Our ambassadors will return from a winter stint in Japan to take part in the International Jockey’s Challenge in Hong Kong on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports Racing.
The challenge to make Hong Kong’s history
I can’t wait to return to Happy Valley, Hong Kong on Wednesday for my fifth appearance in the 2024 Longines International Jockey Championship (IJC) live on Sky Sports Racing. I’m really excited to be invited back to compete against some of the best jockeys in the world.
Representing Great Britain is always special and I will be flying the home flag alongside Ryan Moore and William Buick. But competition will be fierce. Twelve riders, including New Zealand’s James McDonald, French ace Mickael Barzalona and Irish champion Colin Keane, are competing for the highest points across four races.
Rachel King, who lives in Australia, and I had the opportunity to become the first women to win the challenge outright. This is a perfect ending to another satisfying year at home and abroad.
Becoming the first female jockey to win the Harmony N Blessed challenge in 2020 was a special moment for me when I finished tied for 3rd overall and it was also a proud achievement to go one better the following year with the same 2nd place finish. I can’t wait to see what happens on Wednesday.
I hope the circus can attract them.
In the first round (12.10), my vehicle was circus reel High draw must be overcome. The sprinter in David Hall ran well last time he went back to the minimum distance so hopefully he has the gate speed to make his mark in this 5f dash.
Unexposed after just three starts in Hong Kong, he is a horse that likes to run late. So if the race unfolds to suit his racing style, he could find enough to post an impressive finish.
6th generation In the second game (12:40 p.m.), there was a handicap in the 1m extension, but the draw was again unfriendly. Barrier 11 will make life difficult for a horse who comes here riding a respectable fourth-place finish in the All-Weather at Sha Tin.
Trained by Jamie Richards, he is a capable performer who usually operates without a visor and can be dangerous if the cards fall right.
A fighting chance against Soleil
The third leg of the Challenge (1.40) is also over 1m, making it ideal for my mount. Soleil FighterA person who is drawn well at gate 3.
Trained by David Hayes, he ran well two starts ago but was beaten by only a neck over course and distance in another low draw. With relatively little mileage in Hong Kong, he had to work too hard from a wide position on his recent start, but he can bounce back from that.
by Doug Wight Gokowin He had a really good race last time when he finished second in this 6f so hopefully he can shake things up in the fourth leg (2.10) although this is another ride that will post him wide on the track.
He stormed home that day after four previous appearances on Sha Tin, proving he’s definitely at home on this track.
Best Opportunity for Support Card
I am happy to have chosen 4 rides for my support card. great movement In the opener the Class 5 Australian Handicap (10.30) was again over 1m.
Although he hasn’t been at his best recently, he is a well-placed course and distance scorer and I’ve heard his track work has been encouraging.
I teamed up with Doug Whyte in the second race, the French Handicap (11:00) and came back over 6f. fast tank I’ve never won in Hong Kong before, but I ran well last time, finishing 4th in terms of course and distance.
It’s wider at the 8 barrier this time, but he looks like an honest type who can travel well enough to get into the green.
Longer trips can unleash the Mighty Powers
I ride too Mighty Stretch 1m overtime in a Class 4 race for Ricky Yiu in the British Handicap (11:30). He had a strong showing over 7f around Sha Tin and may appreciate this stage of the trip.
His recent runs can be dismissed as he has been drawn horribly and has not looked comfortable, but with a better starting position in the four it could be a different story.
In the Irish Handicap (1.10) a player trained by David Hayes was fielded. hero of the world, he made only 4 appearances in Hong Kong. You may have some difficulty concentrating because you are wearing a blindfold, but you will begin to see some progress.
Japanese contract extension
We are delighted that our short-term contract in Japan has been extended and our trip to Happy Valley will be short as we will be heading straight back to Tokyo.
My husband Tom (Marquand) and I were planning to leave before Christmas, but we are very grateful to the Japan Horse Racing Association for allowing us to stay until January 13th.
Tom got off to an incredible start to the Japan Cup weekend with seven winners (including two). I’m looking forward to a few more rides before I return home in the new year.
Hollie Doyle spoke to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.
Watch the LONGINES International Jockey Championship live from Happy Valley on Wednesday 6 December on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 519).
