Most racing fans would have been very satisfied with the double Hong Kong Group 1 action at Sha Tin last Sunday. A great performance by rising star Gold-Fun in the Hong Kong Classic Mile brought trainer Richard Gibson his first G1 triumph since his move to Hong Kong, while John Size produced the outstanding miler Glorious Days to land the horse’s first top-flight success in the Stewards’ Cup, the first leg of the Hong Kong Triple Crown.
With Zac Purton giving him intense competition in the jockeys’ premiership this term, Douglas Whyte achieved this great double and adding another winner on the day meant that he and Zac went home on Sunday with just a single winner separating them. But Douglas will have to serve a three-day suspension, starting next week, meaning that Zac has an opportunity to gain the advantage again and try racking up his tally. Anyway, I believe these two outstanding sportsmen will ensure a sensational battle right through to the end of the season.
I noticed that a couple of runners produced a nice run in both races, including Dan Excel who ran really well for a runner-up position in the Stewards’ Cup. That effort replicated the form of his early career when he competed against the likes of top-class horses such as So You Think and Treasure Beach back in Ireland. Another that caught my eye was Classic Mile 4th Ashkiyr who ran gallantly in only his second start in Hong Kong. It’s obvious that the mile distance is on the short side for him as the horse surely needs 2000m or more if you refer to his past performances in France. So let’s see if he can continue to improve and do better in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) in the upcoming two months.
Zac also praised the good performance of Classic Mile runner-up Garlic Boy, and he told me that it was a good effort by this young horse, especially as the race was run in such a fast tempo and yet the horse was still able to close out well from the back with a strong finish. It was the first time that Garlic Boy had competed in such a fast paced race, but he still performed well, showing that he is still improving and learning. I would keep an eye on the preparation and progress of this quality horse leading into the big race in March.
It’s thoroughly pleasing to watch these top horses battle it out and perform to their best in these major races. For myself, I think it’s also enjoyable to watch top sports figures performing to their peak in other sporting fields, and I had the opportunity at the weekend to chat with a local sports star and get to know more about his personal stories and the secrets of his success.
Prior to Sunday’s racing, I met outstanding local paralympic athlete So Wah-wai when attending the Club-sponsored event – i-Run – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2013. 
Most locals would be very familiar with Wah-wai as he won a total of six Paralympics gold medals in his career, being the best ever paralympics athlete in Hong Kong. Despite having achieved so many international honours for himself and Hong Kong, I can feel that he remains a very humble and hardworking figure as he told me that he has been indifferent to the fame his sporting prowess has brought him over the years and continues his usual training day in and day out. Despite his physical disabilities, it was these huge efforts and perseverance in training which shaped his success for years. I think his hardworking attitude is admirable and an example for all.
The Club has donated nearly HK$1 million to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals in hosting this year’s event, and I would say the cause is worthy of every penny. Certainly we would love to offer more donation support to similar events and that relies on your continued support to our racing sport, which generates more revenue for charitable purposes and also to the public coffer.
Tonight at Happy Valley we will host another night meeting. Among the eight races on the card, I will be interested to watch the Craigengower Cricket Club Challenge Cup, a Class 3 1200m handicap which is run as Race 6 and the last leg of the Triple Trio. The pace is expected to be good to fast, with Ride On The Fire as a regular leader having to work early to get across from Gate 10. Probably Loads Of Joy from Gate 11 or Smart Kids from Gate 12 will share the lead, which will give especially Genuine Leader from Gate 2 and Handsome Handsome from Gate 4 good positions behind these leaders. Magnumous and Quantum Power can be well placed behind them, and Sunny Fay, as well as Finn Maccool will have to come from further back but the good to fast pace will help them. Genuine Leader ridden by Purton is working very well. Despite having to carry top weight, he is for me the horse to beat, with place chances for Sunny Fay, Finn Maccool and Make It.
Comment
