As the G1 Hong Kong Vase Looms, Horse Racing’s Iconic Champions Grace the Track- Contendors Discussed

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) stands as a global powerhouse in horse racing, orchestrating over 800 races annually at the prestigious Happy Valley Racecourse and Sha Tin Racecourse. Renowned for its thrilling and competitive events, the HKJC’s races are among the world’s most sought-after, attracting immense popularity. Beyond its sporting eminence, the HKJC significantly bolsters the Hong Kong economy, yielding billions in revenue yearly. Committed to ethical gambling, the club champions are responsible for betting through various dedicated programs, fostering a conscientious gambling culture.

The 2023 Longines Hong Kong International Races will be held next Sunday at Sha Tin Racecourse, where a total of 189 entries, comprising 68 entries from Japan alone representing 12 racing jurisdictions, have been received so far. Surprisingly, some visitors appear 13 days before the races, making it more exciting and thrilling towards the forthcoming championships.

Clash of Titans in horse racing showdown

World Horse Racing recently shared an exhilarating post on X, featuring two remarkable racehorses geared up for an impending showdown. The caption read, “Early bird gets the… The first two #HKIR arrivals, SHAHRYAR and WEST WIND BLOWS, are poised for an epic G1 Hong Kong Vase clash 🇭🇰 One hails from @BreedersCup, the other from @FlemingtonVRC, both primed for a showdown on neutral ground @HKJC_Racing.”

The term HKIR arrivals normally pertain to flights and indicates that there were two first flights from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIG) to some other airport or point. However, what’s more interesting is the thrill and rivalry that goes beyond aviation, as international horses are all ready for a competition.

Shahryar and West Wind Blows set for glory

Shahryar is a Japanese Thoroughbred who was born in April 2018 and possesses an impressive racing background. This famous stallion was bred of a mare from a Northern farm sired by Deep Impact with achievements at the Dubai Sheema classic of 2022, among other races. It’s amassed 10 wins and just over $54 million in earnings.

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Caulfield Cup runner-up West Wind Blows is the real deal. Trained by Ed and Simon Crisford, this talented runner is gearing up for the international race meeting on December 10, primarily targeting the Hong Kong Vase (2400m). Following an impressive Caulfield Cup performance where West Wind Blows fiercely competed against the winner, Without A Fight, the galloper aims to replicate that performance on the international stage. Despite a mixed three-start campaign in Australia, culminating in a ninth-place finish in the G1 Champions Stakes, West Wind Blows is poised for an impactful outing in Hong Kong.

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