Horse Racing Legend Touches Down in Hong Kong in Anticipation of the International Jockeys’ Championship

Hong Kong’s Happy Valley Racecourse has gained popularity over the years for supporting horse racing activities. On a mission to let the top-tier jockeys to compete for individual wins, the current edition of the Jockey Championship is back in the Chinese city. And one by one, the competitors have started landing with hopeful eyes, ahead of the event.

The stellar line-up is looking strong this time, everyone having their eyes set on the HK$7.5 million prize money. Running successfully since 1998, the most elite jockey competition in the world has drawn the attention of more fans this time. About to set sail on December 6, the international race saw a Japanese jockey step foot on the racetrack.

Horse Racing legend Yuga Kawada touches down

As per World Horse Racing’s X post, Yuga Kawada has landed. The caption reads, “SPOTTED IN HONG KONG! Japanese superstar Yuga Kawada had landed ahead of Wednesday night’s International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley!” The video features the legend walking out of the terminal and finally holding the Championship card in hand.

At the ‘World’s greatest meet’, Hong Kong Racecourse will witness 12 jockeys locking horns with each other. A recent X post of the World Horse Racing had spoken in the same vein. The post read, “Bring on the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship! A special breed, battling for greatness.”  

The caption was clear proof that the event host is summoning the enthusiasts to witness some electrifying displays. The jockeys will pair up with the top-tier Group 1 racehorses to gallop past competition to secure the title.

Speaking of Yuga Kawada, his illustrious career looks nothing short of amazing as he has always loved a good competition.

Yuga Kawada’s remarkable season

In 2022, the legendary Yuga Kawada was elected as Japan Racing Association’s champion jockey. As of now, he’s the proud owner of 140 wins, trailing behind Christophe Lemaire with 156. His notable races are: the Japanese Derby on Makahiki, G1 Oka Sho (1600m) on Harp Star and Stars on Earth, the G1 Kikuka Sho (3000m) on Big Week, G1 Yushun Himba (2400m) on Gentildonna, and the Japanese Classic races – the G1 Satsuki Sho (2000m) on Captain Thule.

Speaking about his horse, he said, “She was here to enjoy all the fans, so I have done the same thing I always do to her coming into the race. She is a horse with great ability, so I placed top priority on letting her run comfortably and finding a good path for her. She has great ability.”

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Wednesday holds some thrilling performances by the jockeys, who are already on the edge of rocking the racecourse.

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