Fav Beaten - Aussies Miss - Bowman's Bolter Wins Champions Mile

Craig Tompson - Sunday April 27

The Australian pair of Mr Brightside and Royal Patronage failed to fire but Hugh Bowman on a $90 outsider beat James McDonald on the odds-on favourite in Sunday’s Group I Champions Mile at Sha Tin.

Red Lion get the bob over Voyage Bubble in the G1 Champions Mile. Photo: Grant Courtney

From the gates Bowman on Red Lion went to the lead, with Voyage Bubble right with him, Royal Patronage tracking the duo and Mr Brightside tracking him, both in favourable positions.

Upon straightening the lead pair kicked and odds-on favourite Voyage Bubble looked likely a number of times but Red Lion was having none of it and while it was a bob of the head decision, the bob went to Red Lion.

Advertisement

McDonald on the runner-up protested afterwards but the on track result stood.

The Australian pair found nothing with Mr Brightside wilting to last, Royal Patronage finishing only one place ahead.

It’s the first Group One win for Red Lion although he’s been Group I placed three times previously, notably finishing second in the Chairman’s Mile last year to Beauty Eternal.

“I've got to say, I mean, I didn't really expect to win, but the fact that he has is no surprise, he ran second in the race last year,” said Bowman.

“I've ridden him a lot and I know him very well.

“I'm so proud of him and congratulations to John (Size) and to the ownership group because he's such a consistent horse and he's worthy Group One winner.”

An Irish bred six-year-old, Red Lion is by Belardo, who stood six seasons at New Zealand’s Hanui Farm but hasn’t returned since 2022.

Out of Crystal Idea (Namid), he’s from a fairly modest family close up but his fourth dam is Percy’s Lass, dam of English Derby winner Sir Percy the Champion two-year-old and three-year-old of his generation.

Advertisment

Race Result - The FWD Champions Mile Gr1 1600m

Sha Tin Track: Good Time: 1:33.21
1
Red Lion
- 6g Belardo (IRE) x Crystal Idea (IRE) (Namid (GB))
Tnr: J J Size Rdr: J Bowman 57
2
0.1
Voyage Bubble
- 6g Deep Field (AUS) x Raheights (AUS) (Rahy (USA))
Tnr: P F Yiu Rdr: J B Mc Donald 57
3
0.5
Sunlight Power
- 5g Capitalist (AUS) x Emirates Comfort (IRE) (Dubawi (IRE))
Tnr: P F Yiu Rdr: C Soumillon 57
4
1
My Wish
- 4g Flying Artie (AUS) x Set The Tone (AUS) (Reset (AUS))
Tnr: Mark Newnham Rdr: Luke Ferraris 57
5
1.5
Galaxy Patch
- 5g Wandjina (AUS) x Voltara (AUS) (More Than Ready (USA))
Tnr: P C Ng Rdr: Z Purton 57
6
2.8
Happy Together
- 6g Dragon Pulse (IRE) x Ruby Girl (IRE) (Fast Company (IRE))
Tnr: F C Lor Rdr: A Badel 57
7
3
Beauty Joy
- 8g Sebring (AUS) x Impressive Jeuney (AUS) (Jeune (GB))
Tnr: A S Cruz Rdr: B Avdulla 57
8
3.5
Chancheng Glory
- 5g Mor Spirit (USA) x Solid Scam (USA) (Consolidator (USA))
Tnr: K W Lui Rdr: J Moreira 57
9
4.5
Gaia Force
- 6h Kitasan Black (JPN) x Natale (JPN) (Kurofune (USA))
Tnr: H Sugiyama Rdr: Y Kawada 57
10
5
Beauty Eternal
- 6g Starspangledbanner (AUS) x Ithacan Queen (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: J J Size Rdr: A Atzeni 57
11
5.3
Goemon
- 6h Dark Angel (IRE) x Spangled (GB) (Starspangledbanner (AUS))
Tnr: Haider Shaheen Rdr: K Stott 57
12
6.5
Royal Patronage
- 6h Wootton Bassett (GB) x Shaloushka (IRE) (Dalakhani (IRE))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: T Clark 57
13
8
Mr Brightside
- 7g Bullbars (AUS) x Lilahjay (NZ) (Tavistock (NZ))
Tnr: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes Rdr: Craig Williams 57
More Reading...
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 AJ Moir Stakes
The Valley blasts into spring G1 action with the running of the $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes WFA at 1000m, and it's always an exciting spectacle when a full field of flyers are going full bore on the turning track!
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
Kiwi Melbourne Cup Contender Kicks off at The Valley
Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Mark Twain has landed in Melbourne and will commence his path towards the iconic feature at The Valley on Saturday.
Mitchell McKenzie Colts Showcase
All eyes will be on the $175,000 Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday with an intriguing field of nine colts and geldings all vying for that all important first stakes win.
Will Macdonald Joins Astute Bloodstock
Astute Bloodstock is delighted to announce the expansion of our team as we continue to meet increasing client demand and pursue our Group 1 ambitions.
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
Sires With Winners - Friday September 5
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.