Hong Kong Cup:

Total Prize: HK$20,000,000 (approx. US$2.4 million)

Official Website: http://www.hkjc.com

First run: 1988

Qualification: Group 1 Open Handicap, 3yo+

Distance: 2000 metres (1 ¼ miles)

Course & Race Record: 2:00.90 Falbrav 2003

Track: Turf, right handed.

Track Bias: The 2000m start is just before the winning post and runs straight into the first corner which tends to string out the field, an inside draw can be an advantage to gain an on-pace position. The long back straight allows back-markers to start their moves, but it is an advantage to be on pace by the time the field is rounding the final corner. Once they hit the 400m mark most winners come from on pace, but in 2006 French horse Pride came from last of 12 runners to win by a short head.

History: The race dates back to 1988 when it was won by Flying Dancer over a distance of 1800. At that time it was  restricted mainly to local horses but very quickly was opened up to Australia and New Zealand and then to the world  by 1992. It was increased to the 2000m distance for the running of the 1999 race and has now been won by Horses from nearly all the participating countries.

Past Winners: Jim & Tonic 1999 (French Hall of Fame) Fantastic Light 2000, Falbrav 2003 (current record holder who also won the Japan Cup 2002), Ramonti 2007, Snow Fairy 2010 (also won the QE11 Commemorative Cup Japan).

Lead Up Form: Various depending on countries. Group 1 wins over 2000m (10 furlongs) good indicator.

Related Races: Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Vase, Hong Kong Sprint

Statistics & Trends: No horse has won the race more than once but Godolphin have won this race in 2000 and 2007, both time with jockey Frankie Dettori, he also won in 2003 for Luca Cumani making him the top multiple winner of the race.

Betting on the Hong Kong Cup is available from online bookmakers such as Sportsbet.com.au.