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49 top-notch horses from countries all over the world, including Hong Kong, Japan, France, Ireland, Great Britain, Singapore, and the United States, have been chosen to participate in the HK$118 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin on December 10th. The list includes Golden Sixty, Romantic Warrior, Highfield Princess, Luxembourg, and Lucky Sweynesse.
The HK$36 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, HK$32 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, HK$26 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, and HK$24 million Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase will witness 16 individual Group One winners bidding for a share of the combined record purse on offer.
This yer's showpiece meeting in Hong Kong has attracted 25 selected runners from overseas, including Golden Sixty, who will attempt to become a three-time winner of the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, joining the likes of Good Ba Ba. Golden Sixty, a Hong Kong equine idol and winner of nine Group Ones, will be challenged by high-class contenders such as Japan's Namur, Serifos, and France's Tribalist.
In the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, English sprinter Highfield Princess, a four-time Group One winner in three different countries, will try to become the first visitor to win since Japanese star Danon Smash in 2020. She will face a formidable Hong Kong defence led by the world's top-ranked sprinter Lucky Sweynesse and last year's LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint winner Wellington.
Aidan O'Brien, the champion Irish trainer, will be aiming for his first victory in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, having previously celebrated a trio of LONGINES Hong Kong Vase successes with Highland Reel (twice) and Mogul. His contender for this year's Cup is Luxembourg, the winner of the 2023 Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup.
The LONGINES Hong Kong Vase has attracted a strong visiting contingent with eight victories from the past 10 runnings. Japanese globe-trotter Shahryar, who has won the 2021 Gr.1 Japanese Derby and the 2022 Dubai Sheema Classic, and Geraldina, Junko, and Warm Heart from Japan and France are among the contenders. Hong Kong's quest for its first Vase victory since Exultant in 2018 will be spearheaded by Russian Emperor, Senor Toba, and Five G Patch, while US-based trainer Christophe Clement will be represented by Soldier Rising.
In the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, Singapore's top horse Lim's Kosciuszko returns for Dan Meagher, adding to the global appeal of the LONGINES HKIR. According to Mr Andrew Harding, The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director, Racing, this event is one of the most significant racing events on the global calendar.
“We are excited by the quality of selected runners for this year’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and the presence of so many global stars is in keeping with our long-held commitment to deliver sporting excellence. This is particularly highlighted with Japan, Europe and Ireland’s contingent as they prepare to compete against Hong Kong champions Golden Sixty, Romantic Warrior and Lucky Sweynesse.
“Golden Sixty remains Hong Kong horse racing’s idol and he will be strongly supported by his legions of fans at Sha Tin as he chases a record-extending 10th Group One and a record-equalling third LONGINES Hong Kong Mile. With four Group One victories to his name, including his historic success in the W.S. Cox Plate, Romantic Warrior is a genuine international star and we look forward to his defence of the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup.
“Last season’s staging of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races was an amazing success with the return of owners, media and fans from around the world to urge on champion horses and jockeys and we look forward to once more welcoming our overseas friends back.
“With the selection of 49 elite horses, the stage is now set for the 2023 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and a wonderful afternoon of sport on Sunday, 10 December at Sha Tin.”