Final IJC spots to be settled

Two spots remain on the sought-after Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) roster before the final lineup is confirmed following today’s nine-race fixture at Happy Valley.

- 

Vincent Ho (11 wins) leads Jerry Chau (10) in the race for a prized berth available to the leading homegrown rider. Both Ho and Chau have four mounts today, while Luke Ferraris (15) holds a slender one-win advantage over Hugh Bowman (14) in the place designated to the next highestranked Hong Kong-based jockey.

Bowman, who won the 2016 IJC, said: “It’s fantastic. I think it leads the way as far as jockeys’ challenges go around the world; it’s always a great night to be a part of, and I’ve had the privilege of being involved many times now.

“Hopefully, I can add another one to the list. It will depend on the results at Happy Valley.”

Ferraris is booked for four rides, while Bowman has five, led by Hakka Radiance in the Class 4 St Andrew’s Challenge Quaich Handicap (1800m). The British import is bidding for a fourth consecutive win for trainer Danny Shum.