It says plenty for the prestige attached to the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) that reigning champion Mickael Barzalona can place last year’s wire-to-wire success among his highlights for the last 12 months.

In a dazzling 2025, Barzalona has scored maiden victories in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m), G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m) and G1 Japan Cup (2400m), while adding win number two at both the Breeders’ Cup and in the G1 Champion Stakes (2000m).

Still, the scenes surrounding the 2024 LONGINES IJC – his sixth attempt at the Happy Valley spectacular – remain vivid in Barzalona’s mind.

“It’s a wonderful memory and it’s always a great line-up of jockeys who are there because they have enjoyed great success during their domestic seasons and internationally. So, it’s a wonderful way to round off the year and I’ve always been very excited to take part.”

Barzalona bookended the night with a pair of victories earned in contrasting styles, dropping 37/1 chance Sergeant Pepper in front in the last stride to deny William Buick, before stretching clear of his rivals in the final leg for a victory lap on the Pierre Ng-trained Aurora Lady.

“Starting with a winner was huge,” Barzalona said. “Having ridden in it a few times before, I knew how tough it would be, and even though a couple of my rides had an obvious chance, there’s always the possibility of getting a bad trip or making the wrong choice at a crucial moment. So, putting maximum points on the board first up was a big help.

“Pierre gave me a lot of confidence going out before the final leg and I knew that if I finished in the first three I would probably be the winner. It was wonderful to do it.”

Now 34 years of age, one of Barzalona’s strengths as a jockey is that he retains an equilibrium, whatever the circumstances, never getting too high or too low on himself.

His riding has been a match for the occasion in a string of the world’s best races, guiding the Aga Khan Studs-owned Calandagan – who currently sits atop the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings – to a collection of victories, as well as snatching the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe aboard Daryz in the final strides.

“Honestly, this year could not have gone any better,” Barzalona said. “When you look back and think about winning the Arc, the King George, the Champion Stakes and the Japan Cup, it’s been magical.”

As 2025 draws to a close, Hong Kong will be the stage as Barzalona bids to add some final stardust to his dream season. He is hungrier than ever to show up well in the LONGINES IJC; last year’s victory is all the inspiration he needs for next week. 

Barzalona said: “Winning once gives you a taste for it and if anything, this year’s line-up is even stronger, with Christophe Lemaire, James McDonald, William Buick and Ryan Moore. I find it incredible that The Hong Kong Jockey Club manages to bring so many of the world’s best together for one night.”

The stars will be out at Happy Valley on Wednesday, 10 December, and after a stellar 2025, Barzalona shines as bright as any.