John Size’s legend grew this afternoon (Sunday, 25 May) at Sha Tin as the revered horseman celebrated a 1,600th Hong Kong training win with Stellar Express in the Class 3 Indigenous Handicap (1000m).

The only 12-time champion trainer in Hong Kong racing history, Size, 70, is the second handler to reach the towering mark after former trainer John Moore. The Australian Racing Hall of Fame inductee Size arrived at Sha Tin in the 2001/02 season, surprising all with a then record 62-win first campaign and maiden trainers’ championship.

“I’ve taken my time but finally got there. It’s always nice to get some sort of milestone or number up – that’s the one today,” Size said.

Hailing from Dalby in Queensland, Australia, Size quickly moved to the city of Brisbane, where he worked for trainers Pat Duff and Henry Davis. He then transitioned to the Sydney circuit, achieving instant results with a strong reputation of rejuvenating out of form horses.  

Size has trained two Hong Kong Horse of the Year recipients: Electronic Unicorn (2001/02) and Grand Delight (2002/03). His many other turf heroes include top-level winners Beat The Clock, Waikuku, Hot King Prawn, Contentment, Sight Winner, Super Kid, Mr Stunning, River Dancer and Glorious Days amongst others.

A three-time Hong Kong Derby-winning handler, Size has captured the city’s most desired prize with Fay Fay (2012), Luger (2015) and Ping Hai Star (2018).

His 12 championships are unmatched and, Size leads the current standings on 57 wins in pursuit of a 13th crown after previous accomplishments in 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2005/06, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2011/12, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19 & 2022/23.

Size said: “I’m hanging on by the skin of my teeth. We’ll just keep trying.”

Brenton Avdulla, who rode Stellar Express to victory, said: “It’s worked out well because I was a bit upset, thinking I would miss out on riding it for him because John has gone three or four meetings without a winner when I wasn’t riding.

“I thought he might have got it (1,600th) when I was off but it’s actually an honour to ride the winner that brings up the 1600th for John and it’s great that it’s for Larry Yung, who’s a big supporter. It’s a brilliant result and hopefully we can help John onto another premiership.”

Avdulla kicked off his afternoon double at Sha Tin as Mister Dapper rolled to a comfortable success in the Class 4 Helene Super Star Handicap (1600m) for trainer David Eustace.

Hong Kong racing continues on Wednesday (28 May) at Happy Valley.