- Source: CNN " data-fave-thumbnails="{"big": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/181203100621-hkir-tease-image.jpg?q=x_10,y_195,h_2037,w_3620,c_crop/h_540,w_960" }, "small": { "uri": "https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/181203100621-hkir-tease-image.jpg?q=x_10,y_195,h_2037,w_3620,c_crop/h_540,w_960" } }" data-vr-video="false" data-show-html="" data-byline-html="
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Published 9:13 AM EST, Mon December 3, 2018
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HONG KONG - DECEMBER 13: Ryan Moore riding Highland Reel of United Kingdom winning Race 4, The Longines Hong Kong Vase during the Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin racecourse on December 13, 2015 in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. (Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images)
The Hong Kong International Races
01:52 - Source: CNN
CNN  — 

It’s one of the highlights of the racing calendar, a fan favorite for decades with $12 million at stake.

The Hong Kong International Races returns this week with world-class jockeys and thoroughbreds doing battle over four Group 1 races on the turf of the Sha Tin Racecourse.

The bumper prize money is spread across the Hong Kong Sprint, the Hong Kong Vase, the Hong Kong Mile and the showpiece Hong Kong Cup on December 9.

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The International Races debuted in January 1988 and has grown to become one of Hong Kong’s best-loved sports events.

Close to 100,000 racegoers attended in 2017 and similar crowds are anticipated again this year when once again the title of the “World’s Best Jockey” will awarded.