The Hong Kong Jockey Club and The Japan Racing Association have broken new ground with the launch of a unique Asian Mile Challenge.

The world's best milers are invited to contest in the two-part Asian Mile Challenge: the US$1.02 million Champions Mile (1600m) on May 14 at Sha Tin, and the US$2 million Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in Tokyo on June 5.

There will be a bonus of US$1 million available to the winner of both races - that's a total of over US$4 million up for grabs for this bold new initiative.

"Along with our friends at the JRA, we are very excited to take a leading role in the internationalisation of horse racing by establishing the Asian Mile Challenge. This joint venture is the latest development in a history of close co-operation between our organisations, but the real winners are the fans of top class international racing," said Mr Ronald Arculli, Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

"As a result the Hong Kong Group One Champions Mile will now be open to international competition. We look forward to developing the Champions Mile into an International Group One event, bringing it to the highest level." Mr Arculli added.

To encourage horses to nominate for both races, horses nominated for the Champions Mile will automatically be nominated for the Yasuda Kinen also, unless the nominator declares otherwise. Free nominations close on Tuesday, April 26 at 12.00pm local time.

International breeding experts have long espoused the advantages of selecting stallions successful at the highest level of at a mile but now, through the co-operation of the HKJC and JRA, there is an opportunity to identify a champion miler in the Asian region.

Trainers and owners from around the world are invited to take up the challenge.

The Asian Mile Challenge coincides with Japan-Hong Kong Year 2005 to mutually strengthen networks for co-operation in areas such as tourism, culture, economy and education.

Attachment:

2005 Asian Mile Challenge Conditions
Champions Mile
Yasuda Kinen