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Monday, September 22, 2014Contact: Andrew Chesser
+1-859-224-2741
Longines World’s Best Jockey To Be Honoured In Hong Kong

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), LONGINES, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club announced today that the jockey with the best performance in the world’s highest-rated races will be honored at the inaugural LONGINES WORLD’S BEST JOCKEY award ceremony at the gala dinner of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, which is scheduled for 12 December 2014 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The scoring for the award will be based upon performances in the 100 highest-rated Group 1 and Grade 1 races as established for the year by the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Committee. The scoring will incorporate races from 1 December of the previous year until 30 November of the current year.  Jockeys accrue 12 points for a win, 6 points for placing second, and 4 points for placing third.  The rules of the points system can be found at ifhaonline.org.

Currently, Irish jockey Joseph P. O'Brien and Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon lead the race for the LONGINES WORLD’S BEST JOCKEY with 72 points. They are followed closely by Ryan L. Moore with 70 points.

The remaining races and past results for the year can be found at ifhaonline.org.

The utilization of the top 100 Group 1 and Grade 1 races and the corresponding LONGINES WORLD’S BEST JOCKEY award mark the first occasion that a jockey will be quantitatively recognized as the best among his or her global peers.

IFHA Chairman Louis ROMANET:

“It is entirely appropriate that the accomplishments of the world’s best jockeys are recognized internationally. Jockeys are incredible athletes and their amazing feats of skill and daring bring millions of fans to the sport around the world. The LONGINES WORLD’S BEST JOCKEY award is a proud joint initiative of the IFHA and LONGINES, and we are very thankful to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for hosting the award ceremony”

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

“Longines is thrilled to present the first LONGINES WORLD’S BEST JOCKEY award during the gala dinner of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. In the same spirit as the Longines Best World’s Racehorse Awards, this event will honor a jockey whose achievements showcase the commonly held values of Longines and the IFHA, namely tradition, elegance, and performance. ”

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

“The Hong Kong Jockey Club is pleased to join with Longines and the IFHA in hosting the inaugural LONGINES WORLD”S BEST JOCKEY award ceremony. The Longines Hong Kong International Races are a celebration of excellence making this new award a perfect fit.”

The LONGINES Hong Kong International Races gala dinner is scheduled for Friday 12 December. The LONGINES Hong Kong International Races are held on Sunday 14 December at Sha Tin Racecourse. The week-long programme also includes the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday 10 December.
 
About IFHA


The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) is the world peak body for the international sport of thoroughbred racing.  Its members are the national racing authorities across the globe which stage thoroughbred races.  Collectively these countries account for annual raceday attendance of more than 100 million people, total wagering turnover of some €90 billion and 170,000 races per year.   The Federation organizes the annual International Conference, now in its 48th year.
 
Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:
  • -Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering (the IABRW).  The IABRW was first published in 1974 and sets out the definition of the thoroughbred and the core requirements for the organisation of racing events and the health and welfare of jockeys and horses.
  • -Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
  • -International Race Planning and Grading (“black type”)
  • -World Rankings
  • -Equine Prohibited Substances and Practices
  • -Harmonisation of Race Day Rules
  • -Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally
The IFHA is a foundation member of the International Horse Sports Confederation and is affiliated to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
 
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 140 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 JOCKEY CEREMONY, please contact:
 
Andrew Chesser
Deputy Secretary General, International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)
Telephone +1 859 224 2741
Email achesser@jockeyclub.com
 
Longines International Public Relations
2610 Saint-Imier, Switzerland
Email: publicrelations@longines.com 


 
E-Mail : achesser@jockeyclub.com