“Battling for greatness”: Horse Racing World Reveals A-List Lineup for Longines International Jockeys’ Championship 2023

Published 11/24/2023, 12:35 PM EST

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The Happy Valley Racecourse of Hong Kong has grown over centuries to be popularized a tourist attraction. However, what the venue entailing complex history presents best are the varying horse racing meets. The 55,000-capacity course takes the win as it hosts mid-week racing and more specifically under the lights at night. This time around, continuing its streak since 1998, the Longines International Jockey Championship will be back on the grounds for a spectacle.

The Hong Kong racing calls the Jockey Championship as the most prestigious jockey challenge in the world. Persisting over 2 decades, the occasion stands to host HK$7.5 million in prize money. This year, the most awaited and anticipated International racing has saddled up to mark a marveling presence on December 6th. As the date nears, the excitement is merely permeating the air.

The horse racing community awaits a thrill

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The World Horse Racing’s X account took to the platform to provide a glimpse into the details of the occasion and build up the excitement. “𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐬’ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩!” the caption read as the post spread its electrifying energy. “A special breed, battling for greatness,” the narrator remarked to introduce the approaching event.

On the 6th of December, Happy Valley will witness 12 jockeys battling for greatness at the ‘World’s greatest meet.’ The qualified jockeys will race through four pinnacle races. The best of the jockeys will pair with the best of the Group 1 racehorses to clinch the ultimate title for the riders in the industry. The elite 12 will lock horns as live music, exquisite cuisine, and a vibrant party fill up the atmosphere in the background.

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The jockeys in contention

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Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle, the power couple in the racing world, will be trying their hand at clinching the coveted crown this season. Marquand has emerged successfully in three of the last four renewals of the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. As for Doyle, the equestrian holds the title of becoming the first female jockey to land a major European Classic. Next in line, Zac Purton has 854 career wins as a jockey in Hong Kong and hence poses a great competitor.

Also Read: US Equestrian Team Scores Impressive Finish in FEI Jumping Nations Cup Vilamoura

Next framing the list is Rachel King with 1734 placings, Ryan Moore, Champion Jockey in 2006, 2008, and 2009, and Godolphin’s French jockey Mickael Barzalona. They will further be joined by Bauyrzhan Murzabayev, the 4-time German flat racing Champion Jockey, and Yuga Kawada leading jockey of the JRA races of 2022.

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James McDonald, the New Zealand Hall of Famer, Vincent Ho, 2009/10 Hong Kong’s champion apprentice, Karis Teetan – 2008 South African Champion Apprentice, and finally, Lyle Hewitson, South Africa Champion Jockey for three seasons are next on the list. When the mid-week race makes its mark on Wednesday, December 6th, the enthusiasts will all stand eagle-eyed.

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Written by:

Shivatmika Manvi

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One take at a time

I was a little kid when my dad brought home a second horse out of his sheer love for the creatures. The excitement to ride and care for one from the first moment still gets to me as I watch the horses in action today; covering the intensity on the field. However, along the way of being immersed in the wider ground of equestrian sports, rodeo and bull riding lingered in the sight.
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Edited by:

Himanshu Sridhar