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| Staff Writer |
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Rachel King is primed for a return to Happy Valley's International Jockeys' Championship (IJC) on Wednesday, December 4, bringing her globe-trotting expertise to the prestigious event. The Australian-based rider, having already secured a creditable third place in last year's competition, is eyeing the top spot after her victory aboard Oversubscribed in the opening leg of the 2023 series.
The championship features an elite roster including Ryan Moore, William Buick, Colin Keane, Mickael Barzalona, Yuga Kawada and James McDonald. British sensation Hollie Doyle joins King as the female contingent, while Hong Kong's finest Zac Purton and defending champion Vincent Ho represent the local brigade.
Previous winners of this prestigious event include Frankie Dettori (2011), Ryan Moore (2009, 2010) and Zac Purton (2020), all of whom went on to claim multiple Group One successes globally.
The 34-year-old has been blazing trails across the racing world this year. She etched her name in history as the first Australian-based jockey to compete at the Breeders' Cup, partnering Satono Carnaval for Japanese handler Noriyuki Hori. Her groundbreaking success continued in Japan, becoming the first foreign female to clinch a Group race on the flat when steering Chuck Nate to victory in the Gr.2 American Jockey Club Cup.
"Japan was super," King said. "It was certainly challenging. I had great support from Noriyuki Hori while I was there and he was super and threw everything at me. We got some good winners together."
The British-born rider, formerly apprenticed to Australia's 'First Lady of Racing' Gai Waterhouse, has enjoyed a memorable year both professionally and personally. Between riding The Map in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup and competing at Royal Ascot aboard Strutting, she tied the knot with partner Luke Hilton in England.
Looking ahead, King has secured another two-month stint in Japan starting January 2024, building on her impressive tally of 16 winners from 139 rides earlier this year. Her immediate focus, however, remains on the Happy Valley challenge, with potential participation in the Longines Hong Kong International Races on December 8, should suitable opportunities arise.