Espinoza joins jockey competition

Victor Espinoza has been selected to represent the United States in the International Jockeys Championship at Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong on Dec. 10.

Espinoza, who will ride Sarafan in the Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin on Dec. 14, completes the field of 11 visiting riders in the competition. Meanwhile, Olivier Peslier has been named to replace Mirco Demuro, who is under suspension.

Espinoza and Peslier will join Frankie Dettori, Shane Dye, Kieren Fallon, Michael Kinane, Damien Oliver, Christophe Soumillon, Andrasch Starke, Yutaka Take, defending champion Doug Whyte, and whoever is the leading Hong Kong rider through Dec. 7.

Meanwhile, Ange Gabriel and Ana Marie have been taken out of the Hong Kong Cup after subpar performances in Sunday's Japan Cup.