The LONGINES Hong Kong International Races on December 8 will feature four prestigious Group 1 events at Sha Tin, drawing top horses from Europe, Australia, and Japan to compete for a prize pool of HK$126 million. While North American contender Nobals, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) winner, faces a potential withdrawal due to illness, the competition remains intense across the board.
The Hong Kong Vase (G1) will see European contenders, including Luxembourg and Continuous from Aidan O’Brien’s yard, alongside French runners Iresine and Marquisat, and Japanese challengers Stellenbosch and Pradaria. Australian-based Without a Fight, fresh from a Melbourne Cup double, also adds intrigue, while local hopes Five G Patch and La City Blanche aim to make their mark.
In the Hong Kong Sprint (G1), local star Ka Ying Rising, unbeaten this season, faces seasoned rivals like California Spangle and international threats from Japan, Australia, and the U.S.
The Hong Kong Mile (G1) highlights Voyage Bubble, who won the key prep, against contenders like Japan’s Soul Rush and Jantar Mantar, France’s Ramadan, and Australian and British challengers including Antino and Docklands.
Defending champion Romantic Warrior leads the Hong Kong Cup (G1), seeking a historic three-peat. His challengers include Japan’s Liberty Island and Tastiera, British hopeful Spirit Dancer, and local talents Straight Arron and Nimble Nimbus.
This globally anticipated festival promises thrilling clashes among the world’s best racehorses.