by sportswriter Wang Zijiang

HONG KONG, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- As the annual Longines Hong Kong International Races approach at Sha Tin Racecourse, trainer Ricky Yiu Poon Fai reflects on a storied career filled with triumphs and aspirations.

In 1999, Yiu celebrated a significant milestone when his horse, Fairy King Prawn, won the Hong Kong Sprint. The moment was not just a personal victory. It was a proud representation of his country as China's national anthem played.

"I felt a deep sense of pride and emotion, knowing that my horse could bring glory to our country," Yiu recalled. "The importance of the international races lies in the opportunity for top horses to compete, serving as a symbol of honor."

This year's event, scheduled for Sunday, is especially significant as it coincides with the 140th anniversary of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The races feature four events: the Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Sprint, and Hong Kong Vase, with over 50 horses participating, including nearly 30 from Japan, the UK, Australia, France, and Ireland. The total prize pool is a staggering 126 million HK dollars (about 16.38 million U.S. dollars).

Yiu will have three horses in the races, with Voyage Bubble being the standout. Last year, Voyage Bubble finished as the runner-up in the Hong Kong Mile, narrowly losing to the acclaimed Golden Sixty.

Since arriving in Hong Kong from Australia in 2021, Voyage Bubble has quickly made a name for itself, claiming two victories in its first season. A highlight came in March last year when it won the prestigious Hong Kong Derby, a race that solidified its reputation.

"The way Voyage Bubble won at the last moment was incredible," Yiu said, still animated by the memory. "I never imagined we could take that title."

Now six years old, Voyage Bubble has amassed seven wins, six seconds, and three thirds in just over three seasons. Its most recent victory came on November 17. Yiu described Voyage Bubble as increasingly mature -- a smart, composed horse that is both agile and adaptable during races.

To prepare for the upcoming international races, Yiu began training maneuvers as early as August, sending horses to a facility in the Conghua Racecourse, Guangdong Province. There, the horses were trained in a spacious environment, swimming and receiving spa treatments to ensure they were in peak condition.

From his stable of over 60 horses, Yiu selected Nimble Nimbus and Straight Arron to compete in the Hong Kong Cup, where they will face the reigning champion, the formidable Romantic Warrior.

"Straight Arron and Nimble Nimbus are in great form, and I hope they can finish in the top three. Overall, I have a lot of confidence in them; their fighting spirit is strong," he said.

Having started his journey with horses at age 11 and joining the Hong Kong Jockey Club at 15, Yiu has enjoyed a successful career as a jockey, winning 11 races before switching to training due to weight issues. Since 1995, he has trained numerous champions, including Fairy King Prawn, accumulating over 1,026 victories.

Now 67, Yiu sees training as a lifelong commitment and plans to continue as long as his health permits. He is hopeful for the future, not just for himself but for the next generation of trainers as well.

"I hope to share my experiences with younger trainers and assist in the development of the mainland equine industry. I aim to find high-quality horses that can represent Hong Kong and bring honor in future international competitions," Yiu said.