1. Race overview
2. Japanese Entries
3. Racecourse Feature
4. Past Winners
5. Past Japanese Runners
6. 2024 Hong Kong Sprint Latest Information

Race overview

The Hong Kong Sprint is a horse race held at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong, classified as an international G1. It is one of the four races that make up the Hong Kong International Races series and is open to thoroughbreds aged three and older. The race is run over a turf distance of 1200 meters.

As the G1 sprint event of the early season in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Sprint attracts top sprinters not only from Hong Kong but also from Oceania, Europe, and Japan.

The race was established in 1999, upgraded to an international G3 in 2000, G2 in 2001, and reached international G1 status in 2002. The Hong Kong Sprint has been won by legendary horses such as "Hong Kong's hero" Silent Witness and, in recent years, Japanese sprint star Lord Kanaloa. In 2020, Japan’s Danon Smash claimed victory, completing a father-son double with Lord Kanaloa.

Japanese Entries

Racecourse Feature

The starting point is roughly halfway down the backstretch. With about 300 meters of straight before the third corner, the race often features a competitive battle among horses seeking prominent early positions. While a high early pace can occasionally set up for closers, it is challenging to win from off the pace unless a horse is positioned within 5th or 6th by the fourth corner. In graded stakes races, it is rare for a horse to lead wire-to-wire unless its ability is significantly superior to the field.

Past Winners

Note: In 1999, the race had no grading. It was upgraded to an international G3 in 2000 and then to G2 status in 2001. Since 2002, when All Thrills Too claimed victory, it has been held as an international G1 race.

Past Japanese Runners

2024 Hong Kong Sprint Latest Information