Silvestre de Sousa crowned best of the best in jockeys' championship

Flying over western China, soaring over mile upon mile upon breathtaking mile of rugged mountains stitched together by mist-filled valleys, it is easy to imagine that perhaps, down there, there might be small sanctuaries of earth still untrodden and untouched by humankind; a wilderness too vast for man to conquer in its entirety, a few secrets still intact.

Landing in Hong Kong, however, it is hard to believe there could be one inch of land that has not felt the weight of a footprint in its time, not least at Happy Valley racecourse, where today thousands of feet will cross the threshold to watch the Longines International Jockeys Championship. Twelve top jockeys from across the globe, fighting it out to secure the most points over four races – think the Shergar Cup, but in a more exotic location. Sorry Ascot.

First-timer Gary Fearnon from Kent is certainly impressed. "This is my first time at Happy Valley, it’s better than at home," he says. "It’s a better atmosphere – that's the most noticeable thing – the races are quicker and there's free entrance and free beer.