Over the past week, a big talking point in European racing is the British Horseracing Authority's introduction of stringent new rules on use of the whip, a decision that has generated so much controversy that the BHA has already had to agree to amendments. The original rule, brought in about three weeks ago, limited jockeys’ use of the whip in flat races to a maximum seven strikes in each race, of which only five could be delivered in the final furlong. Offending jockeys were not only liable to suspension, but would also forfeit their riding fees and share of prize money.
The new rules quickly attracted a fiery response in British racing circles after several prominent jockeys fell foul of the rules in the first few days. But what really brought the matter to a head was the penalty suffered by Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon when he was adjudged to have struck Cirrus des Aigles just one time too many in the final furlong when riding the horse to victory in the £1.3 million G1 Champion Stakes at Ascot. It cost him his huge share of prize money amounting to some £52,000, or around HK$660,000. Soumillon argued, with some justification, that it was almost impossible to tell when he’d passed the final furlong mark in the heat of battle, and he had effectively been penalised for good riding rather than bad.
After meeting with jockey representatives, the British authorities agreed to amend the new rules last Friday. They have dropped the rule about five strikes in the final furlong, although the maximum seven strikes for flat race still applies, and also amended the penalty structure. Jockeys will no longer lose their riding fee if they get banned for a whip offence, and will only forfeit their prize money percentage if the offence carries a suspension of seven days or more. The new arrangement has been applied retrospectively, so Soumillon and the other jockeys involved will have their winnings reimbursed.
Although the BHA made their concessions, the jockeys’ association is still pressing the authorities to make further amendments to the rules, mainly on the maximum number of strikes they can make in each race. I think this rule may have a long-lasting effect of British racing, possibly even hindering its future development. But this is a complex issue and I will follow future happenings closely to see how the situation develops.
Back here in Hong Kong, I was saddened to learn the news yesterday that our former Horse of the Year Vengeance Of Rain had passed away in New Zealand at the relatively young age of 11.
I'm sure many of our racing fans will have the same fond memories as me of this wonderful champion, a six-time Group 1 winner and the first horse to notch up a Derby, APQEII Cup, Champions and Chater Cup and Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup quadruple in the same calendar year. After suffering heart irregularities in 2006 and being sidelined for 10 months, he showed tremendous character in returning to the top level of the game and winning the Hong Kong Gold Cup and the Dubai Sheema Classic in 2007. Indeed his career achievements might well have been even higher but for another bout of heart problems that forced his early retirement in 2008.
To me, Vengeance Of Rain represented an era, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest racehorses in Hong Kong's racing history. His passing is a sad loss for the local sport, and I think you can imagine the feelings of Owner Raymond Gianco Chow and his family, who have frequently travelled to New Zealand in recent years to visit their beloved horse in his retirement home, the same place where he was foaled. My deepest sympathies go to the Chow family. We will never forget the huge contribution this true champion made to Hong Kong racing.
After Sunday’s very successful afternoon meeting at Happy Valley, tonight we return to the city track’s more normal fare of night racing. This meeting also marks the finale of our popular Oktoberfest themed nights. As Halloween is also coming soon, we’ve decided to add that theme to the party too, and racegoers with the best Halloween costume can win cash vouchers. So get your most scary outfit from the wardrobe – you won't even need to dust it off! – and join us for a fascinating and eventful race night.
In our Valley races tonight, we have a HK$1.8 million Six Win Bonus jackpot, with the estimated dividend at HK$5 million. In the first leg, the Pak Wo Handicap (1st section), it is expected to be run at a good pace with Superior Warrior in the lead. Snitzel Kid, Epee De Hua and Turin Champion will be on his heels. Snitzel Kid is working well and with his current form, as well as the draw and Brett Prebble on board, I think he will be the horse to beat. Superior Warrior has a good chance for top-three finish, as well as Soldier who ran well last time at Valley over 1000m. I think he should improve with the extra 200m to run in this race. Sharema Feeling is working well and was unlucky in his last start. He has the potential to give us a surprise, but it will be his first start at the Valley and starting from Gate 9 would probably make it more difficult for him.
The Shek Wu Hui Handicap over 1800m is likely to run at a slow pace, which should favour horses in front of the field. Last time winner Supreme Tycoon should be able to lead from Gate 2 and is a good place chance for me. However, last time second Healthy Contender, who will start from Gate 3 with Douglas Whyte on board, has a good chance to turn the table this time and win the race tonight. Mega Castle steps up to 1800m and is a top-three hopeful for me with his good form, good trackwork and being drawn well in Gate 5 and expected to be on the pace. Richard Gibson-trained Kung Hei Fat Choi, who ran a close fourth in both of his previous starts this season, is the other interesting contender for me.
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