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Hong Kong Derby

Hong Kong Derby
Group One race
2009 Hong Kong Derby.JPG
The start of the 2009 Hong Kong Derby
Location Sha Tin Racecourse
Hong Kong
Inaugurated 1873
Race type Thoroughbred
Website Hong Kong Derby
Race information
Distance 2000m (10 furlongs)
Surface Turf
Track Right-handed
Qualification Four-years-old only
Weight Colt/Gelding: 126 lbs (57.2 kg)
Filly: 122 lbs. (55.3 kg)
Purse HK$18 million

The Hong Kong Derby is a Hong Kong Thoroughbred horse race held annually since 1873. Restricted to horses four-years-old only since 1981, the race is run in mid-March and is the premier event on the domestic racing programme with a purse of HK$18 million (app. US$2.3 million).

The first Hong Kong Derby was raced at Happy Valley Racecourse but in 1979 was transferred permanently to its present location at Sha Tin Racecourse.

Since 1981, the Derby has been won by several horses who went on to earn Hong Kong Horse of the Year honors including Football, Co-Tack, Yuno When and River Verdon. In 2003, Elegant Fashion became the first filly to win the Derby since 1976.

From 2004 to 2012, the race was sponsored by Mercedes-Benz. It is sponsored by BMW since 2013.

The racing distance of the Hong Kong Derby has varied over the years. From 2000 to present, the distance has been 2000 metres, with the starting point in front of the Sha Tin grandstand. From 1977 to 1999, the race was held over 1800m. From 1973 to 1976, the distance was 2230m. From 1967 to 1972, the distance was "From The Two Mile Post Once Round & In" (1 mile 171 yards.) From 1963 to 1966, the distance was 1 1/4 mile. In 1961 & 1962, the distance was "From the Half Mile Post Once Round & In" (1 mile 3 furlongs 65 yards.) From 1947 to 1960, the distance was 1 1/2 mile.


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