ETHAN BROWN STRIKES EARLY IN HONG KONG

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Ethan Brown wasn’t hanging about.

In fact, it took Brown just three rides to secure his first win at his first meeting in Hong Kong when he partnered Shooting To Top to victory for trainer Cody Mo in a Class 4 Handicap over 1650m.

Brown, who showed he was a quick learner at the very particular Happy Valley track, was clearly elated at his success.

“I’m over the moon. Everything worked out really well. I was presented with a good horse, we found a good position, and he was too strong in the finish,” said Brown. “Cody had him in perfect order and I was the benefactor.

“It was great, it’s obviously something we all strive to do – to get the opportunity is one thing, but to get a winner straight away is another thing.

“It’s a very quick and tight track,” continued Brown. “You have to be on you’re A game, but I’m picking it up as I go and it was certainly a track I wanted to conquer. The atmosphere is great – it’s a good atmosphere and good feeling. Hopefully we’ll make plenty more.

“I just wanted to get a winner early and we’ve been able to tick that box. It gets the monkey off my back and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead. I feel relieved and just feel happy that I’m able to get a winner early – as it’s not easy to do.”

Brown also claimed two third places on the night, coming up only a neck shy of a second win aboard the Douglas Whyte trained Young Arrow before earning another third place aboard Harmony Flyer for the same trainer.

Brown has a short-term riding contract in Hong Kong which takes him through to the end of the season (July 15).

Brown is due to ride Sunlight Power in Sunday’s Group One Champions Mile at Sha Tin. Ther is currently a question mark behind that happening though as the Ricky Yiu trained gelding has first to pass veterinary inspections on Thursday and Saturday after he was found to have developed a capped elbow in his left front leg.

All being well, Brown will step right into Group 1 action on Sunday, looking to improve on the eleven Group 1 wins he already has behind his name.

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