Harry Bentley returns refreshed, renewed and ready to reach 40-win milestone

By Declan Schuster

Preparing to return following an injury-shortened season, Harry Bentley is looking forward to reuniting with old ally Tomodachi Kokoroe in Sunday’s (6 September) HK$4.2 million G3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin.

Bentley suffered arm injuries when he was dislodged in a race in June. He resumed trackwork and trials last month after rehabilitation ahead of this weekend’s 10-race season opener, which features the reappearance of dual Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ka Ying Rising.

“I had an operation on the following morning after the injury – they inserted a plate into my left arm and it was able to begin healing straight away. I was fortunate that, actually, from the day after the injury I was on the road to recovery very, very fast,” Bentley said.

“No time was wasted at all. I was able to crack on with physio from the off and things have healed really well. The recovery was actually very smooth, but it’s hard to take mentally because I was very pleased with how the season went – I really wanted to finish on a high and maintain those relationships I had built all season.”

Bentley, 34, was on course for his first 40-win Hong Kong season before it was cut short. He won the G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) with Tomodachi Kokoroe before Stormy Grove’s Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) victory – the Englishman’s most lucrative win in Hong Kong.

“It was a real disappointment for it to end the way it did. But when you have a forced break, you have to try and take some positives away and accept that it is what it is and that you’re going to have some time on the sidelines.

“Then it was to really focus on resting the body – physically and mentally – after a long season, so that I was ready to come back. I was able to go back home and spend time with family and friends. It wasn’t wasted, and the injuries didn’t stop me from doing much, except for maybe playing golf,” Bentley said.

Since arriving during the 2020/21 season, Bentley has ridden 159 winners in Hong Kong. He rode 34 last season, while his career-high 39 came in 2023/24.

“I feel like I’ve had a longer break than the others, so I’m really ready to get going and get stuck in. The body feels really good; mentally, I am prepared and ready,” Bentley said. “It was definitely my objective to get into the 40-win bracket last season.

“That would definitely be a target to aim for and then, honestly, just trying to win as many races as I can and also top-quality winners.”

Tomodachi Kokoroe is one of six horses entered to run in the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup, where fellow David Hayes trainee Ka Ying Rising is assigned top-weight (135lb) and will chase a record 21st consecutive win.

"He’s (Tomodachi Kokoroe) a veteran here, and he put up some really good performances last season, especially at the beginning of last season. Obviously, he does well off a break, and he’s going to be carrying no weight at all,” Bentley said. “It’s a small field, and he’s definitely going to be thereabouts, but you have to go in with managed expectations (against Ka Ying Rising).

“But it is a horse race at the end of the day, and I’ll certainly be riding to get the best possible position for him. I’ve got six rides on the day – it’s a nice number to come in with, and Flying Fortress is one of them. I’ve had a very good relationship with him; he looks to be in good form. Hopefully, he can put in a good performance.”