The LONGINES International Jockeys Championship 2017 was held tonight at Happy Valley Racecourse. The world’s top jockeys gathered to battle it out in what is always an epic tussle in the 20th edition of the coveted event. An amazing pyrotechnics display was staged during the Opening Ceremony, when the 12 participating jockeys greeted the fans.

first row from left: Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of the Club, Mr Yeung Tak-keung, Commissioner for Sports, Home Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Dr Simon S O Ip, Chairman of the Club, Mr Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President of LONGINES and Head of International Marketing, Ms Karen Au Yeung, Vice President of LONGINES Hong Kong accompanied by the 12 participating jockeys, jointly officiate at the ceremony.

Jockeys make grand entrance to the turf track amid cheers from the Valley crowd.

Renowned artiste Natalie Tong attends the The LONGINES International Jockeys Championship 2017.

A pyrotechnics display lights up the Happy Valley sky during the opening ceremony.

Racing ambassadors in colourful costumes greet racegoers in the Beer Garden.