AL RIFFA AND THE AUSSIE CONNECTION

By Tim Clayton | Thursday, December 11, 2025

With no Australian-trained runners in the 2025 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, it was a welcome surprise to find a genuine Australian connection at Thursday’s barrier draw at Sha Tin.

Al Riffa is owned by the Australian Bloodstock Syndicate, which has brought a sizeable travelling ownership group to Hong Kong to cheer on their Irish-trained contender.

Trained by Joseph O’Brien, Al Riffa was the very first name drawn for the HK$26 million Group 1 Hong Kong Vase, and fortune came early—he came up with barrier 2.

O’Brien was upbeat after Thursday morning’s trackwork, saying, “He’s had a great preparation, his weight is good and we’re hoping for a good run. I might go on the turf tomorrow.”

Representing the owners at the draw was Sue Bristoe, who delivered exactly what the camp wanted.

“We are privileged to travel the world with him. He has travelled well and is raring to go,” she said after drawing barrier 2.

With a perfect barrier draw the Australian Bloodstock Syndicate is daring to dream big—perhaps an Australian-linked victory in Sunday’s HKIR Vase 2025 is still on the cards after all.

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