Hong Kong champion Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) added another elite chapter to his extraordinary season on Sunday, producing a courageous performance to claim a second consecutive G1 Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin, further cementing his status as one of the great racehorses of the modern era.
The Hong Kong Triple Crown hero of last season, Voyage Bubble fought back valiantly in the straight after being headed by eventual runner-up Soul Rush, prevailing in a stirring finish at the international meeting.
A $380,000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale buy for trainer Ricky Yiu from the draft of Torryburn Stud, Voyage Bubble is firmly established as one of the most accomplished performers in the history of Hong Kong racing.
This was a 6th G1 victory for the 7YO, taking his prizemoney earnings to more than HK$128.7m.
“He’s a freak,” said Torryburn Stud’s Brett Cornish.
“It was pretty amazing, jumping from the barrier 12 of 14, and coming back in distance from his second placing in the G2 Jockey Club Cup at his last start, he’s just a weapon.”
Jockey Zac Purton was equally effusive in his praise for the horse.
“I think he just showed what type of horse he is,” Purton said post race.
“When Soul Rush couldn’t put me away, I could feel my horse start to gain in confidence and with 75m to go, I started to think ‘hang on, we’re back in this’.
“He’s got such a big heart that he’s always up for the fight, he’s a Triple Crown winner and he’s come back today off the canvas to win.
“I think when we reflect on all the great horses that have been in Hong Kong, he’s certainly going to be remembered in the way that he should.
“His CV is outstanding winning the Triple Crown – which hadn’t been done for 30-odd years – and to come out and go back-to-back in the Hong Kong Mile is not an easy thing to do and he’s done it showing the heart that he’s got and courage as well.”
“The horse has a great heart,” agreed trainer Ricky Yiu.
“Although he’s seven, he’s still full of beans. The owners are a really nice group of people, every time the horse runs they’re here cheering.”
A Hong Kong Derby winner as a 3YO, his latest top level success caps a remarkable season for Voyage Bubble, having claimed a second G1 Stewards’ Cup, a G1 Hong Kong Gold Cup and a G1 Champions & Chater Cup since last year’s Hong Kong Mile triumph.
Torryburn Stud will offer a draft of eight yearlings at the 2026 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, which will be held at Riverside Stables February 8-10.
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Voyage Bubble was one of four Inglis graduates to win on the high profile card, while Inglis Classic Sale graduate Raging Blizzard (Per Incanto) beat home all bar superstar Ka Ying Rising with a career best second-placing in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint over 1200m.
