The beauty of sport lies not only in the competition itself but also in the connections it forges across borders, cultures and generations. In recent weeks, I have been reminded time and again of how racing and sport can act as a bridge — whether through international partnerships, youth development initiatives or the global stage of elite competition. From France to Hong Kong, from Japan to Great Britain, the spirit of collaboration and excellence continues to shine.
Last weekend, I was honoured to attend Deauville Racecourse in France, where I had the pleasure of presenting trophies for two feature contests staged in partnership with France Galop on Saturday (16 August).
The G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club (2000m) was a fine race, ultimately taken in impressive fashion by FIRST LOOK, trained by the legendary Andre Fabre. Shortly afterwards, the Hong Kong Jockey Club – Grand Handicap des Sprinters (1200m) produced another exciting spectacle, with FORCHESTER emerging victorious for trainer Edouard Monfort. Both races carried the name of our Club, a visible symbol of the strong and enduring collaboration between Hong Kong and French racing.
This partnership is further reinforced each year in Hong Kong, when we celebrate the France-themed French May as part of our Happy Wednesday festivities programme at Happy Valley races. These reciprocal events are not merely ceremonial – they demonstrate a deep, ongoing commitment to global horse racing development, the exchange of expertise and the fostering of international competition. It is through such alliances that we elevate our sport, inspire owners and connect with fans around the world.
We were also active at the recent Arqana Sale in France, where we secured three promising yearlings. Each of them is bred with the attributes we believe will suit the demands of Hong Kong racing, and we are confident they have the potential to develop into top-class performers in the years ahead.
Our commitment to international exchange extends beyond racing. Recently, we were proud to host the Manchester United Academy Under-16 team for the JC Youth Football Academy Summit in Hong Kong. Over the course of a week, the young players engaged in a series of exhibition matches against two local academy sides, providing invaluable opportunities for learning, competition and cultural exchange.
The event was about more than football. It was about bringing young people together across backgrounds to share experiences and build friendships, while also gaining insight into elite sporting environments. The presence of Manchester United legends Peter Schmeichel and Phil Jones added an extra layer of inspiration for our youth players, who were able to learn firsthand from individuals who have excelled at the very highest level.
Through initiatives such as these, the Club continues to support youth development and community enrichment, aligning our sporting role with a wider social mission that touches lives across Hong Kong.
On the racing front, I am eagerly anticipating the World All-Star Jockeys event in Japan this coming weekend. It is a competition which brings together elite riders from around the world, showcasing their skills across multiple rides in a team format.
Hong Kong will be proudly represented by two outstanding jockeys: Karis Teetan and Alexis Badel. Both are riders of proven international calibre. Karis’ tactical sharpness and competitive spirit have been central to his consistent success in Hong Kong, while Alexis has recently underlined his versatility during a triumphant short-term stint in Japan. Together, they embody the quality of Hong Kong’s riding ranks and will no doubt make strong contributions to Team WAS (World All-Star).
The World All-Star Jockeys series is a festival of horsemanship and camaraderie, and I wish Karis and Alexis every success as they fly the Hong Kong flag in Japan.
But before that, attention shifts to Great Britain on Wednesday night (20 August), where York Racecourse stages the Ebor Festival. The first three days are part of the expanding World Pool programme and will be simulcast live, highlighting once again how Hong Kong sits at the heart of global wagering innovation.
Wednesday’s feature, the G1 International Stakes (2051m), carded as (S1-4) and going to post at 10.35pm, is one of the world’s premier weight-for-age races. This year, OMBUDSMAN (William Buick), with an international rating of 127 and joint-top in the latest LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, looks well poised to make his mark. He’ll again be going up against DELACROIX (Ryan Moore), who is rated 126 and sits just behind OMBUDSMAN in fourth in the rankings. He beat Aidan O’Brien’s charge so impressively last time out at Sandown, but with proven form at Group 1 level and the ability to quicken decisively, I think Ombudsman has the attributes required to prevail over the Knavesmire and underline his claims as one of Europe’s best middle-distance horses.
On Thursday (21 August), the focus shifts to the fillies and mares in the G1 Yorkshire Oaks (2381m), carded as (S2-4) and scheduled for 10.35pm. Among a high-class field, I am especially drawn to MINNIE HAUK (Ryan Moore), a Frankel filly of considerable potential. She has shown progressive form through the season and, with her pedigree and stamina profile, looks ideally suited to York’s galloping track. Should she deliver on her promise, she may well confirm her place among the leading contenders for autumn targets in Europe.
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