The Hong Kong Classic Mile is typically a fierce contest, as was the case last year when the first two places were captured by Excellent Proposal and Lucky Express, both trained by John Size.

This is the first and shortest race in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series. Owners and trainers alike will be keen to see their horses successful in the hope of sealing a coveted place in the BMW Hong Kong Derby.

Many a superstar-to-be has contested the Hong Kong Classic Mile. Beauty Flash, Lucky Nine, Able Friend, Rapper Dragon, Beauty Only and Golden Sixty – the new local record holder with 19 career wins to date – have all won the race before springboarding to international Group 1 glory.

Trainer John Size and jockey Joao Moreira have taken home the trophy twice each in the past five years, a tremendous record.

The John Size-trained Excellent Proposal, ridden by Blake Shinn, wins the Hong Kong Classic Mile, first leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series (1600m), at Sha Tin Racecourse.
The John Size-trained Excellent Proposal, ridden by Blake Shinn, wins the Hong Kong Classic Mile, first leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series (1600m), at Sha Tin Racecourse.