Hong Kong Dominates International Horse Racing Scene

The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Racing once again underscored the city’s strength in producing world-class Thoroughbreds with home teams proving their mettle against formidable in International Horse Racing competition. An enjoyable weekend for local horse racing enthusiasts saw Hong Kong’s runners dominate the global stage, capturing three of the four Group 1 events on Sunday.

The highlight of the day was the victory of Romantic Warrior in the Hong Kong Sprint Cup, solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s top middle-distance runners. Under jockey James McDonald, Romantic Warrior’s pace-stalking performance was so dominant that he left competitors far behind, finishing 1 1/2 lengths ahead. This was his seventh straight win, including six Group 1 victories across international circuits such as the Cox Plate in Australia and the Yasuda Kinen in Japan. “He’s once in a lifetime,” said winning trainer Danny Shum, as the horse’s owner, Peter Lau Pak Fai, plans to test Romantic Warrior in the $20 million Group 1 Saudi Cup in February.

In the Hong Kong Sprint, Ka Ying Rising continued to build on local dominance, delivering a crucial win despite starting from the challenging No. 11 stall. The horse’s victory was marked by strong performance under pressure, solidifying its status among the world’s top turf sprinters. Meanwhile, Voyage Bubble added to the local success with a confident win in the Hong Kong Mile, showcasing Hong Kong’s strength in various racing disciplines.

Despite the impressive show by local horses, concerns remain about the upcoming competition from Japan, which has historically challenged Hong Kong’s dominance. For the first time in 15 years, Japan achieved a clean sweep at the International Horse Racing Day on December 11. The Japanese contingent, including the Horse of the Year Maurice and several top sprinters, looks formidable, especially in the Hong Kong Sprint Cup where the locals are seen as vulnerable due to an aging group and injuries affecting top competitors like a Horse of the Year Werther.

As Hong Kong’s best prepare for the next showdown, the challenge from Japan is seen as a significant threat. The Group 2 races on Sunday may not have fully tested the International horse racing raiders, but they serve as a warning to Hong Kong’s trainers and owners that the Japanese are coming with a strong and competitive squad. The scene is set for a dramatic International Horse Racing Day, with Hong Kong’s home horses needing to be at their best to fend off this difficult challenge from the Land of the Rising Sun.

The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Hong Kong’s horse racing teams, as they prepare for their final stand against a determined Japanese force, aiming to reclaim their place as the dominant force in global Thoroughbred racing.