Sha Tin witnessed a major upset as Hugh Bowman teamed with Red Lion to deny hot favourite Voyage Bubble in the Group 1 Champions Mile.

Voyage Bubble, a $1.40 favourite under James McDonald, was widely tipped to win, but Red Lion, priced at $90, spoiled the party for trainer John Size, who continues his remarkable career after Hong Kong extended its retirement age for trainers to 75.

“This is no surprise because he ran second in the race last year but I am a bit lost for words,” Bowman said.

Size praised Red Lion’s determination and adaptability on race day.

“He always does his best and always puts himself in position to win,” Size said. “We needed plenty in our favour and maybe a bit of moisture around helped him.

“Hughey could rate him as he wanted to and that contributed to him winning the race.

“Today he showed the determination of a real race horse and he looked like he would win the race and he decided he would.”

Red Lion’s record now stands at eight wins and 11 placings from 38 outings for owner Ronald Arculli, best known for campaigning Red Cadeaux.

“What is going on in this horse’s mind is so important and it is difficult to beat a horse in that frame of mind.”

It was Red Lion’s first victory since taking the Chinese New Year Trophy in early 2024, and he survived a protest lodged by McDonald regarding interference late in the race.

“He was super. I was really proud of his effort,” McDonald said about Voyage Bubble.