International Racing Hits Hong Kong

Published: 09 Dec 2014

Whether you are part of a tour group or just there to enjoy it as a racing purist, all eyes will be on Hong Kong this week as one of the major international meetings of the year takes place in one of the most vibrant race settings. This Sunday, Sha Tin will host major races including the Hong Kong Vase, Sprint, Mile and Cup races. Australia will be represented at the meeting with sprinting warhorse Buffering and AJC Derby winner Criterion (now trained for David Hayes and Tom Dabernig). A host of international raiders are in action and will make great viewing for a Sunday evening in Australia.

It all starts tomorrow night as Happy Valley hosts the ‘Longines International Jockey’s Championship’ meeting which consists of four races as a pre-cursor to Sunday’s ‘International’ meeting at Sha Tin.

Australia’s own Zac Purton, reigning Hong Kong champion and runner-up in the past two IJC series (last year to Kerrin McEvoy), is again ready to show the world he is one of the best. He starts the night aboard Win It (last start winner and has ridden to victory previously). Purton, along with fellow Aussies Kerrin McEvoy and James McDonald will be competing against the likes of Joao Moreira (the 2012 IJC winner), Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup winning hoop Ryan Moore, previous winner Cristophe Soumillon, Pat Smullen, Richard Hughes, Yuichi Fukunaga, S’Manga Khumalo and Irad Ortiz Jr.

Barrier draws always play a major part at Happy Valley. Maybe a win and a couple of placings may be enough to secure the championship.

Wednesday night’s nine race card begins at 9.30pm (AEDT) with the first of the IJC races scheduled for 11.10pm (AEDT)