The Hong Kong Classic Mile

Originally a Group 3 race with the name Hong Kong Classic Trial, the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Classic Mile was the traditional lead-up race for the Hong Kong Derby. Now, this race is carrying a Group 1 status since the 1999-2000 Hong Kong horse racing season. This race is held at the Sha Tin racecourse.

From then on, this 1600-metre horse race has become one of the most important Hong Kong classic races. The Hong Kong Classic Mile is usually held during the day with the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby and it is open to four-year-old horses only.

In the past 5 years, trainers C. S. Shum and A. S. Cruz have dominated the competition achieved two wins and one third place finish each. During the same span, jockey Christophe Soumillon has landed one victory, one second place finish and one third place finish and jockey Douglas Whyte has one second place finish and two third-place finish.

The 2010 Hong Kong Classic Mile was won by Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Flash. The horse was brought to victory by Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon and he never looked gassed. He won the race three lengths in from of Chater Way which was ridden by Douglas Whyte coasting to the line with nearly three lengths to spare from Chater Way, ridden by champion jockey Douglas Whyte,

Craig Williams and Tuscan Spirit finished third, a half-length further back. Super Pistachio, Beauty Flash’s stable mate, came in fourth and the John Moore-trained Able Speed finished fifth. Beauty Flash is owned by Sa Sa cosmetic chain owner Mr. Kwok Siu-ming who invited Soumillon due to his experience with the big races.