At Happy Valley on Wednesday we saw some long-shot runners finish in the frame and pull off a few unexpected results. But it was a different scenario in the big European football competitions in the midweek, as the most strongly fancied teams saw off their opposition and progressed to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.
To me the most dramatic performance was for sure that of Manchester United, as they became one of the very few teams in the competition’s history to overturn a two-goal deficit in the first leg and progress to the next knockout stage. Striker Robin van Persie was the hero as he scored a hat-trick in the match to knock out Greek side Olympiakos. But many United fans might agree with me that it was not a one-man effort. Every team needs to work together to achieve results and that is what United did, and it must be noted that huge praise should go to the top-class performance by goalkeeper David De Gea, as he had some incredible saves to keep United in contention.
With Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all winning, Spain has the strongest representation with three teams progressing to the next stage, followed by both Germany and England with two teams each. The remaining spot goes to Paris Saint-Germain from France. The quarterfinal matches will be played early next month and I’m already eagerly looking forward to it.
As well as chasing trophies, many top football clubs are also involved in community projects that reach out to the public, and benefit groups and individuals in communities around the world. Manchester United are not only involved in projects of various sorts in the Greater Manchester area, as many of you know, their work also extends to Hong Kong. Together with the “Red Devils” we have jointly launched the Jockey Club School Football Development Scheme, which is aimed at benefitting youngsters and young footballers from all backgrounds.
This model has proven to be very successful over the years, as is highlighted by the many successful collaborations that have brought together the Club and our government and community partners in charity and community projects. This year’s 18 Districts Cup raceday will be held at Sha Tin racecourse tomorrow and the occasion offers us a chance to salute the important roles of the district councils, district organisations and many others who are involved in community development.
We have set the theme “A collaborative force for good in the community” for this meeting this year. This reflects our close relationships with all these parties from the different district. We hope to continue to strengthen communications with them at all levels, and to delvelop more effective district projects in areas covering sports, arts and culture, youth and social services that can contribute to the betterment of Hong Kong.
I hope all attending officials and guests will enjoy the races and their time at the racecourse tomorrow, and through their participation, to understand the Club’s long-standing not-for-profit business model, which channels gaming demand in a responsible way and converts the proceeds from that to good causes for the community.
Tomorrow, we have arranged a total of 11 races at Sha Tin Racecourse. The 18 Districts Cup is run as Race 6 and is a Class 4 event over 1000m. At least six of those horses in the field are capable of leading or sitting just off the pace over this trip. The pressure they put on each other should generate a good to fast pace. Highly drawn Trendiful and Sugar showed good pace in their trials and may share the lead along the grandstand side which is an advantage. From a low draw Horse Supremo is likely to cross closer to the advantageous outside rail and may share the lead. Regency Ho Ho and Real Fit are likely to race in the middle of the track.
Trendiful is working well and with the outside draw he is my first choice with Regency Ho Ho who is working well too. Real Fit has to overcome the unfavourable draw from gate 1 to be a place chance. An interesting newcomer is Longwah Amber who has shown a tendency to miss the start, but he looks well and has shown ability by winning a trial on 18 February. Astonishingly he had a two weeks off with no reported reason earlier this month and started only working 10 days ago with two easy gallops. His preparation is unusual but he could still be a place chance due to his ability.
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