Will Red Elegance’s Progress Continue in the Hong Kong Horse Racing Circuit?

Red Elegance has been turning heads in Hong Kong horse racing since shifting to Happy Valley’s 1,000m track earlier this year. This Sunday, the sprinter aims for consecutive wins in the Class Three Zhuhai Handicap, building on his impressive run of form. With Matthew Chadwick in the saddle, hopes are high for another strong performance at this rare daytime event.

A Stellar Comeback at Happy Valley

Red Elegance has become a specialist in Happy Valley’s short sprint distance, showcasing a solid transformation since June. The son of Toronado picked up two wins and a second-place finish from three starts over this 1,000m trip. His career-best moment came in his seasonal reappearance on September 25, when he surged to victory despite starting from a wide gate—showcasing his grit and ability to handle tough race conditions.

This newfound consistency marks a turnaround from a patchy spell last year, where he struggled under trainer Jamie Richards. After bursting onto the scene with a dominant debut in April 2023, he went winless for eight more starts. A change of scenery proved pivotal when Red Elegance joined Douglas Whyte’s stable, where he found renewed form after just two outings.

Chadwick credits Red Elegance’s recent success to improved racecraft. Unlike last season, the sprinter now handles the early phases of a race better, conserving energy by relaxing in good positions. His sharper jumps from the gate and ability to unleash a decisive burst of speed have also made him a formidable contender. If everything falls into place, Chadwick believes Red Elegance is well-positioned to deliver another standout performance this weekend.

The horse will carry 131 pounds from barrier six in Sunday’s 12-runner field. Though the competition will be fierce, Red Elegance’s track record at Happy Valley makes him a strong contender to continue his upward trajectory.

Chadwick's Form & Top Rides

Matthew Chadwick, currently sixth in the jockeys’ championship with eight wins, is keen to build on his promising start to the season. In addition to Red Elegance, Chadwick will ride nine other horses in the 10-race card. Notable among them are Victory thirty three, a last-start winner, and Lucky Combination, a debutant with potential.

Victorythirtythree lines up for the Class Four Kwangtung Cup, where the sprinter hopes to repeat his success. Meanwhile, Lucky Combination, jumping from gate three in the Class Three Zhaoqing Handicap, is expected to improve with more racing experience in Hong Kong. Chadwick believes the horse’s steady progress through trials signals promise for the future.

Red Elegance’s resurgence at Happy Valley underlines how crucial a well-timed switch in venue and stable can be in horse racing. Douglas Whyte’s training approach, combined with Chadwick’s astute riding, has unlocked the horse’s full potential. With his recent performances demonstrating tactical versatility and finishing speed, Red Elegance looks set to remain a force in the Hong Kong sprinting scene.

The upcoming Class Three Zhuhai Handicap will be a key indicator of whether the sprinter’s upward momentum can continue. If Red Elegance maintains his form, Sunday could mark yet another milestone in his revival story, reinforcing his place among the circuit’s top performers. Fans and punters alike will be watching to see if this impressive streak rolls on at Happy Valley.