Hong Kong is renowned for its ability to stage world-class events and the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (4 December) was a glittering example of the city’s capacity for excellence.
The atmosphere generated by a passionate, enthusiastic crowd of more than 20,000 was incredible as 12 of the world’s leading jockeys competed in the four-race series with victory ultimately going to Mickael Barzalona, who delivered a riding masterclass.
In a thrilling finish, five jockeys – Mickael, Hollie Doyle, James McDonald, William Buick and Karis Teetan – all had chances to either win outright or tie going into the final leg of the competition before Mickael asserted himself in the most decisive fashion with victory on AURORA LADY from barrier 12 for Pierre Ng.
With a win in the first leg SERGEANT PEPPER for Me Tsui – as well as a second placing on FOREVER GLORIOUS for Francis Lui – Mickael accumulated 30 points under a format of 12 points for a win, six points for second and four points.
Long regarded as one of the foremost jockeys on the international stage through an illustrious and decorated association with Godolphin and some of the world’s premier stables, Mickael showcased his immense skill and tactical acumen across the four races to collect the winners’ prize of HK$600,000. He also won the first race, which was not part of the series, on THE AZURE to finish with a treble overall.
Befitting its status as the most prestigious jockey championship in the world, the series featured several other displays of sheer brilliance. Hollie has regularly threatened to win the championship and her patience and courage to triumph on SOLEIL FIGHTER for David Hayes demonstrated why she has been successful all over the world.
Similarly, James’ outstanding horsemanship and strength were evident in PRINCE ALEX’s narrow victory in the second leg, defeating Mickael on FOREVER GLORIOUS as part of a treble for the New Zealander, who also scored across the meeting on SMART FIGHTER and CHILL CHIBI in races which were not part of the LONGINES IJC.
Immensely successful in Group 1 races over the past year, James has ridden wonderfully during his short-term stint in Hong Kong, racking up 10 wins from only 47 rides and he will be full of confidence ahead of his reunion with champion ROMANTIC WARRIOR in the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on Sunday (8 December).
Another highlight of the LONGINES IJC was the tussle for the trainers’ championship between Pierre Ng, David Hayes, Me Tsui and Douglas Whyte. Pierre claimed the HK$300,000 winners’ prize with 16 points from David, Me and Douglas, who all tallied 12 points and split HK$200,000.
After a wonderful night of world-class racing and extremely competitive riding, attention now turns to LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) on Sunday where a stunning collection of overseas-trained horses including LIBERTY ISLAND, SOUL RUSH, TASTIERA, ANTINO, LUXEMBOURG, STELLENBOSCH and PRADARIA will vie with Hong Kong’s ROMANTIC WARRIOR, KA YING RISING, CALIFORNIA SPANGLE, VOYAGE BUBBLE and GALAXY PATCH, among others, for Group 1 supremacy.
This morning (Thursday, 5 December), more than 300 owners, trainers, jockeys and guests attended the official LONGINES HKIR barrier draw in the Parade Ring at Sha Tin, adding another layer of excitement as our flagship meeting approaches.
ROMANTIC WARRIOR drew barrier one ahead of his quest for a record third G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m), while DOCKLANDS (barrier two), RAMADAN (three), ANTINO (four) and VOYAGE BUBBLE (five) all drew well in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), however rising star KA YING RISING will have to overcome gate 11 in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m).
The G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) barrier draw was kind to our visitors with WITHOUT A FIGHT (gate one), PRADARIA (two), IRESINE (four), GIAVELLOTTO (five), DUBAI HONOUR (six) and CONTINUOUS (seven) all faring well.
Before Sunday, we will gather to celebrate the presentation of the LONGINES World’s Best Jockey Award at the LONGINES HKIR Gala Dinner on Friday night (6 December). It is one of the many high points of a wonderful week of racing, business and social activities in Hong Kong, which continues to shine with its remarkable ‘can-do spirit’ and relentless pursuit of excellence.
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