Douglas Whyte eyes Happy Valley target with Young Arrow

By Declan Schuster
Trainer Douglas Whyte is predicting a bright future for Young Arrow rsquo;s racing career in Hong Kong as the Singapore import is pointed towards the first section of Wednesday night’s (16 October) HK$1.86 million Class 3 Flying Handicap (1200m) at Happy Valley.

A fast-closing third first-up this season in September, the HKJC Racing Club Limited-owned Young Arrow won once from two starts in Singapore before arriving in Hong Kong. Whyte feels the four-year-old sired by Showtime has what it takes to thrive in his new surroundings.

“He’s a thorough gentleman and he looks like he’s going to be a very nice horse. He could possibly work his way into Class 2. That’s the feel he gives you in the morning and mentally he has settled down,” Whyte said.

The 66-rating Australian-bred has placed third twice from three starts in Hong Kong, both times over tomorrow night’s course and distance. Karis Teetan rides again from gate six, assigned 123lb against 11 opponents.

“He’s doing things the right way and that’s all you can ask of him at the moment,” Whyte said. “I think that he is probably going to be a lovely 1400 metre horse.”

Young Arrow’s sole pre-import win came on the Polytrack at Kranji over 1100m for trainer Daniel Meagher. The gelding is one of nine horses currently in training for the HKJC Racing Club Limited, a subsidiary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which was introduced in 2007 with the view of promoting horse racing to young enthusiasts of the sport.

“He came here very raw and immature, he didn’t know what he was doing. I can see why they put him on the Polytrack, jumped and went (forward) — because he can do that but in Hong Kong there’s a bit more pressure in the early stages, so he’s doing things differently and more professionally,” Whyte said.

Young Arrow’s dam Hediard is a half-sister to Group 1-placed Ready For Victory and five-time winner Exocet. He was purchased at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast 2YOs In Training Sale to race in Singapore for AU$230,000 (approx. HK$1.25 million).

Whyte saddles eight runners at Happy Valley, spread across all races. This is the second time this season he has saddled as many horses. He is also represented by Speedy Chariot, Brave Of Friends, Prince Alex, Shinkansen, Sterling Wongchoy, Victor The Rapid and Ivy League.

Shinkansen is a one-time city circuit winner. Whyte’s chestnut heads back to his preferred course to contest the second section of the Class 4 Speedy Handicap (1200m) under Teetan.

“He’s going good. He was probably a bit unlucky last time but he’s running well. He loves the Valley. Getting away from Sha Tin settles him down a bit and he loves a bit of speed in races, so it certainly suits him,” Whyte said.

Shinkansen carries 121lb and steps away from gate one against 11 rivals. Teetan rides three for Whyte, also pairing with Victor The Rapid in the Class 3 LONGINES Cup Handicap (1200m), a race Whyte nearly captured in 2021 after Harmony Fire was second by a nose.

Sporting the same silks as Group 1 hero Victor The Winner, Victor The Rapid returns first-up this week after two barrier trials, the first of which came at the Valley with Teetan, where the duo finished first over 1200m in 1m 11.73s on 20 September.

Hong Kong’s all-time leader for wins as a jockey (1,813), Whyte has three victories, eight seconds and seven thirds from 68 runners this term.

“Not bad. Too many seconds but as long as they’re running well that means they’re healthy,” he said.

Now without his banner horse Russian Emperor, twice Hong Kong Champion Stayer (2021/22 & 2022/23) who recently retired to Living Legends in Australia, Whyte is on the search for another of his calibre to fly the stable’s flag at home and abroad.

“I haven’t found one just as of yet. They’re very pricey. It’s been a bit tough trying to find one, they’re very hard to come by and they do cost a lot of money,” Whyte said.

Majestic Knight is entered to run for Whyte in Sunday’s (20 October) HK$5.35 million G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin.

Wednesday’s (16 October) eight-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 7.05pm with the Class 5 Success Handicap (1200m).