The line-up for the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley on Wednesday (10 December) is being hailed as the best collection of international riders and depth of horses in the history of the lucrative competition.

The riders – 12 of the best in the world – will compete for the richest prize money on offer globally for a jockey challenge across the four-race series, which operates on a points-based system, with 12 points for a win, six for second and four for third.

The overall winner pockets HK$600,000, while HK$250,000 goes to second and HK$150,000 to third.

The 12 riders were randomly allocated their rides for the series, which carries prize money of a combined HK$7.5 million, at a traditional ceremony at Sha Tin today (Monday, 8 December).

Seven previous LONGINES IJC winners will feature in this week – defending champion Mickael Barzalona, Vincent Ho (2023), Zac Purton (2017, 2020 & 2021), Hugh Bowman (2016), Joao Moreira (2012), Christophe Lemaire (2009 – tied with Ryan Moore and Johnny Murtagh) and Moore (2009 – tied with Lemaire and Murtagh, & 2010).

Rachel King, Hollie Doyle, James McDonald, William Buick and Umberto Rispoli are hoping to break through for a maiden victory.

Purton was happy with his allocation of rides – Beauty Thunder (Race 4, 1st Leg), Youth Power (Race 5, 2nd Leg), Flying Fortress (Race 7, 3rd Leg) and Kyrus Dragon (Race 8, 4th Leg).

“I need to digest it a little bit more,” he said. “There are a couple there that are okay, and a couple are going to find it a bit tough.

“I think there is probably a little more depth to the fields this year which is good to see, and it comes down to the luck you have in running.”

Purton said it would be nice to win another title, but doesn’t believe he will start too strongly. He said he hopes to build during the night.

Bowman also believes the fields are good and even.

“It’s going to be a great night,” he said. “I think the fields are stronger and I’ve been in this competition many times and I think it could be the strongest group of riders as a conglomerate as well. It’s a really strong event.”

Trainers also have an added incentive to train as many winners as they can in the four nominated LONGINES IJC races, and David Hayes has targeted the event with seven runners.

The bonus scheme for the trainers works on the same allocation of points as the jockeys and will pay HK$300,000, HK$125,000 and HK$75,000, respectively, to the three handlers who achieve the highest number of points across the four races.

Hayes is confident of his chances and said it was always good to go to Happy Valley with in-form horses.

“They have drawn well and they are in form,” he said. “I don’t think many will be favourites but they are well in the market.”

Hayes said it was good for the challenge with trainers having so many in-form horses.
“Jockeys aren’t riding 100/1 shots,” he said.

Happy Valley’s nine-race card on Wednesday night (10 December) kicks off at 6.30pm with the Class 5 Ventris Handicap (1650m) at 6.30pm.