Loves Only You is among a stellar line-up of 49 horses selected for the HK$100 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 12 December.
Loves Only You returns to Sha Tin fresh off a brilliant success in the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (2200m) at Del Mar Racecourse earlier this month and Gr1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) triumph at Sha Tin Racecourse in April.
Lei Papale and Hishi Iguazu join her from Japan, the former is unbeaten over 2000m and is a one-time Gr1 winner having claimed the Osaka Hai (2000m). She will embark on her first overseas voyage for trainer Tomokazu Takano.
Loves Only You returns to Hong Kong looking to remain unbeaten over 2000m at Sha Tin following her win in the 2021 G1 FWD QEII Cup (Pic- HKJC)
Dubai Honour – close-up second in last month’s Gr1 British Champion Stakes – is a two-time Gr2 winner who will make his first start abroad in Hong Kong’s most lucrative contest for trainer William Haggas. Third out of the British Champion Stakes, Mac Swiney, joins Dubai Honour in the contest and will bid to give legendary Irish horseman Jim Bolger a second win in the race after Alexander Goldrun reigned in 2004.
Aidan O’Brien will be represented by Bolshoi Ballet and Japan, the latter is a dual Gr1 winner after claiming the 2019 Grand Prix de Paris (2400m) and Juddmonte International Stakes (2000m) – who arrives following a tilt in Sunday’s (28 November) Gr1 Japan Cup (2400m).
Leading Hong Kong’s defence of the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup is Glorious Dragon – along with Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup winner Panfield as well as Russian Emperor – second placegetter in the 2021 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), and Tourbillon Diamond and Ka Ying Star – who both supplemented for the race. The Tony Cruz-trained Berlin Tango will also line up in the Group 1 2000m event.
