Our ambassador takes a break from winter commitments in Japan for Wednesday’s International Jockey’s Challenge in Hong Kong, live on Sky Sports Racing.
A challenge to make history in Hong Kong
I just can’t wait to get back to Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday for my fifth appearance in the 2024 Longines Jockeys’ International Championship (IJC) live on Sky Sports Racing. It’s so exciting to be invited back to compete against the best jockeys in the world.
Representing Great Britain is always special and I will be flying the flag home with Ryan Moore and William Buick, however the competition will be intense with New Zealand’s James Macdonald, French ace Michael Barzalona and Irish champion Colin Keane among the 12 riders fighting for the top points in the four races.
Both Australia-based Rachael King and I are in with a chance of becoming the first woman to win the Challenge outright, an achievement that would perfectly round off another satisfying year at home and abroad.
Becoming the first female jockey in Harmony N Blessed’s Challenge in 2020 when I finished third overall was a special moment, and going one better next year with equal second place was also a proud achievement, so I can’t wait to see what happens on Wednesday the day
Hoping the Circus can get them in
In the first step (12.10) my mount Circus Reel: should beat a high draw.David Hall’s sprinter ran well last time down at the minimum distance so hopefully the gate speed can make its mark on this 5f run.
Undiscovered after just three starts in Hong Kong, he is a horse who likes to run late, so if the race develops to suit his racing style, he could find enough to post a telling finish.
Sixth generation my run in the second leg (12.40), the handicap has been extended from 1m, but the draw has again been unkind. Barrier 11 will make life difficult for a horse who comes here off the back of a respectable fourth in the Sha Tin, who is in All on the weather.
Trained by Jamie Richards, he is a capable performer who goes without his usual visor and can be dangerous if the cards fall right.
A fight chance with Soleil
The third leg of the challenge (1.40) also exceeds the extended 1m, which should be ideal for my mount Soleil Fighterwho is well drawn in three wickets.
Trained by David Hayes, he ran well two starts ago when he was beaten only a neck away from the course and another low draw. A relatively low run in Hong Kong, he had to work extremely hard from wide on his last start, but can back come back from it.
Doug White Goko Win: He had a really good race last time when he was second in this 6f, so I’m hoping he can get a shock from the fourth leg (2.10), although he’s another of my rides to be placed wide of the track.
He stormed home on the day at Sha Tin after his previous four appearances, proving that he is definitely at home on this track.
Excellent features of the auxiliary card
I am happy to have taken four trips with the supporter card, starting with him Great move Australian Class 5 Handicap at opening (10.30am), again extended by 1m.
Although he has not been at his best of late, he is a course and distance scorer who is well placed and I am told his work has been encouraging.
I team up with Doug White in the second race, returning to the French Handicap (11.00) over a flying 6f. Speedy Chariot unbeaten in Hong Kong before but ran well last time when fourth over furlong and distance.
We’re wider in the barrier at the eighth this time, but he looks a straightforward type who should travel well enough to reach the green.
Longer travel can play on Power’s strength
I drive too Mighty Stretch For Ricky Yiu in the UK Handicap (11.30), a Grade 4 race extended by 1m, he has shown some strong form around Sha Tin by 7f and may just appreciate this move over the trip.
His last run can be dismissed as he was horribly fielded and just didn’t look fit, but in four from a better starting position it could have been a different story.
Ireland Handicap (1.10) I have been allocated the David Hayes training World herowho has only had four runs in Hong Kong.He is wearing blinkers so is probably not focused but can hopefully show some improvement.
Japan’s contract has been extended
My trip to Happy Valley will be a short one as I will be heading straight back to Tokyo to continue my short term contract in Japan which I am happy to have extended.
My husband Tom (Marquand) and I were due to leave before Christmas, but we are very grateful to the Japan Racing Association that we will be staying until the 13th of January.
Tom has had a great start, taking his tally to seven winners with two wins at the Japan Cup weekend and I’m looking forward to riding a few more myself before heading home in the new year.
Holly Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.
Watch the LONGINES International Jockeys Championship live from Happy Valley on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 519) on Wednesday 6 December.
