Hong Kong has been promoted from Part II to Part I of the International Cataloguing Standards (ICS) and International Statistics Book after the International Race Planning Committee (IRPAC) approved the elevation–which goes into effect Sept. 1–Friday. IRPAC's decision was ratified by the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA), making the change official. A total of 17 Hong Kong pattern races will be upgraded to international status with the promotion in 2016/2017.
“This is a further recognition and a true testament to our world-class racing standard,” said Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Chief Executive Officer. “It is great news to the global breeding industry because performances in Hong Kong's open international group races will now be duly recognized in the pedigree pages of horses on offer across the world's auction houses. This achievement is only possible with the tremendous support from our horse owners who bring top-class horses to Hong Kong, boosting the quality standard of our races to this level.”
The Hong Kong Jockey Club opened almost all of its pattern races to overseas competition, allowing it to be considered for Part I, in January.
Korea was promoted to Part II in the ICS book beginning July 1, with six races approved for Part II classification.
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