Hong Kong International Races with its cash rich purse attracts top names from around the world

The newly developed Parade Ring at one of Hong Kong's landmarks, Sha Tin Racecourse, boasts the world's first retractable roof

Some of the world's best horses and most well known jockeys will race at the prestigious Hong Kong International Races, an event attended by keen visitors from around the world.

The international sporting event sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airlines will be held on December 12 at Hong Kong's landmark Sha Tin Racecourse which boasts the world's first retractable roof.

The four races - Hong Kong Cup run over 2000 metres, Hong Kong Mile run over 1,600 metres, Hong Kong Vase run over 2,400 metres and Hong Kong Sprint run over 1,000 metres - will see many champions from throughout the world competing for the total prize money of HK$56 million (US$7 million).

It is a day's racing that is certain to draw a huge crowd of Hong Kong punters and visitors around the world. The winning prize for the first past the post is one of the richest in the world, comparable to the prize money at world renowned meetings at the Ascot in the UK or Kentucky in the US.  

Star riders including Frankie Dettori, Douglas Whyte and Damien Oliver will be present as will headline horses such as Silent Witness, the highest ranked sprinter in the world, Durandal, Japan's champion sprinter and Fields of Omagh.

Twenty-two carefully selected young thoroughbreds from around the world will be on sale. The annual sale, in its tenth edition, will be held for the first time at the all weather Parade Ring in Sha Tin.

Related links
Hong Kong Jockey Club