer P C ng confirmed the riding instructions issued.
Several other horses experienced difficulties during the race. Hakka radiance, ridden by Joao Moreira, was crowded between Colourful Baron and Super Hong Kong upon jumping. Chateau Le Peche, with Chad L Chau aboard, made contact with Yeaboi shortly after the start due to shifting ground. Colourful Baron (L Ferraris) raced keenly in the early and middle stages. Mr Aladdin (A Badel) was slow to begin and struggled to make up ground from the rear, while Super Hong Kong (K Teetan) jumped fairly but was crowded by Storm Runner and reportedly disliked the yielding track conditions. Yeaboi (M F Poon) also experienced contact with Chateau Le Peche at the start.
Veterinary inspections following the race did not reveal any notable findings for Mr Aladdin or Super Hong Kong. Hakka Radiance,Mr Aladdin,Yeaboi,and Super Hong Kong were all sent for sampling post-race.
