The focus of our LONGINES Hong Kong International Races week is elite world sport, and I’m lucky to have had the chance to meet many top sportsmen who possess dedication to match their exceptional skills. One of those, Peter Schmeichel, is definitely one of the best in his field in modern times and I had the pleasure to meet this Manchester United and Denmark football legend in the city earlier this week.
Being one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation and an instantly recognisable world football figure, Peter, who retired in 2003, has spent much of his time since then acting as a football ambassador, helping to promote the development of the sport in other countries. As a Manchester United ambassador, it’s great that he could come and join us at the Lam Tai Fai College at Sha Tin, one of the 15 local secondary schools participating in the Jockey Club School Football Development Programme that was launched by the Club in partnership with United. Given his stature, hundreds of students and teachers of the school offered him a warm welcome with huge applause upon arrival. Peter rewarded them by showing some surprisingly elegant footwork rather than his outstanding goalkeeping skills this time, and offered instructions to some football players and students at the school.
Peter’s visit brought a whirlwind of enthusiasm to the campus and I think that’s what we all hope for – to awaken in these youngsters a desire and a commitment to enjoy and participate in the sport. All of us will be happy if Peter can come to Hong Kong more often to share his passion for the game and encourage more local students. As it turned out, I was almost as star-struck as the children and so I was thrilled when Peter very generously presented me with a pair of his autographed gloves. I was not a goalie when I played football in my younger days, so I don’t think I will be trying them out! Instead, I will cherish the gloves as a very meaningful item in my personal collection of football memorabilia.
The world’s top jockeys must also show unwavering dedication to their sport. A dozen of the world’s best riders are currently in town, to participate in the LONGINES IJC tonight and I had the chance to meet them all during a photo session at Happy Valley racecourse yesterday. It’s without doubt one of the best line-ups we have ever had as these 12 participating jockeys have amassed a combined total of over 24,000 career winners between them, and the line-up includes the legendary Mike Smith and Gary Stevens who have each ridden over 5,000 winners.
Most of these jockeys are in sizzling form too, as the two American legends did very well in the Breeders’ Cup meeting last month. Meanwhile, Christophe Soumillon has just achieved a new winning record of his own in France, and has a great chance to be crowned champion jockey there for the 6th time.
Three jockeys also bring in top form from Japan as Ryan Moore and Suguru Hamanaka recently finished one-two in the Japan Cup, while Richard Hughes, having won his second British champion jockey title last month, has added further honours by winning the World Super Jockeys Series in Japan last weekend. Among the home team trio, Zac Purton is currently unstoppable as his winning tally of 40 at the top of our premiership is double the total of winners ridden by the jockey in second place. They all are keen and perfectly ready for the contest and the evening promises some sensational and exciting races.
Please remember that there will be nine races tonight, so the first race will start at 6.30pm. So when you come along, please come early to enjoy all of our races and a full programme of events and activities.
We have arranged the four legs of the IJC to be held between Race 5 and Race 8. This year’s contest is very competitive, with at least five jockeys having a good chance to claim the top honour. The first leg is a Class 4 race over 1650m, with an expected good pace should provide a level playing field for all runners. Despite drawn in Gate 12, my favourite is the Racing Club-owned runner Young Talent ridden by Mirco Demuro, with Winning Mascot ridden by Hamanaka, as well as Safari Magic with Purton aboard being my other main chances.
The second leg in Race 6 is another Class 4 event over 1650m, with an expected good to slow pace giving slight advantage to horses in the front of the field. Perfect Moment with Demuro has to overcome the draw of Gate 12 but he has a good chance for me to run at least a place. Flying Chaparral with Soumillion, Twin Turbo with Hamanaka, Speedygonzalez with Maxime Guyon and Southern Springs with Mike Smith on board are the other chances in this very open race.
In the third leg it is a 1000m race, providing plenty of proven Class 3 sprinters with a chance. In the end I like Charity Joy most with Ryan Moore as the rider. Bundle Of Joy with Hamanaka, Fun 'N’ Games with Demuro and St Yazin with Hughes are with good chances too. The last leg is a Class 3 over 1650m. It is again a very open race and the good to slow pace should help horses in the front of the field. My first pick is Flying Elite with Demuro, with Great Charm with Moore, Majestic Anthem with Purton, Formula Won with Guyon as well as Ride With The Wind ridden by Hamanaka the other good chances.
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