The race was first held on 12 December 1999 over 1000m and was won by a horse called Fairy King Prawn. It was held as a Group 3 race in 2000, a Group 2 race in 2001 and then was upgraded to a Group 1 in 2002.The distance was increased to 1200m in 2006.

Other Group One races held during the International Race Day are the Hong Kong Cup (2000m), the Hong Kong Vase (2400m) and the Hong Kong Mile (1600m). The total purse for all four races is HK$118,000,000..

Last 3YO to win: no 3YO has won

Multiple winners: Mr Stunning (2017 & 2018); Aerovelocity (2014 & 2016); Lord Kanaloa (2012 & 2013); Sacred Kingdom (2007 & 2009); Silent Witness (2003 & 2004); Falvelon (2000 & 2001).

Fastest time (1200m): Absolute Champion (2006) 1:07:80

Leading jockey: Two jockeys have won this race 3 times each. Zac Purton (2014, 2016 & 2023); Brett Prebble (2006, 2009 & 2011).

Leading trainers: Ricky Yui with 3 wins (1999, 2007 & 2009)

Interesting trivia: The oldest winner was Aerovelocity who was an 8YO when he won in 2014.

Past winners include Silent Witness, Absolute Champion, Sacred Kingdom, Lucky Nine and Aerovelocity.