Bowman hoping to put stamp on stellar 2017 by retaining jockeys' title

Ryan Moore and Silvestre de Sousa feature among a stellar cast of 12 riders hoping to take home the Longines International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

But in opposition is last year's winner Hugh Bowman, who on Friday will officially be crowned the world's best jockey following a magnificent 2017 which has included multiple big-race wins on wondermare Winx and a Japan Cup victory on Cheval Grand.

Regarding his chances of winning Wednesday's four-race series, in which the leading rider will scoop the first prize of HK$500,000 (£48,000), Bowman said: “Last year I looked to have two really good chances but this time, although a couple of mine are drawn well, they don’t look as strong. And in the first leg [12.10] I ride what seems to be an average one. But at least that one [Smart Baby] is trained by Caspar Fownes. He’s ‘king of the Valley’ so maybe he can work his magic.”

Moore, who has enjoyed a successful season himself, playing a big part in helping Aidan O'Brien break the record for top-level winners in a year, has twice won the international jockeys' title and is delighted to be competing again. He said: "I love being here. Of all the events like this around the world, this one is the best.”

The winner will be the rider who has accumulated the highest number of points across the four legs, which are races four, five, seven and eight on the card. A total of 12 points is awarded to each winner, with six for second and four for third.

Competing riders

Pierre-Charles Boudot
Hugh Bowman
Cristian Demuro
Leandro Henrique
Derek Leung
Ryan Moore
Joao Moreira
Zac Purton
Flavien Prat
Silvestre de Sousa
Karis Teetan
Keita Tosaki

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