The Hong Kong Cup

December 4, 2009 - by Lawrence · Filed Under Hong Kong Racing News, Uncategorized

About the Hong Kong Cup

For the Hong Kong Cup current betting odds & race results - Click Here

Hong Kong Racing Betting

Being the grandest of the four international Hong Kong horse races, the Hong Kong Cup has a prize pool of HK$20,000,000 or about US$ 2.58 million. First raced on January 24, 1988, only horses that were trained from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore were allowed to what was then a 1,800-metre race.

In 1989, horses that were trained from Australia and New Zealand became part of this Group 1 flat horse race. For its third year, it was first scheduled at its current mid-December race date. Because of which, the race was staged twice in 1989. The year 1990 saw the admittance of European-bred horses to this Sha Tin Racecourse classic.

Place a Bet on the Hong Kong Cup or Hong Kong Sprint with William Hill - Receive a FREE $/£ 25 Bet - Click Here

In 1991, horses from the United States joined the race while thoroughbreds from Japan and Canada debuted in the 1992 Hong Kong Cup. Due to its rising popularity, the race’s distance was adjusted to 2,000 metres or 1 ¼ miles and promoted to Group 1 status in 1999. Since then, it has been one of the most awaited events in the Hong Kong horse racing calendar.

This race also proves to be one of the most competitive in the Hong Kong horse racing circuit for no thoroughbred has won it more than once. However, jockey Frankie Dettori has won this race thrice (2000, 2003, 2007) while trainer Saeed bin Suroor is a two-time Hong Kong Cup winner (2000, 2007). Owner Godolphin Racing also won the HK Cup in 2000 and 2007.

As grand as the event is, the list of competitors matches the spectacle of the richest race on turf. So far, eleven thoroughbreds which are weighed at 123 lbs. for three-year olds and 126 lbs. for four-year-olds and older will try to get a good boost to win the race. Additional competitors will be chosen after the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs

Bet on the Hong Kong Cup or the Hong Kong Sprint with William Hill - Receive a FREE $/£ 25 Bet - Click Here

Headlining the horse parade in the right-handed race is defending Hong Kong Cup champion and last year’s runner-up in Breeder’s Cup Turf Eagle Mountain. Audemars Piguet QEII Cup winner Presvis and French Derby winner Vision D’Etat might give Eagle Mountain a run of its money. Not to be disregarded is Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Classic Trial and CX International Cup Trial defending champion Unique Jewelry.

Other race notables include Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby defending champion Collection and Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup winner Queen Spumante. Rounding up the competitor’s list are Balius, Starlish, Mr. Medici and Ashalanda.

With a strong cast of horses, this year’s Hong Kong Cup looks to be a grand one. And to take part of the grand earnings, you must not waste time and bet on your favorite horses at your preferred online betting websites.

Hong Kong Cup Betting Odds:

Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup Betting Odds at 3rd November 2009

Runner	Price
Collection	9 to 4
Presvis	5 to 2
Vision D’Etat	5 to 1
Eagle Mountain	7 to 1
Ashalanda	10 to 1
Balius	14 to 1
Queen Spumante	14 to 1
Starlish	25 to 1
Mr Medici	50 to 1
Unique Jewellery	50 to 1
Special Days	100 to 1