Eight Hong Kong trainers have learned which nation, or one of two possible nations, their horse is linked to ahead of Happy Valley’s football-themed feature on Wednesday night (8 July), when the city track hosts the EIGHT TO GLORY, Presented by Lenovo (1650m handicap). The event is carded as Race 4 and will be run at 8.10pm.

In the unique eight-runner event, each horse will symbolise one of the eight remaining nations as the football tournament enters the quarter-final stage, with connections learning whose hopes they will carry in the race at a special draw which took place on Monday morning (6 July).

Jockeys will sport specially designed silks inspired by the flags and national colours of the country they symbolise, with four quarter-finalists determined by Monday and the remainder to be confirmed by Wednesday.

Englishman David Eustace, whose entry, Podium, will race in Norway colours under Matthew Poon, is himself an avid football fan, and said his stable team are embracing the competition.

“The boys do follow it,” Eustace said.

The field for the special race consists of Forza Toro (133lb), who will be ridden by Joao Moreira in Portugal or Spain colours, Sturdy Ruby (133lb, Vincent Ho, Argentina or Egypt), Superb Kid (129lb, Jerry Chau, Morocco), The Azure (127lb, Zac Purton, Switzerland or Colombia), Lucky Year (126lb, Andrea Atzeni, USA or Belgium), Precision Hope (121lb), Star Elegance (119lb, Lyle Hewitson, England) and Podium (119lb).

Eustace’s in-form Podium has won two of his last three starts.

“This horse has been great for the stable. He’s won three races and is in good form, and it was a logical race to go to,” Eustace said.

“The tournament only comes around every four years. It’ll be good to be a part of it,” he added.

Australian David Hayes saddles Precision Hope, who is winless from eight attempts in his debut season but ran a creditable second last time out. He will be ridden by Alexis Badel, who will sport French colours in the contest,

“It’s an interesting concept, and I think it’ll get a bit of attention. It’s a good idea, and I’m happy to have a runner. And I’ve got a horse with a real live chance in it. Let’s hope he wins – it will be his first cup! But he ran a good second last start, and he’s held his form,” Hayes said.

With the draw complete, attention now turns to Happy Valley, where the eight runners will line up in the colours of their assigned nations in one of the season’s most distinctive contests.

Wednesday’s (8 July) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley starts at 6.30pm with the Class 5 Kick Off Handicap (1000m).