Enough of an established name to have been invited to the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) as far back as six years ago, Colin Keane nonetheless returns to Hong Kong in 2024 at a time when his stock has never been higher.



From his two previous visits for the prestigious competition, the 30-year-old has managed to familiarise himself with Happy Valley enough to have reached the winner’s enclosure on a couple of occasions and finished in the overall runner-up spot behind Silvestre de Sousa on his 2018 debut.



The Irishman is a record-breaker at home in terms of numbers of winners with a score of 141 set in 2021, an impressive total from a scene where there are many fewer opportunities and race meetings than in the likes of Great Britain and France.



Keane is also freshly minted as Irish Champion Jockey for the sixth time and his fifth in a row, passing the mark of his legendary compatriot Johnny Murtagh.



He is proud to have been given the call-up again for the competition on 4 December.



“I'm delighted to get the invitation to go back again for the international jockeys' challenge after riding in it twice before Covid," Keane said.



“It was a very unique experience with the racetrack in the middle of the city and a great atmosphere and occasion. I rode a winner on my first ride there in the first challenge race in 2018 and was lucky enough to win another leg in 2019.

“He ran really good at Sha Tin. I think he needs a little bit further and the draw (1) he’s got is going to be a big help and maybe a bit of cut in the going might help him, too,” Teetan said.



Speedster Glory Elite makes his first appearance at the city circuit in a competitive Class 2 Chek Lap Kok Handicap (1200m) for jockey Derek Leung and trainer Jimmy Ting.



“He’s a nice horse and it’s his first time going to Happy Valley because of the programme, there are not many options. We have an outside draw (10), so hopefully he can handle it,” Leung said.



The Russian Revolution gelding has finished either first or second in his past six starts, which includes three wins by a combined margin of eight lengths.



“He’s a very good galloper and he just keeps going. You can see his fitness is getting better and better and I think this time his form is no problem, it’s just that it is his first run at Happy Valley,” Leung said. “We think he can handle it. He’s big (1,220lb body weight) but he’s well balanced and we still need to see because it is his first time.”



Ben Thompson takes six rides at the Valley, led by familiar ally Courier Magic in the second section of the Kwu Tung Handicap against Can’t Go Wong.



“He’s drawn well (two) which has eluded him more often than not, so to come up with barrier two – it’s a great result – and with a light weight, he’s in good form, so hopefully he can get back in the winner’s stall,” Thompson said.



The Jamie Richards-trained galloper was Thompson’s first Hong Kong win last March. The 43-rater has broken from barriers eight, nine and 10 from three runs this term.



The Hong Kong Institute Of Surveyors 40th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1200m) is the night’s trophy race where Triumphant More is aiming to remain unbeaten.



Wednesday’s (20 November) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Lau Fau Shan Handicap (1650m).