Golden Sixty clinches third Hong Kong Mile victory
- The Hong Kong International Races Week began today, featuring the International Jockeys' Championship with participation from 12 elite jockeys.
- Golden Sixty achieved a significant landmark by winning the Hong Kong Mile for the third consecutive time.
- The event showcases Hong Kong's growth in international horse racing and highlights the local horses' accomplishments on a global stage.
In Hong Kong, the International Jockeys' Championship took place on December 4, 2024, kicking off the prestigious Hong Kong International Races Week organized by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. This acclaimed event features top tier international horse racing and has become a significant fixture in the global racing calendar, attracting riders from around the world. Twelve elite jockeys were invited to participate in the championship, which marks a celebration of both local and international equestrian talent. The event has evolved significantly since its inception in 1998, with the aim of transforming horse racing from a regional sport to an international spectacle. Over the years, the Hong Kong Jockey Club has focused on fostering local talent and attracting foreign competitors. With only about 1,200 racehorses in training in Hong Kong, representing a mere 0.7 percent of the global total, the local racing scene has nonetheless produced a notable number of international class horses, and today, Hong Kong horses account for 8 to 9 percent of the best globally recognized horses. 2024 marked a significant year for the Hong Kong racing industry, with local horses winning a majority of the international races. Golden Sixty, a three-time winner of the Hong Kong Horse of the Year award, triumphed in the Hong Kong Mile for the third consecutive time, further solidifying his status as a leading competitor in the field. Jockeys like Ho expressed that achieving success in this championship is particularly challenging given the caliber of international competitors, but they remain dedicated to promoting the sport and performing at the highest level. This year's event saw participation from 56 horses hailing from countries including Japan, Britain, Australia, France, Ireland, Germany, and the United States, showcasing the global nature of the competition. The Hong Kong International Races Week continues to reinforce Hong Kong's reputation as a major hub for horse racing, ultimately contributing to the development and international appeal of the sport worldwide.