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Hong Kong International Races are the most prestigious and well-known horse races in Hong Kong. It consists of 4 races. The races are host by Hong Kong Jockey Club, and sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways. The event is televised around the globe. The races are held annually in Sha Tin Racecourse in mid December. Hong Kong International Races was originally called Hong Kong Invitation Cup when it was founded in1989. Only horses from Singapore and Hong Kong were competing in the race. The race quickly gained attention, in 1989, Australia and New Zealand representatives joined the race. The Hong Kong Sprint was added to the Hong Kong International Races roster in 1999 and carried Listed Race status. Even then it was the richest sprint of its kind. The race was a Gr.3 in 2000, a Gr.2 in 2001 and acquired Gr.1 status in 2002.
Started from 1994, horses from all over the world compete in the race. Different races take place here like the Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Vase, and Hong Kong Sprint. These races award huge prize money and glory. Hong Kong Cup is the world's richest turf race over 2000m, and the finale of the World Racing Championship. Hong Kong Mile has prize money of HK$14 million. The race debuted in 1991 to mark the staging of the 22nd Asian Racing Conference, and was run over 1400m. From 1999 it was renamed Hong Kong Mile and run over 1600m.The youngest of the four championships events, the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint has quickly become an essential stop on the itinerary of the world's best sprinters
Hong Kong International Races is the largest international sporting event staged in Hong Kong – it is also fast gaining a reputation as the Turf World Championships.
The Hong Kong International Races is not just one of the finest race meetings on the calendar; it is also the final leg of the World Series Racing Championship. One will experience the thrill and adrenaline-pumping atmosphere of Hong Kong horse racing! Races are held on most Wednesday evenings and Saturdays throughout the September to June season. Lucky punters aren't the only winners. The Hong Kong Jockey Club donates its net proceeds to help community and charitable projects.
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