South African trainer Brett Crawford has wasted no time making his mark in Hong Kong. In his debut season, he has already saddled 18 winners from 58 meetings, boasting a first-three strike rate of 29.27%. A dual-site trainer since last September, Crawford quickly embraced the facilities at Conghua, which he describes as “important to my stable operation.”

“At the beginning of the season, we already arranged some of our horses in Conghua,” Crawford recalled. “I was deeply impressed with the racecourse. The facilities are state-of-the-art – excellent stables with good ventilation, plus rehabilitation and training facilities like swimming pools, aqua walkers and treadmills. There’s so much available to help bring out the best in each horse.”

Crawford’s experience managing horses between Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa prepared him well for Hong Kong’s dual-site system. He is among the leading trainers recently for winners prepared at Conghua prior to their last start. Six of his 10 victories since the start of January have come from Conghua-trained runners.

Mr Incredible was his latest Conghua-trained victor, scoring on his Hong Kong debut on 15 March.

“There’s more space, more variety, and it allows horses to break free from the routine of Hong Kong,” Crawford said. “We rotate our horses regularly so each one gets the chance to train there. Some even remain based in Conghua, only travelling to Hong Kong to race before returning.

“Conghua is good for training young horses, as they will have more opportunities to exercise on turf and that will give them more experience on turf before they start to race in Hong Kong.”

Mr Incredible is a prime example, as the three-year-old Toronado gelding spent most of 2026 in Conghua before opening his account in Hong Kong.

Crawford named Win Speed as one horse in his stable that has benefitted most from training in Conghua.

“He hasn’t won yet after joining my stable, but his form has improved. He looks happier and much better after returning from Conghua,” Crawford noted.

Crawford’s other recent winners stabled at Conghua prior to their last start also included Gor Gor, Sovereign Fund, Island Buddy and Speedy Smartie. Lovero, a winner this term who has also placed on three occasions, has shown similar improvement after spells in Conghua.

“Hong Kong has the tough season from the beginning of September right through to the middle of July. The more you can give them the opportunity to recover from races, it’s a big thing, and I think Conghua gives us the opportunity to do this.

“Conghua is good for a horse’s mind and if you have a happy horse, they will do their best for you,” Crawford added.

Crawford is confident Conghua will be a worthy racing venue. “It’s a fair, even track, and I believe it will prove to be an excellent stage for racing.”

Photo: HKJC