20/05/2026
There's a story behind this horse. A good one.
Malpensa won at Sha Tin a few weeks ago — trained by Chris So, ridden by James Orman — and we've been sitting with it ever since, trying to find the right words.
He was sold by Riverrock after two impressive trials. One of the last horses we had for Aliesha's late father Mike. He always showed real ability.
When it came time to name him, Mike was in an induced coma. Aliesha was by his bedside with his partner when they found it — his book. A little notebook full of names Mike had chosen and saved, each one with a meaning tucked away inside it that only he truly understood. He had this habit— he'd tell you the name with that cheeky grin of his, then just sit back and wait.
Malpensa was next on the list. So that's what he was named.
When he made the move to Hong Kong, his new connections — Chris So's ownership group — kept the name. And if you know Hong Kong racing, you'll know that doesn't happen often. Names usually change at the border.
Keeping it seems to have been a lucky omen. And we'd like to think Mike’s up there right now, arms folded, that grin on his face, quietly waiting to see who can work out the meaning behind the name.
Congratulations to trainer Chris So, jockey James Orman, and all of the owners. We can’t wait to keep following Malpensa!
