The Hong Kong Derby is a highlight of an annual programme proclaimed as the best racing model in the world

One of Hong Kong's richest horse races, an international spectacular which draws entries from all over the racing world, takes place this month, with prize money of HK$14 million (US$1.8 million).

The Hong Kong Derby, the oldest event on the local calendar, has a purse appreciably bigger than other Derby races worldwide, including the famous races at Epsom in the UK, Kentucky in the US and those in Ireland, France, and Australia.

The competition is so keen that the entries have to be whittled down from 44 horses to the final field of 14 that will race around the suburban Sha Tin track on March 23.

The race, for four-year-old horses and held over a distance of 2,000 metres, has attracted entries from horses that have already competed in Derby races elsewhere, including Diamond Dancer (New Zealand), Jazz Beat (Irish and American), River Dancer (French) and Equator Crossing (Western Australia).

Apart from the huge purse - the winner gets HK$8million (US$1 million) with handsome prize money for the first six finishers - visiting horse-race professionals and fans are always appreciative of the facilities in Hong Kong, and the passion for horse racing.

"Unanimously, worldwide, all the racing jurisdictions say the Hong Kong model is the best for horse racing," said Hong Kong Jockey Club chief executive Lawrence Wong. "It is a good place to spend an afternoon. It is part of life in Hong Kong."

Local horse racing is international by definition - all the animals racing regularly in Hong Kong are bought overseas, mostly from stud farms in Europe, the US and Australasia. The jockeys, too, are an international mix: last year's winning Derby horse, Olympic Express, was ridden by South African Weichong Marwing, with the hugely successful rider Frankie Dettori, the British-based Italian jockey, jetting in for the event.

The annual racing turnover at the Hong Kong Jockey Club is a staggering HK$78 billion (US$10 billion) with crowds at major events reaching 80,000. All the profit is ploughed back into local community projects or charities.

The British built a racetrack soon after they arrived in 1841, and the first Derby was held in 1873. Apart from war years, it has taken place annually ever since.

Horse racing in Hong Kong takes place twice weekly, usually on Wednesdays at Happy Valley track and weekends at Sha Tin.

Related link:
Hong Kong Jockey Club www.hongkongjockeyclub.com