Oratorio gelding Smiling Time, formerly Viva Rio in South Africa, won for the second time in Hong Kong at Happy Valley, ridden by South African jockey Luke Ferraris.

Trained by Mr Ting and owned by Fung Kok Po & Jason Fung, the gelding was formerly trained by Glen Kotzen in South Africa and produced four wins and a second in the Gr1 Cape Guineas, behind another export, Kilindini.

Bred by Gold Star Stud, his initial two seasons in Hong Kong were on the quiet side but the gelding has found a new lease on life this season – producing eight runs and only out of the money on one occasion. He has been ridden by Luke Ferraris in 6 of his last starts.

Out of Jet Master mare Little Jet, it is interesting to note that Viva Rio was not sold at the 2018 National Yearling Sale.

This is the family of Breyani and Gr2 winner, A Women’s Way.

Retired sire at Avontuur Stud, Oratorio has enjoyed success in Hong Kong with the likes of 10-time winner Military Attack, and SAF-breds Cue The Music and Ezra, the Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein bred grey has won three times to date.

Smiling Time has earned $2,024,550 in stakes.