Karis Teetan hopeful as Galaxy Patch returns in quality Celebration Cup

By Declan Schuster

Galaxy Patch is one of Hong Kong racing’s most talented horses, and jockey Karis Teetan is hoping this is the campaign when the gelding finally cracks the top level as he prepares to return in the HK$4.2 million G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin.

An eight-time winner from 27 appearances in Hong Kong, Galaxy Patch is a dual Group 2 and Group 3 winner. He came within a length of maiden Group 1 success in 2024; however, he has placed only once at the highest level in nine subsequent attempts.

“He’s got a lot of quality about him and he’s run against the best in Hong Kong. It’s proven that he deserves a big win soon,” Teetan said.

The 120-rater, who lacks early pace but has an electric turn of foot, rounded out last term with a second to Little Paradise in the G3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m) under Teetan, who will aim to flip that result on Sunday (27 September) for trainer Brett Crawford.

“It’s a decent race. Little Paradise and Invincible Ibis – they’re good horses. The 1400 (metres) is on the shorter side, but if he gets the tempo he needs and a smooth run, then I would not be surprised if he let down like he did last time,” Teetan said.

Last season’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series winners are all entered for the Celebration Cup – Little Paradise (Hong Kong Classic Mile, 1600m), Stormy Grove (Hong Kong Classic Cup, 1800m) and Invincible Ibis (Hong Kong Derby, 2000m) – along with Helios Express, Patch Of Theta, Copartner Prance, Lucky With You and Soleil Fighter.

Seven-year-old Galaxy Patch trialled for the first time at Happy Valley on Saturday morning (19 September), finishing second in 1m 11.52s.

“It was a good trial. We took him to Happy Valley to change up his routine a bit, and I liked the way he finished off. He indicated to us that he’s had a good summer break and he’s ready to go to the races,” Teetan said.

Teetan has eight rides at the Valley on Wednesday (23 September). The winner of 787 Hong Kong races partners The Auspicious (126lb) in the Class 3 Tai Hang Handicap (1800m).

“He’s been running well lately, and it seemed like he was hitting the line strongly last season. Me Tsui’s stable is going well. It would be nice to get one for him,” Teetan said.

The five-year-old has trialled twice ahead of his first-up run, where he’ll face 11 rivals, including 2026 Hong Kong Derby fifth-place finisher Seraph Gabriel (135lb).

Jerry Chau is looking to secure a maiden win for Superb King (131lb) in the Class 4 Island Handicap (1000m). Francis Lui’s bay has been second five times from 16 starts in Hong Kong.

“He did a very good job from the outside draw – he raced wide, but he was still very competitive until the last 50 metres. This time against Jumbo Blessing, we have the better draw and the better weight,” Chau said.

Nichola Yuen is chasing consecutive wins aboard a grade-rising Prestige Always (121lb) in the second section of the Class 3 Mount Butler Handicap (1200m).

“He ran a very good race last time. He’s up in class tomorrow, but I have a very light weight, so I think it will help. His draw (nine) is okay, but he has gate speed, so I will try to put him on the pace. Hopefully, he can handle it,” Yuen said.

Group 1-placed Numbers appeared at Tuesday’s (22 September) Sha Tin barrier trials, finishing first in 1m 11.95s for trainer Frankie Lor ahead of his return on 8 November.

“I couldn’t believe he could still lead over 1200 (metres). Derek (Leung) came back and said ‘no one wanted to go, so that’s why I went by myself’. The time wasn’t fast, but he trialled good. His first start will be in the (G3) Sa Sa (Ladies’ Purse Handicap, 1800m).

“He’ll trial again on the turf over 1600 (metres) next month here (Sha Tin),” Lor said.

Wednesday’s (23 September) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley begins at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Nam Fung Handicap (1650m).