The stars of racing took centre stage as the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship and Hong Kong International Races highlighted a huge month.

The Post analyses the jockeys and trainers who had a month to remember or one to forget, as well as the most outstanding victory and winning ride.

Who’s hot?

While big names like Zac Purton (nine wins), Hugh Bowman (seven) and James McDonald (seven) had productive months, there were a couple of mid-table jockeys who struck form despite limited opportunities.

James Orman booted home five wins from 35 rides, striking at an impressive 14.28 per cent, while apprentice Ellis Wong Chi-wang notched four wins from only 17 rides at 23.53 per cent.

Frenchman Maxime Guyon also hit top form in his short-term stint, racking up six wins including the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) on Sosie from 48 rides.

From a trainer’s perspective, Caspar Fownes was the dominant performer with nine wins from 57 runners for a strike rate of 15.79 per cent. The four-time champion handler made the leap from third to the top of the standings.

Danny Shum Chap-shing was also in strong form with seven wins while Cody Mo Wai-kit, Frankie Lor Fu-chuen and 13-time champion John Size each had six.

Who’s not?

With an influx of overseas riders descending on Hong Kong, December can be a tough month for riders in the middle to lower tier and this year was no exception.

Harry Bentley, Alexis Badel, Dylan Mo Hin-tung and David Probert all came up empty in December, though Badel only had three rides – all at the HKIR meeting – as he spent most of the month on the sidelines through suspensions. Jerry Chau Chun-lok managed just one win.

Douglas Whyte was the only trainer to fail to strike and he carries over a winless streak of 49 runners into January. Tony Cruz managed just one win but can count himself unlucky to not have improved that figure, having notched six seconds and four thirds in December.

Win of the month

While Ka Ying Rising did what was expected of him, it’s hard to go past the world’s best sprinter’s sizzling Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) triumph as the best of the month.

After scrambling to a half-length win in the same race 12 months earlier, David Hayes’ superstar produced a show-stopping performance to bolt in by three and three-quarter lengths.

Fired to the front from gate one, Ka Ying Rising was taken out to the centre of the track in the straight – with Purton aware the inside was off that day – and he exploded clear to make it 16 wins in a row.

Perfectday’s Happy Valley win, storming home from last under top weight of 135lb on his first start in six months, was another impressive performance in December.

Ride of the month

Ryan Moore proved his champion qualities with a faultless display on Triumphant More to seal a record-equalling third IJC crown.

Moore took the Lor-trained galloper back from barrier 10 to settle second last and saved ground on the inside rail around the turn.

The British rider took Triumphant More off the inside in the straight and waited patiently for a clear run, which appeared passing the 200m.

Triumphant More unleashed a powerful turn of foot to charge to the lead in the final 50m and defy his $23.6 quote with a famous victory.

Orman’s excellent ride on Cool Boy, helping the Jamie Richards-trained galloper offset barrier 14 by finding cover in behind midfield and making a sustained run to score, was another top ride in December.