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Ka Ying Rising has landed. The Hong Kong superstar is settled at his Canterbury Park quarantine base, with a Randwick barrier trial on October 6 before he defends his Everest title. The bigger story might be what comes after. Adam Pengilly joins Michael Cox to break down the push for a three-horse showdown next Australian autumn: Ka Ying Rising v Autumn Glow v Sheza Alibi. Sydney wants it at Rosehill on Golden Slipper Day, and Melbourne wants it at Flemington a week later. Then there's the question hanging over all of it: will the Hong Kong Jockey Club sign off? In this episode:  – Ka Ying Rising's first Canterbury hit-out, and what David Hayes learned from last year's preparation  – Sydney v Melbourne: the tug of war to stage the superstar showdown  – Why a three-horse race is a problem for Hong Kong punters and World Pool, and why Peter Moody wants a full field for Sheza Alibi  – Who wins over 1500m at Rosehill, and over 1400m at Flemington?  – The local Everest challengers: Mazu, Joliestar, Ninja, Tempted and Guest House  – Could rain save the locals? Read Adam's stories and the Idol Horse Everest Power Rankings at idolhorse.com. Idol Horse: global racing news in English, Traditional Chinese and Japanese.

Hugh Bowman has a week to choose between major surgery with no timeline attached, and a cortisone injection that is pain relief rather than a fix, and which could have him back riding inside a month and carry him to Hong Kong's December international meeting. Adam Pengilly broke the story on Idol Horse on Tuesday. Michael Cox is joined by chief journalist David Morgan to work through what it means: why the outside view of Hong Kong racing as "two days a week" misreads what the job does to a body, what a riding roster looks like without the man who has finished second to Zac Purton in each of the last two premierships, whether the Jockey Club can realistically recruit its way out of the hole, and the opening it creates for Andrea Atzeni and the riders just below Bowman if he is absence. Plus: Coolmore's three-year-olds keep coming up short and Aidan O'Brien points to a low-grade infection in the yard; Belmont Park reopens Friday with Forever Young in the Jockey Club Gold Cup; and Hong Kong's track speed swings from class records at Sha Tin to times way outside standard at Happy Valley. Brought to you by Keeneland. The September Yearling Sale opens this week – 12 sessions running through Saturday 26 September, with more than 4,600 yearlings catalogued. Frank Chang is on the ground at Keeneland all week for Idol Horse, and we have already picked out ten of the most interesting prospects from a global perspective: the pedigrees that should matter in Hong Kong, Japan and Australia, not just in Kentucky. Read Adam Pengilly's exclusive and everything else at idolhorse.com

Ka Ying Rising ran 1:06.11 at Sha Tin on Sunday and was rated 145 on Monday — the highest mark in Hong Kong history. Shane Dye and David Morgan on what it means for The Everest. On the opening day of the Hong Kong season, Zac Purton finally cut the champion loose — seven and three-quarter lengths, 135lb on his back, and 1.39 seconds faster than Sacred Kingdom ever went at Sha Tin. The Jockey Club responded by rating him 145, the highest mark in the history of Hong Kong racing. Hall of Famer and Idol Horse columnist Shane Dye gives his instant reaction: why the hard first-up run cuts both ways, why he called this horse better than Black Caviar years before anyone agreed, why Australia has finally stopped arguing, and the one thing he needs to see in the Randwick barrier trial before The Everest. Then Idol Horse chief journalist David Morgan joins Michael Cox on the fallout from the weekend: what the world handicappers do on Thursday, Fast Network's throat trouble in the Centaur Stakes, Satono Reve's retirement and where he sits among Japan's great sprinters, and whether we already saw the Arc winner at Longchamp. Read Shane Dye's Idol Thoughts column every week, and David Morgan's coverage of everything in this episode, at idolhorse.com. This episode is brought to you by the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, 14–26 September. Full details at keeneland.com. (00:00) - – What's coming up (00:55) - – Shane Dye on 1:06.11: "How is he going to get beat?" (02:22) - – The hidden risk in a hard first-up run (05:00) - – Better than Black Caviar (06:15) - – The Everest: what Shane needs to see at Canterbury and Randwick 09:17 – Tempted, and why the weight swing matters (09:57) - – Guest House, Zac Lloyd and the Australian threat (11:50) - – Keeneland September Yearling Sale (13:19) - – David Morgan on a Hong Kong record rating of 145 (14:18) - – What the world rankings do on Thursday (16:15) - – Fast Network's Japan trip unravels (17:08) - – Satono Reve retires: where he ranks (18:54) - – Flicker Jab, Japan's next sprinter (20:03) - – Arc trials: did we already see the Arc winner?

Autumn Glow made light work of Sheza Alibi in the Wink Stakes — but will Chris Waller and John Messara risk her  legacy against Ka Ying Rising in The Everest? Adam Pengilly joins Michael Cox fresh from Randwick with the vibe from trackside, the case for and against Autumn Glow taking on the Hong Kong superstar, and why — for the first time since 2017 — the Everest field is empty with less than two months to go. Then, Idol Horse chief journalist David Morgan runs through the top five storylines for the new Hong Kong racing season: Ka Ying Rising's bid to extend his unbeaten streak past 1,000 days, Romantic Warrior's last dance and a possible Saudi Cup redemption run, James Cummings' high-profile first season at the helm, a stacked new crop of Private Purchase imports aimed at the BMW Hong Kong Derby, and the historic first meeting at Conghua Racecourse in mainland China. Plus: Harry Bentley on his comeback from a horror fall. Brought to you by Keeneland September Sale.  (00:00) - – Intro: Autumn Glow, Sheza Alibi and the Everest countdown (00:58) - – Adam Pengilly joins the show (01:01) - – Trackside vibe check: Autumn Glow beats Sheza Alibi in the Wink Stakes (02:17) - – Why the Everest field is empty less than two months from race. (04:04) - – Ka Ying Rising's trial, Zac Purton's verdict, and the road to the Everest (05:28) - – Everest or King Charles Stakes? Reading Chris Waller and John Messara (06:59) - – The case for Autumn Glow taking on the champ (07:47) - – The Royal Ascot long game and how it shapes her spring (08:58) - – Guest House and Michael Kent Jr.'s Everest thinking (10:54) - – Pengilly's pick: who should slot holders chase? (12:15) - – David Morgan joins: Hong Kong season top 5 storylines (12:46) - – Storyline 1: Ka Ying Rising and the streak (17:08) - – Storyline 2: Romantic Warrior's last dance and a Saudi Cup return (20:13) - – James McDonald, the Saudi Cup defeat, and James Cummings' arrival (27:59) - – Storyline 4: A stronger crop of Private Purchase imports (30:28) - – The post–Romantic Warrior void in the 2000m WFA ranks (30:53) - – Storyline 5: Conghua Racecourse and the Greater Bay Area push (40:17) - – Harry Bentley on his comeback from injury (41:20) - – Outro

Idol Horse editor Michael Cox and chief journalist David Morgan break down a stunning FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin. Ka Ying Rising extends his winning streak to 20 with another record time in the Chairman's Sprint Prize — and the Royal Ascot debate gets a reality check. Romantic Warrior makes it four QE2 Cups at age eight, with Danny Shum's training masterclass and Peter Lau's bold ownership decisions in the spotlight. My Wish takes the Champions Mile to give Mark Newnham his first Group 1, beating Cap Ferrat in a turnaround on last year's Derby form. Plus: Jantar Mantar's failure as favourite, Christophe Lemaire's ride on Masquerade Ball, Voyage Bubble's gutsy fifth, and what's ahead with the Tenno Sho Spring, the Guineas at Newmarket and Japan's Group 1 season ramping up.

In a wide-open 2026 BMW Hong Kong Derby, the barrier draw could shape everything. Michael Cox and David Morgan break down the key takeaways from the draw, the likely speed map and which runners were helped or hurt most heading into Sunday’s big race at Sha Tin. They discuss why Invincible Ibis looks a major beneficiary from barrier three, what the wide gates mean for Numbers and Dazzling Fit, and whether Little Paradise can overcome both the draw and his temperament concerns.  They also assess the prospects of Stormy Grove, Patch Of Cosmo, Sagacious Life and Seraph Gabriel in a Derby with no clear standout. Plus, David previews his feature on young apprentice Jack Callan, and there’s a quick look ahead to Golden Slipper Day at Rosehill.

Welcome to the IDOL HORSE NEWS DESK PODCAST, brought to you by World Pool. Some stories are bigger than racing. In this episode, Michael Cox is joined by Idol Horse chief journalist David Morgan for a 24-hour update on the Gulf Conflict and its impact on racing people and racing jurisdictions across the region—plus what to watch next for Dubai, Meydan, and the Dubai World Cup build-up. After the break, we pivot to less serious matters: the BMW Hong Kong Derby countdown after a Classic Cup upset, updated Derby power rankings, and a late contender storyline with Pocketing (David Hayes / Yulong) emerging from quarantine and trialling this week. Mentioned horses: Little Paradise, Invincible Ibis, Sagacious Life, Patch Of Cosmo, Stormy Grove. Brought to you by World Pool.  Visit idolhorse.com for David Morgan’s full reporting, Derby power rankings, and Shane Dyer’s column. (00:00) - Gulf Conflict (01:07) - 24 hours on: flights resuming and repatriations (02:18) - Meydan: racing continues amid missile and drone strikes (03:40) - Silvestre De Sousa: “It’s scary, you don’t know what to do” (05:27) - Dubai: Dubai World Cup timeline and when doubts begin (09:20) - Next 48–72 hours: what to watch for racing and safety (13:04) - Classic Cup shock: Stormy Grove and what we learned (19:18) - Derby power rankings: Invincible Ibis #1 and why (23:08) - Pocketing: late Derby entry, Thursday trial, and the wider trend

Moreira x Caspar Fownes, Trainers’ title race, Triple Crown watch, 4YO Classics, and James Cummings’ long runway. The Magic Man is back. Joao Moreira’s return to Hong Kong racing, as stable jockey for Caspar Fownes, adds star power and fresh intrigue to the final stretch of the 2025/26 season – a period that can often feel like a drag.  We run through the biggest storylines for the remaining meetings: what Moreira’s presence means for the jockeys’ narrative and the Trainers’ Championship race; Romantic Warrior’s Triple Crown campaign and the depth (or lack of it) around the elite; the evolving Four-Year-Old Classic Series as the Derby picture shifts; the rare situation of James Cummings being announced so far in advance and what that means for owners and trainers now; and which stables are feeling the heat heading into the back end of the season. 00:00 The return of Joao Moreira as stable jockey for Caspar Fownes 09:03 Triple Crown watch: Romantic Warrior vs Voyage Bubble 11:55 The Four-Year-Old Classic Series: Classic Cup, Derby rankings, tactics 21:03 James Cummings and the unusually long lead time before next season 27:07 Who is under the most pressure for the run home?

Zac Purton had seven serious options for the opening leg of Hong Kong’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series. He could only choose one. In this episode of the Idol Horse News Desk, Michael Cox is joined by chief journalist David Morgan to break down why Zac Purton committed to Sagacious Life for the Hong Kong Classic Mile, what it means for rivals like Invincible Ibis and Little Paradise, and how that single decision sends ripple effects through the entire Classic Series – and the Derby beyond. From ratings logic and jockey dominance to the knock-on effects for trainers, owners, and rival riders, this is a deep dive into the most influential call of the Hong Kong season so far. Recorded Monday, January 12. (00:00) - Chapter 1 (00:00) - Zac Purton's Decision on Sagacious Life (02:53) - Dominance of Zac Purton in Hong Kong racing (06:08) - Implications for Invincible Ibis and Little Paradise (09:01) - Hong Kong Classic Mile (11:46) - Final Thoughts on the Four-year-old Classic Series

Idol Horse editor Michael Cox and David Morgan discuss the first round of Idol Horse's 2026 Hong Kong Derby Power Rankings. Plus, South African racing and Forever Young wins Japan horse of the year.  (00:00) - (00:00) - Chapter 2 (00:00) - The Anticipation of the Hong Kong Derby (03:04) - Analyzing the Top Contenders (06:02) - Identifying Dark Horses and Underperformers (09:05) - Insights from South African Racing (12:08) - The Impact of Forever Young's Achievement (15:02) - Looking Ahead to Future Races

HKIR week is here and the racing world turns to Sha Tin for four Group 1s. Andrew Le Jeune is joined by Idol Horse chief correspondent David Morgan and journalist Jack Dawling to preview the Turf World Championships card, with two generational stars headlining the action. Romantic Warrior looks primed for an unprecedented fourth Hong Kong Cup after a sparkling return and sharp turf gallop, while Ka Ying Rising towers over the Sprint field after his Everest triumph. The team also weighs up Japan’s best chances (Soul Rush, Urban Chic, Embroidery), debates the depth of this year’s Vase and and runs through early trackwork impressions. (00:00) - The Anticipation of HKIR and Turf World Championships (02:47) - Romantic Warrior's Quest for Greatness (05:42) - Ka Ying Rising: The Sprinting Sensation (08:46) - The Japanese Challenge: A Look at Their Contenders (11:46) - The Mile and Vase: Open Races Ahead (14:42) - Track Work Insights: Preparing for Race Day (17:38) - Final Thoughts and Predictions for the Big Day

David Morgan joins Andrew Le Jeune on the Idol Horse News Desk direct from Del Mar with all the latest Breeders’ Cup news: Sovereignty’s health scare and what it means for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, top contenders, race strategies, and track conditions, and a look at the European hopes in the Turf. Plus, why four-year-olds could define this year’s championship. (00:00) - Sovereignty's Health Concerns Before Breeders' Cup (02:56) - The Stakes of the Breeders' Cup Classic (05:58) - Key Competitors and Their Preparations (08:44) - Race Strategy and Track Conditions (11:46) - The Breeders' Cup Turf and European Contenders (14:47) - The Importance of Four-Year-Olds in Racing

After Maureen Haggas called Zac Purton’s ride on Lake Forest “the worst I’ve ever seen,” the Idol Horse News Desk asks a simple question: when does passion for racing turn into disrespect? Host Jack Dawling and Michael Cox unpack the comments, explore the cultural gap between British and Hong Kong racing, and consider what modern professionalism looks like in a global sport. It’s not about the ride - it’s about the line between fair critique and something more personal. 00:00:00 Intro: Maureen Haggas vs Zac Purton (setting the scene)00:00:32 The outburst: “Worst ride I’ve ever seen”00:02:14 When critique becomes personal — Michael Cox reacts00:03:50 Old world vs new world: racing culture clash00:04:45 Inside Hong Kong’s standards and scrutiny00:06:35 Zac Purton’s professionalism and Everest buildup00:08:20 The Lake Forest run: nothing wrong with the ride00:09:50 1,900 Hong Kong wins — Purton’s milestone00:10:35 The global melting pot of racing styles00:12:45 Respect, awareness, and outdated language00:14:52 James McDonald and the wider issue of respect00:15:50 Final thoughts: where passion crosses the line00:16:15 Outro: follow Idol Horse Newsdesk (00:00) - Haggas vs Zac Purton: When Does Racing Passion Cross the Line? (00:00) - Chapter 2 (00:00) - (00:00) - Maureen Haggas called Zac Purton’s ride on Lake Forest “the worst I’ve ever seen,” Jack Dawling and Michael Cox unpack the comments and the clash between British tradition and Hong Kong professionalism. Featuring James McDonald, this episode asks where racing passion ends and respect begins. (00:00) - Chapter 5 (00:00) - (00:00) - Haggas, Zac Purton, Lake Forest, James McDonald, Hong Kong racing, British racing, Idol Horse Newsdesk, Michael Cox, Jack Dawling, racing respect (00:00) - Chapter 8 (00:00) - (00:00) - Chapter 10 (00:00) - Dawling (00:01.772) (00:00) - Maureen certainly did not hold back. From “Big City” to “the worst ride I’ve ever seen,” Maureen Haggas’ extraordinary outburst at Zac Purton has lit up the racing world. Purton’s laughed it off and Idol Horse editor Michael Cox joins me, Jack Dawling, to unpack the comments, the reaction, and what it says about the sport’s fine line between passion and respect. For the Idol Horse Newsdesk, it’s Thursday, October 23rd. (00:00) - Chapter 13 (00:00) - Dawling (00:32.504) (00:00) - Michael, thanks for joining me to discuss this tirade into Zac’s ride on Lake Forest in the King Charles III Stakes. For those that don’t know, Lake Forest was never really in the race and finished a disappointing last of 12. But first, let’s have a listen to Maureen Haggas’ comments to Racing TV at Kempton on Wednesday night. (00:00) - Chapter 16 (00:00) - Haggas (audio excerpt) (00:00) - Forest, well, as far as I’m concerned, Lake Forest never had a race… (00:00) - Chapter 19 (00:00) - Dawling (00:00) - there’s a lot to unpack there. What are your first reactions to those comments? (00:00) - Chapter 22 (00:00) - Cox (02:14.356) (00:00) - thought they were pretty ignorant, maybe offensive, and definitely non-constructive. Criticism is part of racing, but this crossed the line into personal insult. (00:00) - Chapter 25 (00:00) - Dawling (00:00) - — words like appalled, horrified, big sissy — that’s personal. Taking out who she’s talking about, this is still a fellow professional. How did we get here? (00:00) - Chapter 28 (00:00) - Cox (00:00) - not about Zac Purton so much as the attitude. Calling any athlete a “big sissy” in 2025 is outdated. Hong Kong racing is about equality and professionalism — men and women compete on equal footing. (00:00) - Chapter 31 (00:00) - Dawling (00:00) - and it’s also about awareness. The Haggas team have had great success in Australia, but there’s still this sense of distance — as if Hong Kong or Australia racing sits apart. (00:00) - Chapter 34 (00:00) - Cox (04:10.072) (00:00) - There’s still an old-world vs new-world divide. People underestimate the scrutiny riders face here — stewards’ reviews, fitness checks, the professionalism. Zac’s handled huge pressure recently — think of the Everest, the media duties, the expectation — and he’s been pure class. (00:00) - Chapter 37 (00:00) - Cox (06:35.806) (00:00) - for someone to use that kind of language after that level of professionalism? Disrespectful. Zac just laughed it off, called it “comical.” He knows what constructive criticism is — this wasn’t that. (00:00) - Chapter 40 (00:00) - Dawling (00:00) - look at the ride itself. Lake Forest never found anything when asked. What did you make of it? (00:00) - Chapter 43 (00:00) - Cox (00:00) - horse had nothing to give. Zac tried everything — he’s made a career out of getting the best out of tricky horses. This wasn’t about effort. (00:00) - Chapter 46 (00:00) - Dawling (08:40.83) (00:00) - And while all that was happening, he notched his 1,900th Hong Kong win on Talent Supremo at Happy Valley. Eight-time champion, nearly 2,000 wins — that’s the real headline. (00:00) - Chapter 49 (00:00) - Cox (00:00) - And it’s ironic that Maureen’s comments came hours after Zac’s Everest triumph — his career peak. That’s the part worth talking about. His consistency, his professionalism. (00:00) - Chapter 52 (00:00) - Dawling (10:35.562) (00:00) - Hong Kong racing itself — that melting pot of global styles. You’ve got Australians, Brits, Japanese, Europeans all riding together. There’s not one “right” way to ride a horse. (00:00) - Chapter 55 (00:00) - Cox (14:52.578) (00:00) - Comments like Maureen’s miss that global perspective. The sport has evolved — styles merge, ideas blend. Respect has to evolve too. (00:00) - Chapter 58 (00:00) - Dawling (15:50) (00:00) - said. And it’s worth noting she also criticised James McDonald — the world’s top-ranked jockey — which only underlines how misplaced the comments were. (00:00) - Chapter 61 (00:00) - Dawling (16:15) (00:00) - Michael, for unpacking all that. If you want more analysis from Zac, James, and the rest of the international racing scene, head to idolhorse.com and follow @IdolHorse for updates. From the Newsdesk team, I’m Jack Dawling — see you next time.

A wild 24 hours before the $20 million Everest as social-media rumours sent betting markets into chaos over the world’s top-rated sprinter, Ka Ying Rising. Our Australian racing correspondent Adam Pengilly joins the Idol Horse News Desk to unpack the hysteria, the Canterbury gallop that calmed nerves, and trainer David Hayes’ cool response. Plus, we preview Adam’s upcoming feature tracing the remarkable Lindsay Park legacy across three generations of the Hayes family. (00:00) - – Opening — “Ka Ying Rising Lives”: a frantic day before The Everest (01:00) - – Social-Media Meltdown — Rumors, market drift, and stewards’ calls (03:00) - – Monday Morning Relief — Canterbury gallop and media circus (05:00) - – Fitness and Temperament — How Hayes plans to manage the preliminaries (08:00) - – Calm Before The Everest — Final prep and confidence building (09:30) - – Legacy Feature Preview — The story of Lindsay Park and the Hayes dynasty

Hong Kong’s Horse of the Year and world’s top-rated sprinter Ka Ying Rising stepped out for a highly-anticipated 1000m trial at Randwick ahead of The Everest. Editor Michael Cox is joined by Australian racing correspondent Adam Pengilly to break down every stride - the performance, the pre- and post-trial behavior, Zac Purton’s concerns, and how Sydney conditions might shape race day. (00:00) - The Anticipation of Ka Ying Rising's Trial (03:03) - Insights from the Barrier Trial (05:51) - Race Day Predictions