Rising Star Massive Sovereign Claims Thrilling Hong Kong Derby

Mark Smith - Sunday March 24

For all but the final 50 metres of Sunday's BMW Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin, Andrea Atzeni looked to have stolen the valuable feature on the Churchill (IRE) gelding Ka Ying Generation (IRL) before the swoopers Massive Sovereign (IRE) and Galaxy Patch launched down the centre of the track.

A second Hong Kong Derby for Zac (image Grant Courtney)

Backed into favouritism on the strength of his brilliant performance over the same trip and track at his Hong Kong debut on March 3, Massive Sovereign (IRE) gave Zac Purton a second win in the Derby and trainer Dennis Yip his first.

Advertisement

The son of No Nay Never defeated the game Wandjina gelding Galaxy Patch by a neck.

 Pierre Ng came close to pulling off a remarkable feat with Galaxy Patch, who made just one start longer than 1200m, which came at his previous start when second to California Spangle in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup over 1400m.

Ka Ying Generation (IRE) held on gamely to be the same distance back in third.

"it's been a frustrating race for me" (image Grant Courtney)

Going for a sweep of the 4yo Series, Hugh Bowman’s mount Helios Express (Toronado) was never a factor, and he clocked in eighth, four and a half lengths from the winner.

"It’s been a frustrating race for me, and it’s been a frustrating season to be honest,” Purton said.

“To finally get one of the bigger ones is a relief, especially with Dennis, as we’ve had a great association over the years.

He looks a rising star (image Grant Courtney)

“When that leader was so far in front, and he didn’t stop or give up, he made me earn it.

“I thought I would get close, but at the 200m I felt I had his measure.”

A €620,000 purchase for MV Magnier from the Camas Park Stud consignment at the 2021 Goffs Orby Yearling Sale, Massive Sovereign is the first foal of the stakes-winning Myboycharlie mare Sweet Charity (FR).

Massive Sovereign a €620,000 Goffs Orby yearling

Massive Sovereign’s year younger sister won at Newcomers Race over 1200m at Hanshin in December.

A son of the former Coolmore shuttler No Nay Never (USA), Massive Sovereign made five starts in Ireland for Aidan O’Brien when named Broadhurst, winning at Dundalk and Leopardstown and was runner-up twice.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Inglis Ready2Race breeze up footage NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Progeny of the likes of Toronado, Exceed and Excel, Harry Angel, Zoustar and Ole Kirk were amongst the standout performers from breeze up sessions conducted this week in the lead up to the Inglis Ready2Race Sale on October 16, footage of which is now available online.
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 2
Here is the full list of 29 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Melody Belle Daughter Set for Long Awaited Debut
It will be a full-circle moment for Te Akau Racing at The Valley on Friday night when Lyrics ‘N’ Song, a daughter of their former multiple Group One winner Melody Belle, makes her debut.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Caulfield
Three barrier trials at Caulfield on Thursday morning produced heat winners for first season sires Wild Ruler and Profiteer with the quickest winner being Free Flying, the half-sister by Snitzel to brilliant Group winning mare Learning to Fly.
Milan Park Experience Highs and Lows
Tony Rider experienced the extreme highs and lows of breeding thoroughbreds within a matter of hours on Wednesday.
Generation Foals Built for Speed
Victorian farm Lovatsville offer a diverse stallion roster for this spring geared to satisfy a wide spectrum of breeder ambitions and if explosive Aussie speed is your thing then Snitzel stallion Generation will fit the bill.
New SW Wrote - Fast Network Wins G3 National Day Cup
Trainer Dennis Yip claimed a timely first win of the 2025/26 season, taking out the feature HK$4.2 million Gr.3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin’s National Day fixture on Wednesday when his stable star Fast Network, a New Zealand bred son of Wrote, blitzed a strong field under Alexis Badel.
One to Watch – Geelong
Trilogy Racing will have high hopes for the their talented filly Queen of Clubs in the Group I ATC Flight Stakes on Saturday and their colours were in the frame at Geelong on Thursday carried by a Zoustar filly that saluted on debut.
NZ Derby Hero Willydoit Primed for Epsom
Last season’s New Zealand Derby hero Willydoit will step back into the spotlight on Saturday when he contests the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick for trainer Ciaron Maher, with jockey Tommy Berry bullish the horse is ready to make his mark over the famous mile.
Blueblood Fillies From $3million Mares
Tom Magnier has been notable for his purchase of elite race fillies and broodmares in recent years to enhance the stellar Coolmore broodmare band and two of his $3million plus mare purchases have produced stunning fillies this spring.