The Horse of the Year awards have mirrored racing's progress over three decades, with their share of criticism, tracking a rise in quality in a maturing local scene made more complex by globalisation.
The world was simpler when Silver Lining won the first Horse of the Year, organised by the Association of Hong Kong Racing Journalists, on the basis of his 1978 Champions & Chater Cup victory when serious races were few.
Silver Lining retained the title the following year, but was controversially denied the 1980 title when Top Gain's Champions & Chater Cup was felt superior to Silver Lining's win in the newer Hong Kong Gold Cup.
That decision prevented a four-year sweep by Silver Lining, who was back on top in 1981, and no horse since has looked like winning four times.
As more top-grade races were added, the decision-making process became harder. A Derby or victory in the Triple Crown events of Stewards' Cup, Gold Cup or Champions & Chater Cup went a long way to anointing the winner, but there were still seasons dogged by controversy.
Along the way, some champions brought no dispute. Co-Tack's 10 straight wins during 1983 and 1984 made him Horse of the Year in two seasons, and River Verdon's titles in 1991, 1992 and 1994 were straightforward, though his eclipse by Derby winner Helene Star in 1993 raised eyebrows.