Free entries for December’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (LONGINES HKIR) for overseas and Hong Kong-trained horses close on Monday, 21 October (6pm HKT) and supplementary entries will close on Monday, 18 November (6pm HKT).

The four Group 1 features at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, 8 December carry a combined record HK$126 million (approx. US$15.91 million) in prize money.

LONGINES HKIR week also features a star-studded renewal of the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship on Wednesday, 4 December at Happy Valley Racecourse.

Mr Greg Carpenter, Head of Racing Product, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “The LONGINES Hong Kong Cup is worth a record HK$40 million, while the HK$36 million LONGINES Hong Kong Mile is the most lucrative turf mile in the world. Prize money for the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint and LONGINES Hong Kong Vase are HK$26 million and HK$24 million, respectively, bringing the day’s big-race total to HK$126 million.

“We are confident that this year’s LONGINES HKIR will be among the most exciting for all participants and our racing fans.”