18.20
That wraps things up from Sha Tin – another memorable Longines Hong Kong International Races.
Undoubtedly, Maurice was the star of the show, backing up from his win in last year’s Mile to capture the Cup in breathtaking fashion.
Congratulations to Maurice and Ryan Moore for winning the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup. #HKIR pic.twitter.com/AObNAWVsYR
— Longines WBRR (@worldsbesthorse) December 11, 2016
Watch: Stunning performance from Maurice in the 2016 Longines Hong Kong Cup
It was a huge day for Hong Kong-based jockey Zac Purton as well, taking home two Group Ones with Beauty Only (Mile) and Aerovelocity (Sprint).
Watch: Zac Purton and Aerovelocity win their second Longines Hong Kong Sprint
Watch: Tony Cruz claims his record eighth Longines HKIR title after Beauty Only wins the Mile
The shock of the day came in the Vase as odds-on favourite Highland Reel was run down in the shadows of the post by Japan’s Satono Crown.
Watch: Joao Moreira gets a full set of Longines HKIR titles after winning the Vase on Satono Crown
The win meant jockey Joao Moreira became just the second to complete the HKIR set alongside Gerald Mosse.
The event continues to grow and is rightly regarded as one of, if not the best, meeting in the world and the record crowd of 100,710 can attest to that.
Here’s a snapshot of the action from the closing ceremony. See you next time.
Post #hkir #scenes @Racing pic.twitter.com/uiILeOp1Sg
— Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) December 11, 2016
Thank you Hong Kong, you've been amazing once again ️ #HKIR pic.twitter.com/SacS0yjgJ4
— Harriet (@HattieLFuller) December 11, 2016
18.05
Wow – what a terrific Hong Kong debut from Queensland Derby winner Eagle Way.
Pakistan Star went back to last and unleashed a big finish, but he couldn’t bridge the gap as John Moore’s Hong Kong Derby hope prevailed.
Hugh Bowman gave Eagle Way a perfect ride, saving ground and then producing him at the business end of the race. That performance bodes very well for the upcoming four-year-old series.
Santa Fe Sun ran well for second, while Apollo’s Choice finished third.
It’s fair to say the boom on Pakistan Star is starting to fade, and he shouldn’t start that short for a while. He’s racing well, he just leaves himself with too much to do.
Queensland Derby winner Eagle Way wins first out in HK w/@HugeBowman. Favorite Pakistan Star out of the money. #HKIR pic.twitter.com/WgWzwKv1CM
— TwinSpires.com (@TwinSpires) December 11, 2016
Shades of Werther as Eagle Way wins the C2 1600m under @HugeBowman to close #HKIR day at Sha Tin pic.twitter.com/6oXfSthIYW
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
17.50
As the last race approaches this is the question on most people’s lips:
Last race of the day
— nicklas (@nicklasyip) December 11, 2016
Can Pakistan Star bounce back?#HKIR #futurestar pic.twitter.com/EEahkTKm5N
Everyone is hoping to see this:
He’s an odds-on favourite, with his main dangers looking to be Western Express and Apollo’s Choice.
Can’t wait to see what he’s going to do – and neither can the crowd with just about everyone staying to watch this race.
Pakistan Star heads onto the Sha Tin track for the #HKIR closer. Race 10 is 5 mins away pic.twitter.com/qU8CBfBnyQ
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
17.35
Here’s what the jockeys of today’s Group One winners had to say.
A photo posted by LonginesWBRR (@longineswbrr) on Dec 11, 2016 at 1:14am PST
Ryan Moore on Maurice:
“There was a good pace to the race, and going down the backstretch I thought things were going well, it was just a question of finding a way through. When I asked him, he picked up, and really he got to the front almost too soon. He was a special horse at a mile, and at ten furlongs he’s even better. He has improved every time I have ridden him.”
“He is a pleasure to ride 99 per cent of the time. Just before the gates opened he made it a little bit more difficult. Fortunately there was good pace in the race and halfway down the back I thought it was sitting up nicely for him and it was just a matter of finding the room. As soon as he got room and I put him into gear he just let down exceptionally well. He finished off easily and he got to the leader early and then he was just easing up really. He has improved every time I’ve ridden him.”
A photo posted by LonginesWBRR (@longineswbrr) on Dec 11, 2016 at 12:33am PST
Zac Purton on Beauty Only:
“He was really good. I think we’re just starting to see the best of him. He’s always been so honest but now that he’s fully matured and acclimatised we’re really seeing what he can do.
“He is much improved this season and he was very strong today. Hughie (Bowman) pushed off the fence about the 700 which made me have to go a bit earlier than I wanted to but the horse has got a big set of lungs and kept running. We set sail after the leaders and he responded really well. I believe he can stretch out to 2,000 (metres) so there was no doubting him being strong at the end of the mile.
“The firm ground suited, the harder the better for him and so did the good speed. We know he does his best now if we let him balance up early.”
A photo posted by LonginesWBRR (@longineswbrr) on Dec 10, 2016 at 11:16pm PST
Zac Purton on Aerovelocity:
“It’s a good feeling because we were of the opinion that we’re starting to lose him. And we know he’s a warrior and he gives everything he’s got and although he didn’t perform at his best today, his heart is so big that he’s able to give us that effort. Paul had fine-tuned him and dropped the extra little pounds that he was carrying and got him as best as he could for today so he’s done a great job. We had a lovely run in the race and he came out and he was just able to amble up. It was hard fought in the end, but he is all heart.”
A photo posted by LonginesWBRR (@longineswbrr) on Dec 10, 2016 at 10:44pm PST
Joao Moreira on Satono Crown:
“I thought I had a big chance before the race, and it worked out. I tracked Silverwave early and got a clear run through. I had a lot of horse under me at the head of the stretch, and was always confident that I could get to the leader.” Told that he now had a full house of the four HKIR races on his CV, he said: “That’s great, that’s a dream.”
17.25
Joao Moreira picks up his third winner of the day as Mr Stunning leads from barrier to box in the Lord Kanaloa Handicap.
John Size’s talented type was a certainty beaten last start and the Magic Man took luck out of the equation by going straight to the front.
Favourite backers are happy, he only returned $16 for a $10 investment, but plenty would have had all-ups with Maurice.
Merion made up a lot of ground late to finish second, ahead of Clever Beaver and Turf Sprint.
We’ve only got one race to go now and the cult hero Pakistan Star is an odds-on favourite.
Mr Stunning, that's a good horse! #HKIR 2017 for him? pic.twitter.com/fkHQDGzKyp
— Andrew Hawkins (@AndrewNJHawkins) December 11, 2016
17.15
This is the race – the Longines Hong Kong Cup. Maurice is a specimen.
Maurice is Hong Kong perfection. Winner of HK Mile last year, Champions Mile in May, he dominated the 2016 G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Cup #HKIR pic.twitter.com/mCG6bGWSSU
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
Ryan even signing plushies! How much for this Maurice plushie? #HKIR #モーリス #競馬 #香港国際競走 pic.twitter.com/HKj47ejitN
— Michael Cox (@KemblaCoxy) December 11, 2016
17.10
From the looks of things, people have certainly been enjoying the day...
A photo posted by HK Freelance Model (@moniqueheung) on Dec 11, 2016 at 12:41am PST
好犀利呀!頭先國際賽心水 1, 2, 3號嘅香港馬真係全部跑出!勁呀! #GoRacingHK #HKIR #ShatinRacecourse
A photo posted by 王灝兒 | JW | Joey (@jwchubz) on Dec 11, 2016 at 12:03am PST
攰 工傷 慘慘 #race #races #raceday #horseracing #shatinracecourse #hkir #longines
A photo posted by Yvonne Lou (@yvonne_lou) on Dec 10, 2016 at 11:47pm PST
A photo posted by Francesca (@cesca_victoria) on Dec 10, 2016 at 11:11pm PST
16.55
Let’s recap the Group One winners today.
Longines Hong Kong Vase - Satono Crown (Noriyuki Hori/Joao Moreira)
Longines Hong Kong Sprint - Aerovelocity (Paul O’Sullivan/Zac Purton)
Longines Hong Kong Mile - Beauty Only (Tony Cruz/Zac Purton)
Longines Hong Kong Cup - Maurice (Noriyuki Hori/Ryan Moore)
Two winners for Japan, two for Hong Kong.
Doubles for Hori and Purton.
Moriera becomes just the second jockey to complete the set of HKIR races.
Noriyuki Hori the first foreign trainer to win a double at #HKIR #shatin #maurice
— scmpRacingPost (@SCMPRacingPost) December 11, 2016
What a day.
Runners in the mounting yard for the ninth race, Mr Stunning is the dominant favourite and I think he should be winning.
Clever Beaver and Line Seeker the only other runners with single-figure odds.
16.45
Japanese superstar Maurice provided the perfect farewell as he crushed his rivals in the Longines Hong Kong Cup.
Last year’s Mile winner took the step up to 2,000m contest and proved far too good.
Trained by Noriyuki Hori, Maurice stepped slowly, forcing Ryan Moore to go back to second last and ride patiently.
Compatriot A Shin Hikari took up the running as usual, rattling off some quick sectionals down the back and holding a five-length lead turning for home before compounding halfway down the straight.
By this stage Moore and Maurice were moving, hunting through the field and storming over the top for a dominant win.
Dennis Yip’s Secret Weapon ran well for second, giving jockey Zac Purton two wins and a second from the four Group Ones, while Staphanos was third, just ahead of Lovely Day.
But all honours were with Maurice, who put in the performance of the day and signs off his career in style as he heads to stud.
Maurice you ⭐️️ - enjoy retirement #HKIR pic.twitter.com/SlsKGui73c
— Cox Plate Carnival (@CoxPlate) December 11, 2016
Maurice. Superstar.
— Peter Twomey (@pete2me) December 11, 2016
3 runs at Sha Tin for 3 wins. Hong Kong Mile last Dec, Champions Mile in May, plus awesome HK Cup victory today. #HKIR
Nothing like Asian racing crowds - this horse is a hero, Maurice returns after #HKCup win #堀宣行 #競馬 #香港国際競走 #モーリス pic.twitter.com/BYmgeWlEQt
— Michael Cox (@KemblaCoxy) December 11, 2016
16.20
Things seem to have settled down in the mounting yard as the build up to the main event kicks in. It’s time for Longines Hong Kong Cup.
Last year’s Mile champ Maurice is all the rage and he’s into an odds-on quote with the Hong Kong tote.
This is going to be the final run of his career before going off to stud – and it looks like he can bow out in style.
Heading out for Hong Kong's richest race, the HK$25m @Longines Hong Kong Cup over 2000m. Check them out in the paddock #HKIR pic.twitter.com/fK7txOKWEQ
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
A Shin Hikari is (rightfully) drifting after his performance before, while Secret Weapon and Designs On Rome represent the best local chances.
A Shin Hikari has calmed down a bit now following a earlier blow up pic.twitter.com/BGHmynSu7H
— Darren Flindell (@hkdarren) December 11, 2016
In the meantime, here’s a replay of Beauty Only's Hong Kong Mile win.
Beauty Only gives @zpurton an #HKIR double today and his fifth overall at the meeting, landing the G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Mile. pic.twitter.com/Ef1tXaWImt
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
16.10
A bit of drama before the Longines Hong Kong Cup with last year’s winner A Shin Hikari getting loose in the mounting yard.
He’s got a reputation for being mad, but hopefully everything is OK. He’s the second favourite behind compatriot Maurice.
エイシンヒカリ、放馬してパドック回ってた。 pic.twitter.com/5IPD8hj39a
— Donkey @検疫馬房 (@portofino314) December 11, 2016
16.00
Longines HKIR day is quickly turning into Zac Purton day as he collects his second major with Tony Cruz’s Beauty Only prevailing in the Mile.
Purton went back from his wide gate, alongside the old champ Able Friend, and they made their runs together but Beauty Only proved too strong.
John Moore’s Helene Paragon ran on well for second, with stablemate Joyful Trinty in third and Contentment completing another Hong Kong quartet.
Able Friend just peaked on his run, the lack of race fitness showing through as he finished just behind the leading group.
But what a day for Purton – two Group Ones already and he rides Secret Weapon in the Cup next.
Beauty Only wins the @LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, an #HKIR double for @zpurton from Helene Paragon, Joyful Trinity, Contentment. HK 1-2-3-4
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
That's a G1 double for @zpurton, this time aboard Beauty Only in the Hong Kong Mile. #HKIR pic.twitter.com/fTYgAzw2xY
— Ned Hunt (@nedhunt1) December 11, 2016
15.40
It hasn’t been ideal for local sports fans to have the HKIR clashing with the golf, but it’s worked for someone with last year’s Hong Kong Open winner and Olympic champion Justin Rose making it to both.
Only trophy I'm getting near this week! Made it to Hong Kong International races after my round. pic.twitter.com/qnGCven7pz
— Justin Rose (@JustinRose99) December 11, 2016
Runners are in the mounting yard for the Longines Hong Kong Mile and all eyes are on Able Friend.
Able Friend #enoughsaid #HKIR pic.twitter.com/8idbaMa3ri
— Tim Guille (@timbguille) December 11, 2016
Helene Paragon and Beauty Only are the other ones in the market, with Japanese runners Logotype and Neorealism looking terrific value.
15.30
Want to know what happened to your horse in the Longines Hong Kong Vase? Here are the thoughts of some of the beaten jockeys.
Some of the beaten jockeys from the @Longines Hong Kong Vase offer their thoughts on the trip. #HKIR pic.twitter.com/KVGBVga2wJ
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
We’re just 20 minutes away from the Longines Hong Kong Mile – the “Beast from the East”, Able Friend, is favourite.
15.25
The Magic Man Joao Moreira delivers again as Blizzard takes out the Flying Dancer Handicap.
Some punters (including this one) are very grateful for that result.
Blizzard came from last and let down with a strong run down the centre of the track to get the victory, but it was a narrow one.
The favourite Mr Bogart was second, Dashing Fellow third and Simply Invincible fourth, but you could have thrown an handkerchief over them all.
Beautiful ride by Joao Moreira there. Pinched ground around the outside on the turn and that was the difference between winning and losing
— brad davidson (@braddavo) December 11, 2016
Glad to see Blizzard break through, he's been so game all season but just hasn't had things to suit. Had a long think about it though! #HKIR
— Andrew Hawkins (@AndrewNJHawkins) December 11, 2016
15.15
We’ve got a short break from the Group Ones now with a really competitive Class One over 1,400m.
Mr Bogart and Blizzard at the top of the market, with Racing Supernova and Key Witness next in line.
Born In China is a late scratching at the gates, withdrawn on veterinary advice.
Good race.
Speaking of good races, here’s a replay of the Longines Hong Kong Sprint.
Aerovelocity won the G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, becoming the fifth horse win the world's richest 1200m turf sprint twice #HKIR pic.twitter.com/mb7Imj65rE
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
The full results and sectional times from the G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, a clean sweep for the HK horses. #HKIR pic.twitter.com/6IsDfe9mV7
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
Congratulations to Aerovelocity, who won the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint for the second time. He also won in 2014. #HKIR pic.twitter.com/wHahUdKgHT
— Longines WBRR (@worldsbesthorse) December 11, 2016
Zac Purton’s wife Nicole and her father, former champion jockey Jimmy Cassidy, celebrate the win.
The @zpurton AEROVELOCITY cheering squad! #HKIR2016 pic.twitter.com/5IZNWgbjfq
— scmpRacingPost (@SCMPRacingPost) December 11, 2016
15.10
Huge crowd here at Sha Tin for Longines Hong Kong International Races – these are the latest confirmed figures.
HKJC officials saying this day will produce a record attendance for #HKIR2016 At 2.30 crowd over 90,000
— scmpRacingPost (@SCMPRacingPost) December 11, 2016
While we’re at it, here’s a bit of colour from the crowd.
A photo posted by Simone Cruz (@itsimplesimone) on Dec 10, 2016 at 10:17pm PST
我黎緊 等埋我 陣間見 #HKIR #support #hkteam # #香港盃
A photo posted by Cloudy Kwan (@cloudy_kwan) on Dec 10, 2016 at 10:12pm PST
#浪琴表香港國際賽事 #HKIR #digitalzone #longines #Emcee #盧頌恩 @aiyanalo #like4like #followaiyana
A photo posted by 香港有線娛樂藝人 (@icabletv_artistes) on Dec 10, 2016 at 8:16pm PST
A photo posted by The Winning Post (@the_winning_post) on Dec 10, 2016 at 8:14pm PST
A photo posted by Ironhorse Racing (@racingwithihr) on Dec 10, 2016 at 9:49pm PST
#HKIR Day has arrived! @asos_maternity @ysl @chanelofficial @dior #HKJC #HongKong
A photo posted by NICOLE PURTON (@nicolepurton) on Dec 10, 2016 at 9:25pm PST
A photo posted by Ironhorse Racing (@racingwithihr) on Dec 10, 2016 at 10:51pm PST
A photo posted by wini_potato (@wini_potato) on Dec 10, 2016 at 10:54pm PST
Enjoying the day at Races #horseracing #betransformed
A photo posted by Business Strategist | Speaker (@hazykays) on Dec 10, 2016 at 10:25pm PST
14.55
It’s a quartet for Hong Kong in the Sprint as the old boy, 2014 champion Aerovelocity holds off favourite Lucky Bubbles with 2015 winner Peniaphobia in third and Amazing Kids in fourth.
Terrific result for jockey Zac Purton and trainer Paul O’Sullivan to get this veteran back to his best on the big day.
The expected hot pace didn’t quite eventuate with Peniaphobia and Super Jockey finding the front, but not at blistering sectionals.
Purton gave Aerovelocity the gun run, just behind the leaders and produced him when it mattered.
Brett Prebble probably got a bit further back than he would have liked on Lucky Bubbles, who launched a bold bid down the centre of the straight but just ran out of room.
None of the internationals were ever really in the frame.
HK domination in the sprint. again. Awesome ride that @zpurton
— Clint Hutchison (@Hkhutchi) December 11, 2016
Aerovelocity according to @zpurton didn't run up to his best today but his heart is so big he just gives us that effort. Got lovely run.
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) December 11, 2016
One for the 'old' guys. Great efforts from Aerovelocity and Peniaphobia. Lucky Bubbles game. OS runners not in the race Rebel Dane 3 wide ok pic.twitter.com/NoCijUaJm7
— HKSpeedKing (@hkspeedking) December 11, 2016
14.35
Wow. Still coming to grips with that result in the Vase – absolutely stunning.
Here’s the replay.
Satono Crown and HK's Champion Jockey Joao Moreira catch Highland Reel in the G1 @Longines Hong Kong Vase for Japan #HKIR pic.twitter.com/BYeVsR5icm
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
The full results and sectional times from the G1 @LONGINES Hong Kong Vase. This was the fastest Vase in the G1 history of the race #HKIR pic.twitter.com/Xgmg9taJH0
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
But there’s no rest for the wicked and we’re straight into the mounting yard as the fastest horses in the world gear up for the Longines Hong Kong Sprint.
Top Hong Kong speedster Lucky Bubbles is favourite and he clearly looks the one to beat, drawing perfectly in barrier five.
His biggest rival is Japan’s Big Arthur, while Amazing Kids and past winners Aerovelocity and Peniaphobia are also in the market.
Don’t forget the Australians are here too with Rebel Dane and Takedown – Gary Moore is well-known for his celebrations, but he might spontaneously combust if the latter wins.
This should be a cracker.
Lucky Bubbles, Takedown & Rebel Dane parading prior to the 2016 HK Sprint at @HKJC_Racing #HKIR pic.twitter.com/lBC7ARVCQz
— Tim Guille (@timbguille) December 11, 2016
Quickly onto the HK$18.5m G1 @Longines Hong Kong Sprint. Check out the field in the paddock, led by Aerovelocity. 10 mins to post #HKIR pic.twitter.com/zGW10XIhl4
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
14.15
Stunning scenes as long odds-on favourite Highland Reel gets beaten in the Longines Hong Kong Vase.
Aidan O’Brien’s globetrotter was chasing back-to-back wins in the 2,400m contest but he was nailed in the shadows of the post by Japanese stayer Satono Crown, who got a peach of a ride from Joao Moreira.
Ryan Moore took Highland Reel straight to the front and, while copping some mid-race pressure from Big Orange, gave a big kick at the top of the straight and looked to have the race in his hands.
But the Magic Man had been biding his time, conserving Satono Crown’s energy in the second half of the field. He got the split at the right time and chased after Highland Reel, who was feeling the pinch late. The two gapped their rivals with French galloper One Foot In Heaven getting third from Nuovo Record.
The result means Moreira is just the second jockey to win all four of the Longines HKIR races, joining Gerald Mosse in the exclusive club.
Joao Moreira's completed the set of #HKIR races with a phenomenal Vase win on Satono Crown, defeating Highland Reel. Shades of Stay Gold!
— Andrew Hawkins (@AndrewNJHawkins) December 11, 2016
Kinda popular around these parts, this kid Moreira #scenes #HongKongVase #SatonoCrown #HKIR #サトノクラウン pic.twitter.com/GFZ816guhT
— Michael Cox (@KemblaCoxy) December 11, 2016
It’s a big result for trainer Noriyuki Hori, as well as those who back Satono Crown – a $10 investment giving you $204.50.
What a start to the features – and could be the start of a very big day for the Japanese.
Satono Crown returning to the roars of the crowd after the huge win in the HK Vase - quick time!! #HKIR #ShaTin pic.twitter.com/Ppo22rajkx
— Tim Guille (@timbguille) December 11, 2016
13.55
It’s the first of the Group Ones next and the anticipation is building.
Highland Reel is the raging favourite and out to make it back-to-back victories in the HK$16.5 million feature.
Check out the entire field for the HK$16.5m G1 @Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m). Heading onto the track now, 7 mins to post time #HKIR pic.twitter.com/CjEkpEexQi
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
Worth noting we’ve got New Zealand jockey Rosie Myers competing in the Hong Kong Vase (riding Benzini) but she's not the first female to ride at the Longines HKIR.
That honour goes to fellow Kiwi Kim Clapperton, who rode at the 1995 meeting.
What a thrill for kiwi jockey Rosie Myers to be riding @HKJC_Racing on Sunday. Just completed work with Benzini on Sha Tin course proper. pic.twitter.com/LfeIZbDItp
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) December 9, 2016
Unashamedly having an e/w dabble on Rosie Myers in the Vase.
— Nay (@SoSaysRenee) December 11, 2016
‘Cause I can.
香港ヴァーズに出走する、ニュージーランドのBENZINIと、Rosie Myers騎手。お美しい(〃ω〃)
— 津田 麻莉奈 (@tsudamarinal) December 9, 2016
Myers騎手は29歳で、2011年のニュージーランドオークスも勝っているそう。彼女の香港での騎乗は今回が初。レースでも注目ですね…! pic.twitter.com/B9vrrmFGyz
And a reminder for those interested in having a bet, here are the tips from the SCMP racing team.
For those keen on a bet during #HKIR - here are the thoughts of the @SCMPRacingPost tipsters. pic.twitter.com/K991QAEX61
— Tom Biddington (@TomBiddington) December 11, 2016
This surely has to be one of the greatest views in world racing? A packed Sha Tin grandstand ahead of the Hong Kong Vase @HKJC_Racing #HKIR pic.twitter.com/jRQWRw320j
— Andrew Hawkins (@AndrewNJHawkins) December 11, 2016
13.40
And it’s a double for Tony Cruz. Winner’s Way looks a very smart type – maybe on a path to the Hong Kong Derby.
Race panned out as expected with the two leading chances battling it out over the concluding stages and Winner's Way gets the nod in a bob of the heads.
Matthew Chadwick all smiles after Tony Cruz-trained Winner's Way scores a narrow victory in the Sha Tin third #HKIR pic.twitter.com/NSFhbjvDpu
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
Hold on – we’ve got an objection. Second v first. Alleges interference in the final stages.
It’s been withdrawn, so the original result stands.
That would be a world record for a protest being dismissed. #surely
— Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) December 11, 2016
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Vase is up next and here’s a look at the short-priced favourite Highland Reel.
Highland Reel heads around to the tie-up stalls as he prepares to defend his Vase crown in 30 minutes #HKIR pic.twitter.com/q44k7EmW5d
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
13.25
We’ve just had the opening ceremony with all the jockeys competing today presented to the crowd.
Jockeys gather for the #HKIR1016 opening ceremony #shatin pic.twitter.com/83M7XHpjS0
— scmpRacingPost (@SCMPRacingPost) December 11, 2016
Opening Ceremonies at Sha Tin! @HKJC_Racing #HKIR #RyanMoore #DonnachaObrien pic.twitter.com/TtYSnTm6b7
— Art Martineau (@rebelsart) December 11, 2016
Every opening ceremony needs a police band #HKIR2016 #shatin pic.twitter.com/zb3DfajAL6
— scmpRacingPost (@SCMPRacingPost) December 11, 2016
Not far away from the third race and the market says it’s a contest in two.
Beat The Clock (John Size/Joao Moreira) is the favourite, while Winner’s Way (Tony Cruz/Matthew Chadwick) is the second elect.
Good luck if you’re having a bet.
After this, we’ve got the first of the Group Ones with the Hong Kong Vase.
13.10
Champion trainer Tony Cruz gets the chocolates in the second with General Sherman, ridden by French jockey Maxime Guyon.
Big effort from the top-weight Ishvara, who finished second, while Ho Ho Feel and Easy Hedge were next in line.
Worth noting that it doesn’t seem to be a big problem if you’re covering some extra ground, so that’s something to keep an eye on throughout the day.
It's Maxime Guyon in the winners' circle after race 2, guiding Tony Cruz's General Sherman to victory #HKIR pic.twitter.com/ncaJGZOkoI
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
Looks no disadvantage #shatin making your run away from the inside The A track can throw up a fence-off track (note to self: Pakistan Star)
— scmpRacingPost (@SCMPRacingPost) December 11, 2016
Speaking of things to look at – check out this lunch.
This is how Hong Kong do racing@HKJC_Racing @SCMPRacingPost greatest place in the world... pic.twitter.com/D5cnIGjsHA
— Brett Huxtable (@gothebrownhorse) December 11, 2016
12.50
Cracking day here at Sha Tin. The sun has broken through and conditions are perfect.
The throng is here @HKJC_Racing #HKIR pic.twitter.com/0QsyyYOqlW
— TwinSpires.com (@TwinSpires) December 11, 2016
A warm day at Sha Tin for #HKIR and @CWilliamsJockey salutes in the first on Water Diviner - hopefully a good sign for pic.twitter.com/xr3NdHu3Iq
— TheValleyRacecourse (@TheValley) December 11, 2016
Runners in yard for the second and Willie Way for Paul O’Sullivan and Zac Purton is favourite.
Easy Hedge, Amazing Agility and General Sherman are the others in the market.
Sha Tin kick off! @HKJC_Racing turning it on #HKIR pic.twitter.com/qK4UkBfH2v
— Tim Guille (@timbguille) December 11, 2016
12.35
And the first favourite bites the dust!
Jing Jing Win jumped at $1.30 but gets rolled. No fault of the rider, Zac Purton had him in a good spot, but he didn’t let down as he had previously and only battled away for third.
The win goes to the Francis Lui-trained Water Diviner and Craig Williams – the gelding now undefeated in two starts since coming from Australia.
Very smart type.
Endearing (Silvestre de Sousa) got up for second.
Favourite backers will be hoping this isn’t a theme for the day – there’s going to be a lot of shorties.
The first day begins stylishly for @CWilliamsJockey, winning the first on #HKIR day on Water Diviner for Francis Lui pic.twitter.com/Fp9nXKQ9C8
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
Punters fuming as the $1.30 favourite Jing Jing Win gets beaten in the first. Runs 3rd to Water Diviner & Endearing. #fuming @Racing #HKIR pic.twitter.com/MYogbNOuEB
— Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) December 11, 2016
12.15
Runners are parading for the first race and we’ve got a short-priced favourite in Jing Jing Win.
David Hall’s four-year-old is a star on the rise, undefeated in two starts, and should be winning this with Zac Purton in the saddle.
The main danger is House Of Fun, who will be ridden by Joao Moreira and is trained by John Moore.
For those interested in having a bet today, here’s what the SCMP racing team is tipping.
For those keen on a bet during #HKIR - here are the thoughts of the @SCMPRacingPost tipsters. pic.twitter.com/K991QAEX61
— Tom Biddington (@TomBiddington) December 11, 2016
Huge crowds as expected #HKIR they sure know how to put on a show pic.twitter.com/j4YLMieJqw
— Gareth Pepper (@GazzaDP) December 11, 2016
Running home into a decent headwind at #shatin Welcome to #HKIR2016 pic.twitter.com/HHjlSAq1J1
— scmpRacingPost (@SCMPRacingPost) December 11, 2016
12.00
The eyes of the racing world are focused on Sha Tin today for the HK$83 million Longines Hong Kong International Races.
A crowd of more than 80,000 is expected at the track, but wherever you watch from, it’s set to be a terrific day of high-quality racing and we’ll bring you all the action here.
Japanese superstar Maurice is the horse to beat in the 2,000m Hong Kong Cup – he won the Mile last year and he’s hoping to go out on a high with this his last race before heading to stud.
From a local perspective, all eyes will be on the ‘Beast from the East’, Able Friend in the Mile. The 2014 champ has only had one run since finishing second in the last year’s race and needs to overcome barrier 14, but he’ll be carrying plenty of public support.
The opening ceremony. Happy punting.#hkir @HKJC_Racing pic.twitter.com/dvSrUdjxwt
— John Blance (@JohnBlance1) December 11, 2016
The Sprint looks a race perfectly setup for local sprint star Lucky Bubbles, while there’s a strong international flavour with runners from Japan, Australia and Europe.
Unfortunately, news came through this morning that US speedster Pure Sensation hasn’t recovered from injury and has been withdrawn from the race.
Statement from Kim Kelly, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Chief Stipendiary Steward, regarding the scratching of Pure Sensation #HKIR pic.twitter.com/CIaKj7hO0h
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2016
The first of the four Group Ones on offer is the Vase and Highland Reel is clearly the one beat.
Legendary trainer Aidan O'Brien is in town to see Highland Reel run in the Vase. Good to see. #HKIR @Racing pic.twitter.com/s8XNqZlDFr
— Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) December 11, 2016
If you want to catch up on any of the news and race previews for the meeting, make sure you check out – http://www.scmp.com/sport/racing
2016 HKIR #HKIR #競馬 #香港国際競走 pic.twitter.com/N7hUVx6ljC
— Donald Lee (@LeeMingDonald) December 11, 2016
The first race gets underway at 12.25, but people didn’t waste any time finding their spots.
They're filing in for the race day! #HKIR pic.twitter.com/DpEjR472l1
— Candice Hare (@chare889) December 11, 2016