The line-up for the 2024 LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) on 4 December will be finalised at the conclusion of tomorrow night’s (Wednesday, 20 November) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley with Karis Teetan and Matthew Poon fighting for the coveted final spot.
The last two positions on the 12-rider roster are open this year to the next highest-ranked riders locally and, with Hugh Bowman (19 wins) wrapping up the first slot, Teetan and Poon are locked in battle for the remaining berth.
Both Teetan and Poon have 14 wins apiece through 21 of the 88 scheduled race meetings this season. Matthew Chadwick and Luke Ferraris have 11 wins each and sit below the pair.
Poon trails Teetan with seven fewer second placings – in the case a countback is required to separate the duo – but has eight rides to Teetan's three, with the Mauritian inconvenienced by an influx of runners who missed the final three races last Wednesday (13 November).
Teetan said: "It looked like things were going my way because before the races were abandoned all of my horses were first priority and I had a full book tomorrow – then they all became reserves, so I ended up with three rides.
"I'm hoping, I mean those three are sort of chances. Matthew is not leaving my tail alone – every winner I ride, he then rides one, so it hasn't been easy but at the end of the day he's riding well, too. If he does get to ride in the IJC, then he deserves the chance but I'm there to also give it a go."
Vincent Ho, Zac Purton, Ryan Moore, William Buick, James McDonald, Colin Keane, Yuga Kawada, Hollie Doyle, Rachel King and Mickael Barzalona complete the LONGINES IJC roster, where jockeys receive 12 points for the win, six points for second and four points for third across the eligible four races at Happy Valley on 4 December.
Teetan won the 2019 LONGINES IJC and has competed five times in the challenge which carries a total prize of HK$1 million. The winner receives HK$600,000, while second and third collect HK$250,000 and HK$150,000, respectively.
Poon has rode once in the LONGINES IJC previously, finishing sixth in 2018. The 34-year-old Teetan partners Cool Blue, Take Action and Can't Go Wong. The latter contests the second section of the Class 4 Kwu Tung Handicap (1650m) for trainer Frankie Lor tomorrow.
"He's been racing well for a while now and I thought his last run was a good run. He's still knocking to get his win but if he gets the right run then he looks like he could bring it home," Teetan said.
The one-time winning 51-rater came within a short head of victory last start. He steps away from gate seven this week under Teetan, who is also hoping Take Action can fire in the first section of the Class 4 Yuen Long Handicap (1650m).
"He ran really good at Sha Tin. I think he needs a little bit further and the draw (1) he's got is going to be a big help and maybe a bit of cut in the going might help him, too," Teetan said.
Speedster Glory Elite makes his first appearance at the city circuit in a competitive Class 2 Chek Lap Kok Handicap (1200m) for jockey Derek Leung and trainer Jimmy Ting.
"He's a nice horse and it's his first time going to Happy Valley because of the programme, there are not many options. We have an outside draw (10), so hopefully he can handle it," Leung said.
The Russian Revolution gelding has finished either first or second in his past six starts, which includes three wins by a combined margin of eight lengths.
"He's a very good galloper and he just keeps going. You can see his fitness is getting better and better and I think this time his form is no problem, it's just that it is his first run at Happy Valley," Leung said. "We think he can handle it. He's big (1,220lb body weight) but he's well balanced and we still need to see because it is his first time."
Ben Thompson takes six rides at the Valley, led by familiar ally Courier Magic in the second section of the Kwu Tung Handicap against Can't Go Wong.
"He's drawn well (two) which has eluded him more often than not, so to come up with barrier two – it's a great result – and with a light weight, he's in good form, so hopefully he can get back in the winner's stall," Thompson said.
The Jamie Richards-trained galloper was Thompson's first Hong Kong win last March. The 43-rater has broken from barriers eight, nine and 10 from three runs this term.
The Hong Kong Institute Of Surveyors 40th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1200m) is the night's trophy race where Triumphant More is aiming to remain unbeaten.
Wednesday's (20 November) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Lau Fau Shan Handicap (1650m).
