James McDonald attributed a dramatic HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) victory to Voyage Bubble’s class and courage after the pair overcame several obstacles at Sha Tin on Sunday (23 February).

Having arrived at Sha Tin from Riyadh, where he partnered Romantic Warrior into second place in a pulsating G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) early yesterday morning, McDonald encountered trouble near the 800m when Voyage Bubble clipped heels resulting in the pair being shuffled to second last in the 10-horse field.

Unflustered, McDonald regrouped before spearing a willing Voyage Bubble through a gap at the 300m before the Deep Field gelding powered clear away from Ensued to win by almost four lengths with Chancheng Glory third in 2m 00.59s.

“It wasn’t smooth sailing but he’s a great racehorse. I’m lucky to have him as a partner because he got me out of a sticky situation. It was very muddling and he overcame many obstacles throughout that race to come away for a great victory,” McDonald said.

“We got shuffled back but he’s a great racehorse and he got us out of trouble. We might have found a new way of riding him as well. Who knows?

“He’s not a one-trick pony, he’s got so many strings to his bow and I really enjoy riding him even though it was hairy through the middle stages – it wasn’t ideal at all.”

With his 10th victory from 24 starts, Voyage Bubble kept alive hopes of landing a HK$10 million bonus for winning all three legs of the Triple Crown Series. With the G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup already secured, the Deep Field gelding needs to win the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 25 May to sweep the series and become the second horse to do so after River Verdon (1993/94).

“That’s (2400m) another pain barrier he’s got to go through and he’s a great racehorse and we have seen it with the great horse (Romantic Warrior) last night how good these Hong Kong horses are – they’re as tough as they come – and they fly the flag anywhere,” McDonald said. “Definitely going to be a new challenge for him, but he’s up to it.”

Revelling in his first Group 1 success at 2000m, Yiu said: “I’m a bit optimistic to run him over 2400m. Before James takes off tonight, we’re going to have a little celebration party and I’m going to have a good chat with him to see where we go next. I’m pretty optimistic – we’ll take the challenge.”

John Size moved to the top of the Hong Kong trainers’ championship with a quartet to have 32 wins for the season, level with David Hayes, but with more minor placings.

The master horseman struck with Sky Jewellery, Crossborderpegasus, Juneau Pride and Brilliant Express.

Hugh Bowman notched his 200th Hong Kong winner in style aboard promising three-year-old Sky Jewellery, who surged from second last turn on the home turn to land the Class 4 Citigold Private Client Handicap (1400m) after jumping barrier 13.

“He was obviously unlucky last start and he’s shown a lot of potential. Up in distance today was fine but the barrier, he had to overcome that and he did it in style,” Bowman said.

Size’s push towards the top of the Hong Kong trainers’ championship continued with debutant Crossborderpegasus – a Rich Enuff three-year-old – prevailed under Bowman in the Class 4 Citigold Handicap (1200m), Juneau Pride’s win under Brenton Avdulla in the Class 3 Citi Wealth Advisory Services Handicap (1400m) and Brilliant Express, who was partnered by Alexis Badel in the Class 3 Citi Insurance Services Handicap (1400m).

Badel completed a double when Frankie Lor’s Triumphant More clinched the Class 3 Citi Investment Services Handicap (1200m).

Fresh from a feature double in Australia on Saturday (22 February), Blake Shinn struck aboard Cody Mo’s Magic Control in the Class 2 Citi Private Bank Handicap (1000m), exploding from the tail of the field in a surprising change of racing style.

“That wasn’t the plan to sit back but the speed was fast and he wanted to settle and with the weight (135lb), he needed all the favours and we had a good run and he displayed a great turn of foot,” Shinn said.

Chris So and Keagan De Melo successfully combined with Carryon Smiling in the Class 4 Citi Wealth Handicap (1400m) when the War Decree overcame barrier 11 to salute at 83/1 before Avdulla drove David Eustace-trained Mister Dapper to victory in the Class 4 Citi Ultima Handicap (1600m).

Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (26 February) with the finale of the DBS X Manulife Millions Challenge.