Nine Japanese horses will take part in this year's Hong Kong International Race. Many Japanese horses have competed in the race and won the title. On the other hand, there are horses that have proven themselves in Japan but have struggled in Hong Kong. There are many reasons for this, of course. Is the difference in the quality of the turf a factor? We asked trainer Aidan O'Brien, who has more than 400 G1 wins worldwide, is riding Auguste Rodin in this year's Japan Cup and has four horses in the Hong Kong International Race.

"Is there a difference between the Japanese turf and the Hong Kong turf?" He simply replied, "I think they are similar. He went on to say, "It's a fast track and very similar," repeating the same words. Trainer O'Brien, who is familiar with turf in many countries around the world, seems to think that the characteristics of the turf in Japan and Hong Kong are similar.

Yasutoshi Ikee, who will be participate with Soul Rush in the Hong Kong Mile, also had this to say about this year's track at the press conference on 6th December.

"I walked the turf at Sha Tin racecourse this morning and I felt that the turf was lighter than in previous years and the condition of the turf was similar to that at Kyoto Racecourse. So if he can run like he did in the Mile Championship, I think he can get a good result."

If the turf, which originally had similar characteristics, becomes even closer in nature, it will be a boost for Japanese horses. Also of interest is Continuous, a son of Heart's Cry, whom O'Brien is sending to the Hong Kong Vase, but hopefully we can expect to see Japanese horses galloping comfortably on the Hong Kong turf.