Introduction
Over the past
decade the Hong Kong International Races has become one of the
most important stops for horsemen and owners from all across the
globe. The event has since become recognised as the 'Turf World
Championships' offering excellent prize-money and glory at the
stunning Sha Tin racecourse in Hong Kong's New Territories.
The 2001 HKIR on December 16 comprises
of four races of different distances including three international
Group 1 races, namely the
Hong Kong Cup (2000m), the
Hong Kong Vase (2400m) and the
Hong Kong Mile (1600m). The recently upgraded Group 2 Hong
Kong Sprint (1000m) compliments the three major events.
The number of entries for this international
event has grown steadily each year and this year's renewal was
no exception as the first nomination stage attracted a record
total of 314 individual entries from 12 racing jurisdictions:
Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Macau,
New Zealand, Norway, Singapore and the United States.
The Hong Kong International Races
is not just one of the finest race meetings on the calendar -
it is also the venue for the final leg of the Emirates
World Series Racing Championship, the series that identifies
the best horse in the world.
