Hong Kong Jockeys' Challenge set for today

All three former winners, including the effervescent Frankie Dettori, will be seen in action when the Hong Kong Jockey Club host the fourth International Jockeys' Challenge at Happy Valley today.

Leading French rider Olivier Peslier won the inaugural championship in 1998 with Dettori, who rides for Godolphin, securing top honours the following year and Germany's Andrasch winning last year.

The international jockey's line-up also includes Ireland's Mick Kinane, Britain's Kevin Darley, Australia's Damien Oliver, New Zealand's Shane Dye and the United States' Gary Stevens. They will be joined by three riders representing Hong Kong.

The championship comprises three legs – the third, fourth and sixth races on Wednesday evening's card. Twelve jockeys representing ten countries will compete.

Points are allocated to the top five finishers in each race: 12 points for winning; six points for coming in second; four points for coming in third; three points for coming in fourth; and two points for coming in fifth.

The jockey with the most points at the end of the competition will be awarded the top prize of HK$200,000. The runner-up will receive HK$100,000.

Dettori, who on Saturday wowed fans in Mauritius when riding three winners in the island's jockeys' challenge, backed the concept saying it 'is growing bigger and bigger every year.'

"You look at the names involved this year and the countries they represent, and you have to be impressed," the Italian said on the HKJC's website. "Olivier Peslier from France, Gary Stevens from the United States, Yutaka Take from Japan. These are the riders who regularly compete at the world's greatest racetracks."

"It's a wonderful thing for spectators, and it's a great thing for us, because we work so hard in our individual areas during the year, and then get together in Hong Kong right at the end of it," he added.

"The championship races are just the right distances. Nobody really gets an advantage from the barrier draw." Dettori's three mounts are Noble Boy, Super Splendid and Kindred Spirits.

Peslie will be aboard Blessing's Partner, Successful Spirit and Born Dragon respectively and Starke' on Telecom Prince, Romantic Venture and Huangdi.

Felix Coetzee, one of the three jockeys representing Hong Kong, who will be making his debut in the championship said: "It's really an honour to be invited. I've ridden against guys like Frankie and Mick Kinane before, but never in a competition such as this. Hey, I'm pleased, proud and excited to be part of it."

The riders: Felix Coetzee, Dougals Whyte, Eddie Lai (Hong Kong); Kevin Darley (United Kingdom); Frankie Dettori (United Arab Emirates); Shane Dye (New Zealand); Mick Kinane (Ireland) Damien Oliver (Australia); Olivier Peslier (France); Andrasch Starke (Germany) Gary Stevens (United States); Douglas Whyte (Hong Kong); Yutaka Take (Japan)