The British introduced horse racing to the region when Hong Kong became a colony after the First Opium War in the 1840s. The only flat area on the island suited for racing was where they built Happy Valley Racecourse in 1845 using reclaimed swampland. In order to make room for the racecourse, the Hong Kong government, commanded by Sir John Davis, outlawed rice farming in the nearby villages.
Since then, racing in Hong Kong has changed significantly, becoming the city’s most widely watched spectator sport. Many people in Hong Kong live and breathe horse racing, and it’s usual to see them pouring over in search of a prospective winner. Over the course of a regular season, more than 2.2 million visitors visit the city’s two racetracks, Happy Valley and Sha Tin, and billions of dollars worth of wagers are made on the action. There are many races throughout the year, but one of the most prestigious is the Hong Kong Vase.
The Hong Kong Vase is a world-renowned horse race that takes place annually. It is a thoroughbred/flat Group 1 horse race in Hong Kong that is run by thoroughbreds aged 3 years or older. It is conducted at Sha Tin Racecourse over a right-handed course of 2,400 meters (about 1½ miles), and the race is held every year in December. The race was first run in 1994 and was given Group 1 status in 2000. It was formerly known as the Hong Kong International Vase, and for a short period, it was run over 2,400 meters before being restored to its current length in 2001. It now has a purse worth HK$18,000,000 (US$2.3 million).
Since the race’s elevation to Group 1 level, it has been won by several notable European stayers, including Pilsudski (1997), Fantastic Light (2000), Marienbard (2002), Ouija Board (2006), Eagle Mountain (2007), and Red Cadeaux (2011). French raider Vazirabad became the first horse to win the race twice when successful in 2016 and 2017.
The most wins in Hong Kong Vase are 3 by trainer Aidan O’Brien and 4 by Jockey Olivier Peslier. The horses, Doctor Dino, Luso, Glory Vase, and Highland Reel, won the Hong Kong Vase twice.
In 2021, Glory Vase, trained by Tomohito Ozeki and ridden by Joao Moreira, won the Hong Kong Vase. The Hong Kong Vase will be run for the 28th time in 2022. On Sunday, December 11, the Hong Kong Vase 2022 will be run in Sha Tin. The race’s scheduled start time will be decided. So who is most likely to win the race?
There are several contenders for the Hong Kong Vase in 2022 which will be held on 11th December.
One is Glory Vase, who won the race in 2021. Another is Highland Reel, who has won the race twice before. Other horses that could contend for the win include Pyledriver, Luso, Stay Foolish, Ebaiyra, Columbus County, Doctor Dino, Mogul, Butterfield, Reliable team, and Ouija Board. It is anyone’s guess as to who will win the race, but it is sure to be an exciting contest.
Who is the best jockey in Hong Kong?
Joao Moreira is considered one of the best jockeys in Hong Kong. He has won the Hong Kong Jockey Championship a record six times and is currently the world’s second-ranked jockey by prize money won.
How much do Hong Kong jockeys earn?
10% of the winning prize money and 5% of prize money for placings from second to fifth go to the jockeys. Each ride costs the owners HK$2200, of which the rider earns HK$1200.
Do jockeys get paid track work?
In addition to a fee for their racing services, jockeys frequently work for themselves and may receive commission or bonuses for successful races.
Do jockeys get paid if they don’t win?
A jockey may ride up to eight races per day for a “mounting fee” rather than a wage, typically between $50 and $110 per race. If they can ride a horse to place first, second, or third in a race and win a portion of the purse, jockeys make their true money from prize money.
Why is Hong Kong famous for horse racing?
Hong Kong is home to some of the world’s best horse racing and a major betting market. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is the largest horse racing and betting operator in Hong Kong and is also one of the world’s leading charitable organisations.
What is the richest horse race in the world?
The Dubai World Cup is the world’s richest horse race, with a purse of $12 million. It is run over 2,000 meters (about 1¼ miles) at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
What races are held at Sha Tin racecourse?
Each year, Sha Tin hosts several Group 1 races in addition to several Group 2, Group 3, and Listed contests. For the major meetings of the year, the racecourse, which has an occupancy of 85,000, is full. It also draws a sizeable and excitable audience on most weekends, with activity taking place on Saturdays and occasionally Sundays.