In midweek we staged the first night meeting of 2013 at Happy Valley, where we registered a high turnover well over the billion dollar mark, reaching HK$1,064 million. This figure was even higher than the turnover we registered at the special season finale meeting on the same track back in July 2010.
A strong momentum has been carrying on since late December. It’s a good sign from a racing operator’s perspective and it seems that the absence of both Douglas Whyte and Zac Purton due to suspension did not impact turnover. This may well be seen as a reflection of our racing fans’ increased focus on the races and horses, rather than just purely following certain jockeys and betting on their rides. Whatever the reason, it’s good to see that the figures continue on the up as it means there will be more tax revenues to the Government and more funding for various charities and community projects.
With Whyte and Purton not in action on Wednesday, the opportunity was there for other jockeys to add to their winning tallies. This was the case as the eight races were won by eight different jockeys, including three Club Jockeys who joined us in mid-season – Tom Queally, Umberto Rispoli and Neil Callan. With their victories, they clearly showed that they are well-equipped to compete in the highly competitive racing environment here in Hong Kong. Hopefully their decent performances will earn more support from the horses’ connections, thus making Hong Kong racing even more exciting and competitive.
I believe many local racing fans enjoy having these famous top-class jockeys riding in Hong Kong, watching their determined spirit and sublime race-riding skills. Our racing fans have developed a more global outlook in recent years, being more interested in news about overseas racing and top horses from other jurisdictions.
That being the case, I’m sure some of you would know that the Japan Racing Association announced earlier this week the list of winners for the 2012 JRA Awards. This included a few names which are familiar to Hong Kong racing fans, such as Japan Cup winner Gentildonna who was crowned Japanese Horse of the Year, LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint winner Lord Kanaloa as the Best Sprinter of the Year, Arc runner-up Orfevre as the Best Older Horse, and the now-retired Curren Chan as the Best Older Filly and Mare.
I watched Gentildonna’s performance in the Japan Cup in Tokyo in November. I believe that from the way this filly won that race, many would agree with me that she’s definitely a rising star with potential to make a big impact on the international racing scene. That superb performance, combined with her achievements as the Fillies’ Triple Crown winner in Japan last year, make her a thoroughly deserving winner of this coveted title. Her connections expressed earlier that they will be planning an overseas campaign for her in 2013, with the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October being her ultimate target. I believe many international horsemen will pay close attention on this filly to see how she fares in those major events in both Japan and on foreign soil.
I’m sure we in Hong Kong will have the chance to watch at least some if not all of her live performances in future simulcasts. But for now, let’s turn our focus back to local racing, as there will be 10 races on offer at Sha Tin this afternoon. The Beas River Handicap is a very competitive Class 2 1400m event, with an expanded rating band of 105 to 80. The expected good pace will not disadvantage any runner, with Berio the most likely leader. Fulfil A Wish can take the box seat inside of King Of Reason, with Green Eagle and New Vision behind them in midfield. Beauty Flash from Gate 11 is at risk to be trapped wide, while Let Me Handle It and Akeed Mofeed could be sitting just behind midfield.
Cosmic Boom from Gate 13 will likely be going back and this applies to last time winner Flash Knight from Gate 14. Both horses work very well and despite the draw, the good pace should help them and they are both win and place chances for me. Cosmic Boom is trying the 1400m distance for the first time, but as a four-year-old he has further potential in my view and is my first choice. Green Eagle is fancy for a place finish but the most exciting horse with the most potential in the field is Akeed Mofeed, who was a very impressive winner of a Listed Race in Ireland over 1600m and has been bought to Hong Kong for a significant amount of money. He has settled in well and will improve from this outing, but he has the class to run a place in his Hong Kong debut. As an outsider I also like New Vision who is drawn better than he did in his last run.
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