By Alan Carasso
A total of 127 foreign-based gallopers–of which fully one-third have already succeeded at the highest level–from eight jurisdictions across the globe have been entered for the HK$110-million Longines Hong Kong International Races to be staged at Sha Tin Racecourse Sunday, Dec. 11.
With strict COVID protocols in place over the past two years and with a closed-loop system which allowed overseas entrants to train and compete, the Longines Hong Kong International Races still proved to be a target coveted by overseas connections, and saw victorious performances from the likes of Japan's Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) as well as Mogul (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) from Ireland.
The Japanese contingent is customarily among the strongest, both in terms of quality and numbers, and this year's entry has risen to 63 horses from 40 in 2021. Among them are no fewer than 17 Group 1 winners, including recent Sprinters' S. hero Gendarme (Kitten's Joy); Yasuda Kinen victress Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), who spurned a trip across to America for the GI Breeders' Cup Mile in favor of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile; recent Shuka Sho heroine Stunning Rose (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}); and Glory Vase, who could shoot for a third win in four years in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien sent out the globetrotting Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) to wins in the Vase in 2015 and 2017, while Mogul gave him a third tally in the 2400-metre test two years ago. The conditioner has eight entered for this year's series, including G1 Cazoo Oaks winner Tuesday (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), while Order of Australia (GB) (Australia {GB}) could make his way back to Hong Kong following another crack at the Breeders' Cup Mile. Other entries from Europe include Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}), a gallant runner-up to Glory Vase last December; recent G1 QIPCO British Champion Sprint winner Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who could carry the silks of Hong Kong owner Marc Chan in either the Mile or the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint; reigning G1 Al Quoz Sprint victor A Case of You (Ire) (Hot Streak {Ire}); and Mendocino (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), who upset G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Torquator Tasso (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden.
Australian connections have suffered perhaps most of all during the pandemic in terms of their ability to ship in and out of Hong Kong, but the country is represented by a high-class draft this year. Among a half-dozen entered for the Sprint are G1 King's Stand S. hero Nature Strip (Aus) (Nicconi {Aus} and 3-year-old Giga Kick (Aus) (Scissor Kick {Aus}), who caused an upset in the A$15-million The Everest Oct. 15, defeating Nature Strip into fourth. Last Saturday's G1 Caulfield Cup upsetter Durston (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) has been handed an entry for the Vase.
A six-strong entry from the United States includes GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint favourite Golden Pal (Uncle Mo), one of three from trainer Wesley Ward, and the longer-winded dual GI Sword Dancer Invitational S. winner Gufo (Declaration of War), one of two for Christophe Clement.
“We are delighted with the sheer quality and quantity of the international entry for 2022 Longines Hong Kong International Races,” said Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing for the Hong Kong Jockey Club. “With the entry to be completed next week by the very best Hong Kong has to offer, we are extremely grateful to receive significant support from all quarters of the international racing community.
“It is clear from the entry that the global racing community has again fully embraced Hong Kong racing and we are excited to welcome back participating overseas owners, trainers and jockeys for what is shaping as a fantastic Longines HKIR.”
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