Brett on the Double – Lyle and Karis bring home the double

The lights of Happy Valley have long been the theatre where training careers in Hong Kong are truly defined, and on the evening of December 3, 2025, Brett Crawford firmly etched his name onto that illustrious roll of honour. Just weeks after securing his maiden Graded success with Encountered in the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse, Brett returned to the unique city circuit to secure his second double since he has relocated to Hong Kong, a feat that signals his operation has truly hit its stride in one of the world’s most competitive racing districts.

While the Gr 3 victory in November was the breakthrough that announced his arrival, this midweek brace was perhaps even more significant. It demonstrated the depth of the string and the ability to ready horses for the tight-turning, high-pressure demands of the Valley. Achieving a double in Hong Kong is a statistical mountain to climb for any trainer, let alone one still in his debut season, and it serves as a clear notice of intent to the local hierarchy.

The evening began with anticipation in Race 3, a Class 5 contest over 1800m that would provide the first leg of this memorable brace. The winner, Ninja Derby, arrived in the paddock looking a picture of health, a testament to the conditioning work being done at the stable’s Sha Tin base. A tough, gritty son of the New Zealand sire Ocean Park out of the Fastnet Rock mare Pastrana, his pedigree suggested that he possessed the stamina and the constitution to handle the rigors of the track. He races for the partnership of Wilson Chan Wai Kwok, Joseph Yim Wai Ho & Gary Ng Ka Wai, owners who have shown immense faith in Brett’s ability to unlock the horse’s potential.

When the gates opened, the race unfolded as a tactical masterclass. Fellow South African Lyle Hewitson was the pilot, and he gave the gelding an aggressive, decisive ride from barrier nine. Understanding that momentum is everything at Happy Valley, Lyle urged Ninja Derby forward early, overcoming the wide draw to take up a prominent position. The sectional data tells the story of a perfectly judged front-running performance; after settling second in the initial stages,

Lyle allowed his mount to stride to the front, controlling the tempo from the 1200m mark. He dictated the fractions beautifully, conserving energy while keeping his rivals chasing. In the final furlong, when the challengers loomed—most notably Storm Runner—Ninja Derby dug deep. He responded to Lyle’s urgings with grim determination, holding on to win by a neck. It was a victory of pure grit and superior race-reading, validating the positive tactics.

Ninja Derby – a masterclass in front running tactics from Lyle

If the first win was a triumph of tactical speed, the second was a celebration of patience and an explosive turn of foot. Saddling Genius Baby, Brett was looking to capitalize on the earlier momentum and this runner, a progressive individual who has been improving with every outing, is by the exciting sire Too Darn Hot out of Planet Rock. Owned by Mr & Mrs Pang Wai Hak, Frankie Pang Ka Yeung and Andy Pang Ka Wai, the horse had been showing encouraging signs in his morning work, and the transfer of that potential to the racetrack was seamless.

The race replay serves as a coaching manual for riding the difficult track from off the pace. Karis Teetan—who has quickly formed a formidable rapport with the stable—had to navigate a troubled start. Genius Baby was bumped shortly after jumping and became unbalanced, forcing Karis to settle him near the rear of the field.

Sitting eighth for much of the trip, the pair looked to have a mountain to climb as they turned for home. However, Karis remained cool. He waited for the gap to open, and when he switched Genius Baby into the clear, the response was electric. The gelding unleashed a devastating turn of foot, sweeping past the leaders in a matter of strides to win going away. His strong finish showed he has potential for future handicaps and enjoys the city circuit.

Genius Baby gives Brett his second double in Hong Kong under a brilliant ride from Karis

The significance of this double cannot be overstated. In Hong Kong, momentum is a currency. Following so closely on the heels of the November feature race success, these two wins prove that the stable is not reliant on a single star performer but possesses the depth to compete across the card.

As the horses returned to the unsaddling enclosure on that Wednesday night, the reception was warm. The Hong Kong racing public, known for their astute knowledge, recognizes a stable in form. For Brett, standing in the winner’s circle twice in one night was not just about the prize money or the statistics; it was about confirmation of all the meticulous planning that goes into taking a leap of faith, combined with a statement of intent – Brett is here to compete.