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World champion Romantic Warrior leads a stellar cast of 56 international gallopers targeting glory at the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on 8 December. The eight-time Group One winner is bidding to become the first triple winner of the Longines Hong Kong Cup, having claimed victories in 2022 and 2023.
The Danny Shum-trained superstar could eclipse Golden Sixty's earnings record of US$21.4 million with victory in the US$5.1 million feature, which would take his career prize money beyond US$22.7 million.
Japanese Triple Tiara heroine Liberty Island heads the visiting contingent. The Sunday Racing-owned filly, following her triumphs in the Gr.1 Oka Sho, Gr.1 Yushun Himba and Gr.1 Shuka Sho, will clash with Romantic Warrior in the Cup. Fellow Classic winner Tastiera, trained by Noriyuki Hori, adds further depth to Japan's challenge after finishing second in October's Gr.1 Tenno Sho Autumn.
Sir Alex Ferguson-owned Spirit Dancer, fresh from defending his crown in the Gr.2 Bahrain International Trophy, represents British interests for trainer Richard Fahey. Irish maestro Aidan O'Brien returns seeking a fourth HKIR triumph with 3YO fillies Content and Wingspan.
Track record breaker Ka Ying Rising headlines the US$3.3 million Longines Hong Kong Sprint following his blazing performance in the BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint. The local star faces stiff competition from Japanese Gr.1 Sprinters Stakes victor Lugal and American raider Nobals, winner of the 2023 Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Previous Sprint winners include the legendary Sacred Kingdom, who claimed back-to-back victories in 2007 and 2009, and Lord Kanaloa, who dominated in 2012 and 2013.
The Mile division sees local hope Voyage Bubble attempting to go one better than his second to Golden Sixty last year. Australian sensation Antino, trained by Ciaron Maher, enters the fray following his devastating six-and-a-half length triumph in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap.
The US$3.1 million Longines Hong Kong Vase has attracted King George hero Goliath, who conquered subsequent Arc winner Bluestocking at Ascot. Melbourne Cup champion Without A Fight adds further international flavour to a race previously won by Highland Reel (2015, 2017) and Glory Vase (2019, 2021).
"The Longines Hong Kong International Races are one of the most important racing events on the global calendar and this year we look forward to hosting a decorated line-up from many corners of the globe," said Mr Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
"We are excited by the quality of selected runners for this year's Longines Hong Kong International Races and the presence of so many of the stars is in keeping with our long-held commitment to deliver sporting excellence."
The prestigious meeting has drawn contenders from Hong Kong, Japan, Great Britain, Australia, France, Ireland, Germany and the United States of America, setting the stage for an epic international showdown at Sha Tin's world-class facility.