Voyage Bubble all class in Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup

[Wandering Eyes]

Voyage Bubble careers away for his fourth Group 1 win. Photo: HKJC

James McDonald attributed a dramatic HK$13 million Group 1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) victory to Voyage Bubble’s class and courage after the pair overcame several obstacles at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Having arrived at Sha Tin from Riyadh, where he partnered Romantic Warrior into second place in a pulsating Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt), McDonald encountered trouble near the 800m when Voyage Bubble clipped heels, resulting in the pair being shuffled to second last in the 10-horse field.

Unflustered, McDonald regrouped before spearing a willing Voyage Bubble through a gap at the 300m before the Deep Field gelding powered clear away from Ensued to win by almost four lengths with Chancheng Glory third in 2:00.59.

2025 Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup Replay – Voyage Bubble

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“It wasn’t smooth sailing but he’s a great racehorse. I’m lucky to have him as a partner because he got me out of a sticky situation. It was very muddling and he overcame many obstacles throughout that race to come away for a great victory,” McDonald said.

“We got shuffled back but he’s a great racehorse and he got us out of trouble. We might have found a new way of riding him as well. Who knows?

“He’s not a one-trick pony, he’s got so many strings to his bow and I really enjoy riding him even though it was hairy through the middle stages – it wasn’t ideal at all.”

With his 10th victory from 24 starts, Voyage Bubble kept alive hopes of landing a HK$10 million bonus for winning all three legs of the Triple Crown Series. With the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and Hong Kong Gold Cup already secured, the Deep Field gelding needs to win the Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on May 25 to sweep the series and become the second horse to do so after River Verdon (1993/94).

“That’s (2400m) another pain barrier he’s got to go through and he’s a great racehorse and we have seen it with the great horse (Romantic Warrior) last night how good these Hong Kong horses are – they’re as tough as they come – and they fly the flag anywhere,” McDonald said. “Definitely going to be a new challenge for him, but he’s up to it.”

Revelling in his first Group 1 success at 2000m, Yiu said: “I’m a bit optimistic to run him over 2400m. Before James takes off tonight, we’re going to have a little celebration party and I’m going to have a good chat with him to see where we go next. I’m pretty optimistic – we’ll take the challenge.”

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