The race for the remaining places in the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) intensified after Sunday’s meeting at Happy Valley on November 1, 2026, as Vincent Ho and Jerry Chau strengthened their claims for selection with successful rides. Both jockeys improved their positions in the contest for the final two places in the prestigious 12-rider championship scheduled for December 9.
Ten international jockeys had already secured their places in the competition, including Ryan Moore, James McDonald, William Buick, Mickael Barzalona, Zac Purton, Saffie Osborne, Dylan Browne McMonagle, Rachel King, Christophe Lemaire and Joao Moreira.
Nichola Yuen remained second in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship with 17 wins, behind Purton’s 26 victories. However, her apprentice status made her ineligible for the four-race IJC competition. Chau, with 15 wins, and Ho, with 14, therefore remained the leading contenders for the two available places. Derek Leung, James Orman and Karis Teetan also remained in contention with 11, 10 and nine victories respectively. Seven meetings remained before the selection cut-off following the November 25 meeting at Happy Valley.
LONGINES IJC Selection Race Intensifies After Ho’s Double
Ho claimed riding honours at Happy Valley with a double. He first partnered Pierre Ng-trained Incredible Moment to victory in the second section of the Class 4 Huizhou Handicap over 1,200 metres before guiding Chris So’s The Boom Box to success in the Class 3 Zhuhai Handicap over 1,650 metres.
“There’s still a month to go, but I just focus on every ride and try to do my best,” Ho said.
Yuen continued her excellent run of form with Falcon Hunter in the Class 5 Dongguan Handicap over 1,200 metres. Trained by James Cummings, the gelding secured another victory for the jockey following her treble at Sha Tin on October 28.
Cummings celebrated his first winner at Happy Valley and praised Yuen for delivering an effective ride. He explained that the horse had been expected to reach peak condition in his third start of the season, with the race unfolding according to their plan.
Chau also added to his winning record aboard Frankie Lor-trained Grit Spirit in the Class 4 Foshan Handicap over 1,650 metres. The jockey produced a well-timed ride from barrier three, while Lor expressed satisfaction with the gelding’s progress and expected the longer distance to suit his pedigree.
Karis Teetan enjoyed a productive afternoon with a race-to-race double. He first guided Francis Lui-trained Turquoise Velocity to victory in the Class 2 Kwangtung Handicap Cup over 1,200 metres before partnering Danny Shum’s Eternal Fortune to success in the Class 3 Zhaoqing Handicap over 1,000 metres.
Teetan praised Turquoise Velocity’s development, highlighting the gelding’s improved maturity and ability to settle before producing a strong finishing effort. Shum also credited the jockey for a well-judged ride on Eternal Fortune, who recorded another consistent performance.
Lui also secured a double after Superb King won the Class 4 Shantou Handicap over 1,000 metres under James Orman.
Me Tsui recorded his second consecutive meeting double through Fast Speed and On The Way. Fast Speed, ridden by Matthew Chadwick, won the Class 4 Shenzhen Handicap over 1,800 metres, while Dylan Mo guided On The Way to a three-length victory in the Class 3 Guangzhou Handicap over 1,200 metres.
The victory marked Mo’s first win of the season. Formerly known as Secure when trained by Chris Waller in Australia, the Snitzel gelding also earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million.
Mark Newnham completed the meeting with his seventh victory of the campaign as veteran Same To You secured a last-stride win under Alexis Badel in the Class 4 Hong Kong College Of Emergency Medicine 30th Anniversary Cup Handicap over 1,200 metres.
Vincent Ho and Jerry Chau strengthened their claims for the remaining LONGINES IJC selection places following Sunday’s meeting at Happy Valley, where Ho secured a double and several other jockeys and trainers recorded multiple victories.
The next Hong Kong racing meeting will take place at Happy Valley on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
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