Horse Racing
Season 2024/2025
2025 Apr
Magic Control faces stiff Chairman’s Sprint Prize test

By Declan Schuster
23/04/2025 10:43

Magic Control is a three-time winner in Hong Kong.
Magic Control is a three-time winner in Hong Kong.

Cody Mo was central to FWD Champions Day triumphs with the likes of Blazing Speed, Pakistan Star and Exultant when he was assistant trainer to Tony Cruz, and on Sunday (27 April), the second-season handler saddles his first runner in the Group 1 features when Magic Control contests the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). 

Mo, 47, has 53 wins in Hong Kong across this season and last. He previously worked with David Hall, David Ferraris and Benno Yung as well as Cruz. He has spent over 30 years in The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s system and commenced training in 2023/24. 

The handler’s journey has involved working closely with champions Silent Witness and Bullish Luck in Hong Kong and overseas. Mo also undertook stints abroad with Aidan O’Brien, Dermot Weld and Johnny Murtagh. His 68-strong stable is headlined by 108-rating sprinter Magic Control, a three-time winner and Group 3 runner-up, who is aiming to upstage classy rivals in this weekend’s dash on FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin.

“It’s a strong race with Ka Ying Rising. Even the overseas horses, too. I hope he can run well with some luck,” Mo said. “His form is good and I hope we get a good draw.”

Cody Mo celebrates Magic Control’s third win in February.
Cody Mo celebrates Magic Control’s third win in February.

Magic Control has done his best racing down the 1000m Sha Tin straight, including a second in the HK$4.2 million G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) in January.

“I’m happy with his work. It will be tough for him in a strong race and over 1200 metres. We have to go there, so let’s see,” Mo said. “It’s an amazing day and you can see so many strong jockeys. We’re looking forward to it.”

Christophe Soumillon is booked to ride Magic Control. Mo is satisfied with his season’s 33 wins and credits plenty of the success to the world-class training facilities at Conghua. 

“Not bad. Conghua helps a lot and the horses acclimatise very well up there. I hope we can keep it going,” Mo said.

Sprinting sensation Ka Ying Rising seeks a fourth Group 1 in Sunday’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize. Satono Reve, Lucky Sweynesse, Lugal, Victor The Winner, Helios Express, Danon McKinley, Invincible Sage, Lucky With You, Beauty Waves, Copartner Prance, Gorgeous Win and A Shin Fencer hold entries for the contest.

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