A bit of local knowledge goes a long way for Hugh Bowman, who appeared pleasantly surprised at the outcome of the rides allocation for Wednesday’s (4 December) LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC).

Bowman was part of the delegation for a media briefing at Sha Tin on Monday morning (2 December) to discover what he would be riding in the popular event at Happy Valley.

He kicks off with Mark Newnham’s Notthesillyone in the 1st Leg (1000m) followed by Jumbo Fortune, second three times in five starts for David Eustace, in the 2nd Leg (1650m).

Later in the card, he has Lovero for Tony Cruz in the 3rd Leg (1650m) and rounds the night off for the same trainer aboard last-time winner Gustosisimo in the 4th Leg (1200m).

“Having been based here I have more of an understanding of the horses than I’ve had in previous times I’ve competed but I’ve got a couple of good rides,” Bowman said. “Jumbo Fortune and Gustosisimo, they’re both very good rides in my opinion.”

Australian-born Bowman, winner of the LONGINES World’s Best Jockey in 2017 and famed for his association with wonder mare Winx, has past history with the competition.

In his second full season on the Hong Kong roster, he is delighted to be taking on 11 other members of the international elite.

“I won it in 2016 and I’ve placed as well,” he said. “It’s just good to be a part of it and I’m representing Hong Kong (China) for the first time, which is really nice.”

After Wednesday, attention will turn to the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.

Bowman, who passed a century of Group 1 wins in 2022, is currently second in the overall standings behind Zac Purton and takes on his rival in a box-office edition of the HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m).

He partners John Size’s Helios Express, upon whom he rattled up a hat-trick of wins at Sha Tin last season. Most recently, the pair was third to Ka Ying Rising in the G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m)

“The Sprint and the Cup have standout horses in Ka Ying Rising and of course Romantic Warrior, but I feel Helios Express is a worthy contender in the Sprint,” Bowman said.

“I’m not sure whether he’s capable of beating the other horse at set weights but he’ll certainly race well.”

By Tom Peacock