Hong Kong champion trainer John Size transforms racehorses with ultra dedication and hard work

[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.]

In the world of professional horse racing in Hong Kong, one name stands above all others: John Size. With a career that shines as bright as the stars, Size achieved yet another incredible feat during the 2022-23 Hong Kong racing season. He became the first trainer in history to win an astonishing 12 Hong Kong trainers’ championships. With a staggering total of 1,493 winners trained in Hong Kong, Size’s legacy is one of unparalleled success and dominance in the sport.

The 2022-23 season was nothing short of spectacular for Size. It was a year of triumph and success, as he reached new heights and achieved incredible feats. In May 2022, Size soared to new heights in Hong Kong, achieving his 1,400th win and joining the ranks of the city’s elite trainers. With the reins of Seizing The Moment, Size cemented his place in history as only the second trainer in Hong Kong to prepare 1,400 winners. After achieving this milestone, Size said: “I’ve been here a long time, that’s probably what it means – it took a while to get there … I’m always so grateful for all the help I’ve received since I’ve been here and I’m very happy with my training career in Hong Kong. I’ve been fortunate enough to have some really nice horses.”

In January 2022, Waikuku triumphed in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup, adding another feather to Size’s cap. With 16 Group 1 wins under his belt, including Beat the Clock in 2020, Hot King Prawn in 2021, and Howdeepisyourlove got Champion Griffin in 2022-23, while Beauty Eternal was named Most Improved Horse, Size has proven time and again his prowess in the field. He also holds the title for the most Hong Kong Derby wins by a current trainer with three victories to his name: Fay Fay in 2012, Luger in 2015 with Zac Purton, and Ping Hai Star in 2018 with Ryan Moore.

He set a new record for the most winners in a single Hong Kong season by saddling an astonishing 95 winners in the 2016-17 season.

Widely respected in the sport, Size is believed to possess the “magic touch” of a horse whisperer. He has an innate ability to bond with the thoroughbred racehorses under his care by mastering the art of non-verbal equine communication. With his unique methods, Size is able to rekindle the spark in his horses and unleash their full potential. His perceptive nature and deep understanding of these majestic creatures sets him apart as a true master of his craft.

Many racehorses under Size’s care have overcome fears and anxieties. Size has the extraordinary talent for rejuvenating racehorses that have been hindered by illness or injury, and for nurturing young horses from the very start of their careers.

Size is renowned for his unique approach to building a special bond with his horses. He often takes them on long walks and spends a considerable amount of time supervising their daily swimming sessions. Size believes that swimming not only helps his horses get fitter, but also keeps them happy as an alternative or supplement to rigorous track training.

Hong Kong racing legend Felix Coetzee praised Size’s outstanding abilities: “He understands his horses very well.”

Size earned his title of Champion Trainer for the second time and “Grand Delight”, trained by him, was named “Horse of the Year” in the same season (Season 2002/03).

In the highly competitive arena of Hong Kong horse racing, where the slightest misstep can mean the difference between victory and defeat, trainers are the unsung heroes. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that racehorses are in peak physical and mental condition, ready to take on the challenges of the track. From developing tailored training regimens to providing expert care and attention, trainers play a crucial role in helping jockeys and their equine partners achieve success on race days.

Size is a master of his craft, skillfully designing exercise routines that are custom-made to meet the unique needs of each horse. Through a carefully crafted combination of galloping, trotting and specialised workouts, he gradually builds their strength, endurance and speed. Always vigilant, he closely monitors their progress, meticulously assessing their performance during training sessions and making any necessary adjustments to optimise their fitness and racing abilities. With Size at the helm, these horses are in the best of hands.

The eminent trainer not only brings out the best in top racehorses but has also inspired many champion jockeys throughout his long career in Hong Kong. Collaborating with numerous jockeys, Size has provided them with valuable insights into the horses’ behaviour, strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to develop effective race strategies. His expertise and guidance have undoubtedly played a significant role in their success.

Coetzee has clinched numerous victories on the track thanks to Size. “He reads the races superbly and his analysis of races is very, very good,” Coetzee noted.

Size’s professional journey began in Australia, where he first honed his skills as a trainer. However, it was in Hong Kong where he truly flourished. Size made his debut in Hong Kong in the 2001/02 season and immediately shattered expectations by clinching the coveted Trainers’ Championship. “I came here at the stage of my life when I knew exactly what I wanted to do. At the moment this is the highlight of my career,” Size said. “It’s a lifetime of dedication. The rewarding thing is you can actually make a job out of your hobby. Anyone who is passionate about what they do, and that’s where they derive their income from, that may be as good as it gets.”

Ever since he first burst onto the scene, his star has shone with an unrelenting brilliance. Size has been crowned champion trainer a record total 12 times.

In 2017, a rare milestone was achieved by Size as he joined the elite club of handlers with 1,000 Hong Kong wins, alongside legendary trainers John Moore and Tony Cruz. The ever-humble Size remarked, “Any sort of milestone or achievement is important in any career. It’s a gratifying feeling to reach 1,000 wins in 16 years.”

He has trained two winners of the prestigious Horse of the Year title in multiple HKG1 champions Electronic Unicorn and Grand Delight. In the 2009/10 season, Size trained Brave Kid to equal the then record of six wins in a single season. Entrapment, another horse trained by Size, later broke that record with an impressive seven victories in just five months.

In May 2022, Size achieved his 1,400th win and joined the ranks of elite trainers in Hong Kong. 

In the years to come, Size is poised to continue delivering exceptional performances. “I’ve been here 20 years and it doesn’t feel like that,” Size said in 2022. “Time is the governor of all things, as we know, but as long as I can perform and contribute, I’ll endeavour to put all of my efforts into it.”

Size has been a shining example of the spirit of horse racing. As the new season approaches, all eyes are on him to see if he will reach yet another career milestone: a 1,500th win in Hong Kong. Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making.