International Jockeys’ Championship.
Despite a year of disruption and difficulties within the horse-racing industry, twelve of the world's top jockeys will still compete in the LONGINES International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley on Wednesday 9 December. Mickael Barzalona and Pierre-Charles Boudot will represent France alongside other visiting riders including Hollie Doyle, Tom Marquand, Ryan Moore and William Buick. French-born Alexis Badel is currently under license with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and will represent the home side.
Joao Moreira, the current leader in the 2020/21 Hong Kong jockey's championship, is a previous winner of the four-race format and has predicted a competitive challenge. "It looks like the club has done a good job to share the rides to everyone else in a fair way. These races are going to be very even races. From the first to the fifth horse, there won't be much difference."
Pierre-Charles Boudot has an opportunity to win the championship for the first time with a good book of rides including Jazz Steed in the first leg (1000m). Trained by Casper Fownes, the gelding is hard to fault on recent form and demonstrated a good level of ability when second over 1200m last start. In the third leg (1650m), Boudot partners Reel Bizzy who is drawing closer to a success after two runner-up finishes. Mickael Barzalona's best chance may come in the fourth race on board Mehboob. The five-year-old broke through for a success earlier in the campaign and has not been far away in two outings since.
Allocated jockey rides
Alexis Badel (Hong Kong) – Farm Bumper, Gallant Crown, Hang's Decision, Lucky Quality.
Mickael Barzalona (France) – Young Victory, Thunder Stomp, Savaquin, Mehboob.
Pierre-Charles Boudot (France) – Jazz Steed, Maldives, Reel Bizzy, Storm Warnings.
William Buick (Great Britain) – Happy Good Guys, Regency Master, Noble Steed, Beauty Spark.
Neil Callan (Hong Kong) – Winner's Heart, Lady First, Lightning Steed, Meridian Genius.
Hollie Doyle (Great Britain) – Happily Friends, Universal Go Go, Sunny Lad, Harmony N Blessed.
Vincent Ho (Hong Kong) – Travel Datuk, Anonyma, Hall of Champ, What A Legend.
Tom Marquand (Great Britain) – Very Sweet Orange, Nunchuks, Surrealism, Wind N Grass.
Ryan Moore (Great Britain) – Packing Champion, Play Wise, Jolly Honour, Grateful Heart.
Joao Moreira (Hong Kong) – Gouten Of Garo, Royal Racer, Smiling City, Cue The Music.
Zac Purton (Hong Kong) – Hey Pal, Fearless Fire, Gift Of Lifeline, Flying Bonus.
Karis Teetan (Hong Kong) – Oversubscribed, Right Honourable, Helene Wisdom Star, Winston's Lad.
