Caspar Fownes Launches Title Defence with Happy Valley Double
SCMP · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Caspar Fownes launched his bid for back-to-back trainers' championships with a double at the first Happy Valley meeting of the new season on Wednesday night, September 9, 2026, courtesy of Jumbo Blessing and No Other Choice. The reigning champion trainer, nicknamed the 'King of the Valley', struck first with a $49.9 upset victory before Jumbo Blessing justified his handler's confidence with a dominant display first up without a trial. Jockey Vincent Ho Chak-yiu rode three winners on the night, highlighting his own strong form early in the campaign.
Key Points
- Caspar Fownes secured a winning double at Happy Valley on September 9, 2026, opening his defence of the trainers' championship
- No Other Choice triumphed as a $49.9 outsider in the Class Five Admiralty Handicap (1,200m), second section, giving Fownes his first winner
- Jumbo Blessing won the Class Four Kowloon Tong Handicap (1,000m) by three-quarters of a length against $4.5 equal favourite Superb King
- Vincent Ho Chak-yiu rode Jumbo Blessing to victory, sprinting powerfully down the centre of the track after a slow start
- Fownes noted Jumbo Blessing had been working exceptionally well in morning sessions, suggesting the horse was primed for success
Why It Matters
Fownes's early-season success establishes him as the frontrunner for the trainers' championship and signals his determination to become the first repeat winner since his own previous achievement. The performance of Vincent Ho, who completed a treble on the card, also positions him as a leading jockey contender this season .
Fownes's early-season success establishes him as the frontrunner for the trainers' championship and signals his determination to become the first repeat winner since his own previous achievement. The performance of Vincent Ho, who completed a treble on the card, also positions him as a leading jockey contender this season .