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Tuesday, November 19, 2013Contact: Bill Nader
+ 852 2966 5901
LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Ceremony to be held in Hong Kong

LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSE CEREMONY TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG

Three Highest Rated Horses on LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings to be honored for the first time at LONGINES Hong Kong International Races Gala Dinner

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), LONGINES, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club announced today that the top three horses on the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings will be recognized during the LONGINES WORLD’s BEST RACEHORSE CEREMONY at the gala dinner of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, which is scheduled for 6th December 2013 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings are horse racing’s equivalent to world rankings by other major sporting organizations and are based on the ratings earned by horses running worldwide from North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The ratings are compiled under the auspices of the IFHA by racing officials and handicappers representing the five continents.

This is the first year in which connections of the three highest rated horses on the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings will be honored at the gala dinner of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.

IFHA Chairman Louis ROMANET:

“The LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings is a premier and unique classification of the best horses throughout the world with representation from an international panel of racing officials and handicappers. It is the honor of the IFHA and LONGINES to recognize the top three rated horses in the LONGINES rankings on 6th December in Hong Kong, and we are very grateful to the Hong Kong Jockey Club to serve as host.”

Vice-President and Head of International Marketing of LONGINES Juan-Carlos CAPELLI:

“LONGINES and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities have a natural partnership as both organizations share the same values of tradition, elegance, and performance. We are very pleased to be able to honor jointly the world’s best racehorses at the gala dinner during the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.”

Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and IFHA Vice-Chairman Winfried ENGELBRECHT-BRESGES:

“International racing reaches a climax each year with the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship and the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club is delighted to welcome owners, trainers, jockeys, and racing visitors from around the world to this very special racing festival. Many of the finest racehorses in the world will be competing here, and it is our special privilege to host the first LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSE CEREMONY in Hong Kong.”

The LONGINES Hong Kong International Races gala dinner is scheduled for Friday 6th December. The LONGINES Hong Kong International Races are held on Sunday 8th December at Sha Tin Racecourse. The week-long festivities also include the LONGINES International Jockey Championship at Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday 4th December.
 
The LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 1st January through 6th October 2013 can be found at ifhaonline.org. The next edition of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings will be published on Thursday 28th November 2013.
 
 
About IFHA
 
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) is a federation comprising racing authorities from approximately 60 member countries throughout the world. Every year, the federation organizes the International Conference, which updates the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering endorsed by the conference in 1974.
 
 
About LONGINES
 
LONGINES has been based at Saint-Imier in Switzerland since 1832. Its watchmaking expertise reflects a strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. LONGINES has generations of experience as official timekeeper of world championships and as partner of international sports federation. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, LONGINES is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the world’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 130 countries.
 
About The Hong Kong Jockey Club
 
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organizations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognized as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organization, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
 
Contact:
 
For further details on the LONGINES WORLD’S BEST RACEHORSE CEREMONY and LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, please contact:
 
Bill Nader
Executive Director, Racing, Hong Kong Jockey Club
Telephone + 852 2966 5901
Email william.a.nader@hkjc.org.hk
 
Andrew Chesser
International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)
Telephone +1 859 224 2741
Email achesser@jockeyclub.com