The International Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC) approved the promotion of Hong Kong from Part II to Part I of the International Cataloguing Standards and International Statistics Book, commonly known as the “Blue Book,” with effect from 1 September 2016. IRPAC’s decision has been ratified by the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA), making the change official. With the promotion, 17 pattern races in Hong Kong will be upgraded to international status for the 2016/2017 season.
“This is a further recognition and a true testament to our world-class racing standard,” said Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chief Executive Officer. “It is great news to the global breeding industry because performances in Hong Kong’s open international group races will now be duly recognized in the pedigree pages of horses on offer across the world’s auction houses. This achievement is only possible with the tremendous support from our horse owners who bring top class horses to Hong Kong, boosting the quality standard of our races to this level.”
In January 2016, the Hong Kong Jockey Club announced the opening of nearly all of its pattern races to overseas competition, a necessary step in order to be considered for Part I. Provided the races maintain the ratings necessary to warrant Group status for the 2016/2017 racing season, the chart below identifies the anticipated classification adjustments for the 17 pattern races impacted.
Race
|
Current
|
New*
|
Centenary Sprint Cup
|
HKG1
|
G2
|
Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy
|
HKG2
|
G2
|
Premier Bowl
|
HKG2
|
G2
|
Chairman's Trophy
|
HKG2
|
G2
|
Sprint Cup
|
HKG2
|
G2
|
National Day Cup
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
Celebration Cup
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
Sa Sa Ladies' Purse
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
Bauhinia Sprint Trophy
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
Chinese Club Challenge Cup
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
January Cup
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
Centenary Vase
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
Queen Mother Memorial Cup
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
Sha Tin Vase
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
Lion Rock Trophy
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
Premier Cup
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
Premier Plate
|
HKG3
|
G3
|
*Anticipated Group classification based on race ratings, subject to change
The Hong Kong Classic Mile, Hong Kong Classic Cup, and BMW Hong Kong Derby remain restricted to Hong Kong resident horses and will continue to be considered “listed” events for international purposes.
Prior to this promotion, Hong Kong was one of twelve jurisdictions classified as Part II of the Blue Book, with a limited number of races in Part I - eleven Group 1 races and three Group 2 events, including the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, which was upgraded to international Group 1 status in October 2015.