Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup

WHERE: Sha Tin Race Course, Hong KongWHEN: April, 2008

Swiss watchmakers Audemars Piguet not only offer $2.3 million to the winner of this 2000m race, but a $1 million bonus if the winner has claimed one of the four other Hong Kong International races during the season. Small wonder Hong Kong now attracts some of the best horses, jockeys and trainers in the world. Held at the sleek Sha Tin Race Course, it’s extremely visitor friendly—tourists are able to purchase a Tourist Badge pass that gives them access to areas usually exclusive to members. Start with a cocktail at the 100-foot-long Champions Circle bar before moving onto the balcony overlooking the Parade Ring to judge the form, and then watch the race in the glass-walled Skylight Lounge overlooking the winning post. As for getting to the track, if you stay at the Peninsula Hotel they might drive you in one of the fleet of Rolls Royce’s they use to ferry guests.

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