Caspar Fownes

Who is Caspar Fownes?

An adaptive, creative approach to preparation and race planning makes Caspar Fownes the quintessential Hong Kong horse trainer.

That isn’t to diminish Fownes’ horsemanship, dedication, or even his global outlook. He comes from a long line of trainers and is a passionate fan of the sport, but his unique racing education is matched by a one-of-a-kind approach to his craft.

Fownes is known as “King of The Valley,” and nobody has won more races at Happy Valley. Few are better at playing the Hong Kong system, and Fownes finds a way to win with horses, often while connections land sizable bets. He unashamedly celebrates his success (remember Fownes’ spontaneous disco dance moves after a record-setting six-timer at Happy Valley in 2010?).

Fownes isn’t just a showman scheming away with lower-grade runners at his beloved Happy Valley; he is a serious trainer who wins Group 1s, challenges for championships (four titles), and jumps at a chance to contest overseas Group 1s.

Caspar Fownes’ Origin Story

British by nationality but raised in India, Caspar Fownes came to Hong Kong as an 11-year-old when his father, Lawrie – a legendary trainer in India – took a licence to train in the city in 1981.

Caspar followed his father to trackwork most mornings before school and was soon second-in-charge to Lawrie, learning the handicap system, forging important owner relationships, and even picking up a useful level of Cantonese.

When Lawrie’s age-enforced retirement was imminent in 2003, Caspar was initially denied a licence. However, after an impassioned public plea from his father – which included an open letter penned for the South China Morning Post – he was granted his wish at the eleventh hour following the shock late-season licence withdrawal of Peter Chapple-Hyam.

Fownes joined Danny Shum and David Ferraris as new trainers for the 2003-04 season.

Which horse is Caspar Fownes best known for training?

The most talented horse Fownes has trained is Military Attack, a winner of the Hong Kong Horse of the Year title in 2013. That same season (2012/2013) he was also crowned Champion Middle Distance Horse and Most Popular Horse at the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s prestigious Champion Awards night.

But for some fans, the quirky, tough and talented sprinter Lucky Nine may be the horse that first comes to mind when Caspar Fownes’ name is mentioned.

If horses take on the characteristics of their trainers, then globetrotting sprinter Lucky Nine is a prime example. Just like Caspar, Lucky Nine was often described as ‘a dude’ by regular rider Brett Prebble. Off the track, Lucky Nine was all personality, but on track he was a star: he won the 2010 Classic Mile as a four-year-old before compiling a top-class record in top-level sprints over a career that stretched across exceptional eras. For perspective, Lucky Nine raced against both Sacred Kingdom and Aerovelocity.

Lucky Nine won the KrisFlyer Sprint twice in Singapore and placed in Group 1s in Dubai and Australia among 11 overseas starts. Lucky Nine now resides at Living Legends in Melbourne, Australia.

What is Caspar Fownes’ greatest achievement?

Fownes’ six wins in one day at Happy Valley is a record, but it was during a 10-race daytime meeting. Any of Fownes’ four championship wins could count as his greatest achievement, but in terms of emotion, his third title victory, clinched after a final-day tussle with John Size, is the standout.

Fownes had trailed Size by 19 wins during the season and by 15 as late as April. He came from one win down on the final day to clinch the 2013-14 championship.

Joining Caspar on stage for the 2013-14 champion trainer trophy presentation was his father, Lawrie, who had been diagnosed with cancer and died less than one year later.

Best Quote about Caspar Fownes

“I know he’s going to be a better trainer than his old man,” Lawrie Fownes said before Caspar’s first day of racing in 2003. “Caspar is young and moves with the times. In the end, racing in Hong Kong is going to be the winner for this.”