Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races: Big shots and big money at the world's most expensive turf race
This Sunday’s Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races is worth an incredible HK$ 62 million in stakes (that’s approximately US$ 8 million), includes four individual Grade 1 races and is headlined by the world’s fastest mares.
And with a televised audience of over one billion people, dare we say it’s gathering more excitement than the woefully under-attended East Asian Games?
This year’s turf races features 22 individual Grade 1 winners, from a pool of 34 international runners and 19 local favorites.
The top seed for the HK$20 million Hong Kong Cup is French stallion Vision d'Etat, winner of the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot this June and champion of last year’s French Derby.
Betting veterans are also placing their hopes on Youmzain, Irish stable star and three-time Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner-up, to win the HK$14 million Vase race.
And let’s not forget Team Hong Kong. “Many believe this is the strongest home defense ever assembled with valid winning chances in each race,” said Hong Kong Jockey Club executive director of racing William A. Nader.
The turf race will open with performances by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe and pop crooner Leo Ku.
See more events at The.Week.Ender.
Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races
13 December
Hong Kong Jockey Club Shatin Racecourse,
Hong Kong
www.cxhkir.com
