Flying Dancer was the winner of the inaugural Hong Kong Invitation cup, which was run in January, 1988. The race was limited to horses from Malaysia and Singapore.

Horses from Australia and New Zealand were added in 1989. In 1990 horses from Europe were admitted and those from the United States became eligible in 1991. Canadian and Japanese trained horses were added in 1992.

In 1990 the race was moved to mid December, except for 1992 when the race was run in April, 1993, because of a equine virus which forced temporary suspension of racing in Hong Kong.

Other Group One races held during the International Race Day are the Hong Kong Mile, 1600 metres; the Hong Kong Vase, 2400 metres; and the Hong Kong Sprint, 1200 metres. The total purse for all four races is HK$62,000,000 (US$7,980,000).

Last 3YO to win: Ireland (2004)

Multiple winners: Romantic Warrior (2022 & 2023); California Memory (2011 & 2012)

Fastest time (2000m): Romantic Warrior (2022) 1:59:70

Leading jockey: Frankie Dettori with 3 wins (Ramonti 2007; Falbrav 2003; Fantastic Light 2000).

Leading trainers: Anthony S Cruz with 3 wins (Time Warp 2017; California Memory 2012; California Memory 2011)

Interesting trivia: The oldest winner was Fujiyama Kenzan who was a 7YO when he won in 1995.

Designs On Rome, with Joao Moreira up and trained by John Moore, won the 2014 cup. The five-year-old toured the 2000 metres in 2.01.96. Other winners include: Akeed Mofeed in 2013, California Memory in 2012, Alexander Goldrun, 2004; Falbrav, 2003; Precision, 2002; Agnes Digital, 2001; Fantastic Light, 2000; Jim and Tonic, 1999; Midnight Bet, 1998; Val’s Prince, 1997; First Island, 1996; and Fujiyama Kenzan, the oldest winner at seven, 1995.

Frankie Dettori is the only jockey to have won the Hong Kong Cup three times. He was aboard Fantastic Light in 2000, Falbrav in 2003 and Ramonti in 2007. Gerald Mosse guided River Verdon to victory in 1991 and Jim and Tonic in 1999. California Memory is the only horse to have won the race twice (2011 and 2012).