David Hayes was forced to share victory in last year’s DBS x Manulife Million Challenge but tonight (Wednesday, 26 February) the Australian trainer stood alone as Soleil Fighter carried off with the Class 3 Tsui Man Handicap (1650m) under Ryan Moore.
Heading into the evening on an unmatched 50 points, Soleil Fighter clung on as the market’s dominant 1.4 favourite in the third race thanks to Moore’s urgings, sealing a HK$1 million bonus for connections and the 2024/25 series victory with 65 points.
Decided on a format of 15 points for a win, six for second, four for third and three for fourth in Class 3 races at Happy Valley from 25 September, 2024 until tonight, the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge rewards sustained excellence at the city circuit, also offering HK$350,000 to second (Aurora Lady) and HK$150,000 for finishing third (Red Elegance) in the competition.
The 2023/24 DBS x Manulife Million Challenge was won by Hayes’ Tomodachi Kokoroe and Danny Shum’s Copartner Ambition. Soleil Fighter is owned by Sze-To Kin Sun. The horse has won three times this season and placed four times.
“It’s so nice for the owner because the colours get put on the racebook for most of the season and the bonus is lovely,” Hayes said. “The owner has been terrific because he had a setback when he arrived.”