1987 First Hong Kong International Cup, run over 1,800 metres at Sha Tin. Prize money $1.5 million. Race won by Flying Dancer, trained by Brian Kan Ping-chee.
1991 Creation of the second international race, the Hong Kong Bowl, at 1,400 metres. Prize money $2 million. First winner Additional Risk, prepared by famous Irish mentor Dermot Weld and ridden by Michael Kinane.
1991 After three years of winning raids from overseas runners, Hong Kong's champion galloper River Verdon wins the International Cup. Prize money $3 million. Co-owned by Ronald Arculli, trained by David Hill, ridden by Gerald Mosse.
1994 HKJC launches a third international race, the Hong Kong Vase, at 2,400 metres. Prize money $4.5 million. First winner Red Bishop, ridden by Cash Asmussen and trained by Frenchman John Hammond.
1998 The dream is spun. A top-level strategic meeting at the Jockey Club decides to build International Day into the world thoroughbred championships. The Cup becomes 2,000 metres. The Bowl becomes the Hong Kong Mile (1,600 metres). A fourth race, the Hong Kong Sprint (1,000 metres), is introduced.
2002 Hong Kong's greatest day on turf. Home-trained horses win three of the four international races - Sprint (All Thrills Too), Mile (Olympic Express) and Cup (Precision).