World’s Best Jockey Will Be Crowned in Hong Kong

Longines, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) will honor the inaugural world’s best jockey at the Longines Hong Kong International Races gala dinner at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center Dec. 12. Jockeys earn points by performing in the world’s 100 highest-rated Group 1 or Grade I races according to the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee from Dec. 1 of last year until Nov. 30 of this year. A win is worth 12 points, six points for second and four points for third. Jockeys Joseph O’Brien of Ireland and Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon are tied for the lead with 72 points and English reinsman Ryan Moore tracks them with 70 points. For the complete rules go to ifhaonline.org. 

“It is entirely appropriate that the accomplishments of the world’s best jockeys are recognized internationally,” commented IFHA Chairman Louis Romanet. “Jockeys are incredible athletes and their amazing feats of skill and daring bring millions of fans to the sport around the world. The Longines World’s Best Jockey award is a proud joint initiative of the IFHA and LONGINES, and we are very thankful to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for hosting the award ceremony.” 

Added Vice-President and Head of International Marketing of Longines Juan-Carlos Capelli, “Longines is thrilled to present the first Longines World’s Best Jockey award during the gala dinner of the Longines Hong Kong International Races. In the same spirit as the Longines Best World’s Racehorse Awards, this event will honor a jockey whose achievements showcase the commonly held values of Longines and the IFHA, namely tradition, elegance, and performance.” 

In addition to the World’s Best Jockey award, the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship is Dec. 10 at Happy Valley before the Longines Hong Kong International Races Dec. 14. 

“The Hong Kong Jockey Club is pleased to join with Longines and the IFHA in hosting the inaugural Longines Best Jockey award ceremony,” said Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and IFHA Vice-Chairman Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. “The Longines Hong Kong International Races are a celebration of excellence making this new award a perfect fit.”