Well, there was certainly plenty of excitement during the Champions League semi-finals in midweek, but unfortunately there was not a lot for me to cheer. As a German, it was disappointing to see Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich trounced by Real Madrid at home, as they crashed out of the tournament after losing 5-0 on aggregate over the two legs. I was most disappointed to see two similar major mistakes within a few minutes in their defence to mark in both cases Sergio Ramos who besides Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe is the one you have to watch in set-piece situation like corners and free kicks.
Having said that, it would be hard not to admire the performance of Real Madrid – they looked ruthless and very efficient in their attack. Real’s win means that they and their near-neighbours Atletico will contest what will be the first ever Champions League final between two teams from the same city. Atletico, as I’m sure you know, defeated Chelsea 3-1 in their second leg tie. The final is already a mouthwatering contest and certainly one to look forward to on 24 May.
While football fans will be entertained by the impressive aperitif of the Champions League Final before immersing themselves in this summer’s four-yearly feast, the World Cup finals, in the coming days here in Hong Kong we have two major events to enjoy too. First up is the Champions Mile on Sunday, which promises to be a thrilling renewal, and then we have the 35th Asian Racing Conference, a significant event that takes place every 18 months or so. Many of the world’s top racing officials, administrators and experts will converge on Hong Kong to attend the convocation next week. This year we have almost 800 delegates from more than 40 countries joining the four-day event, making it the biggest forum in international horse racing.
It’s the third time that Hong Kong has hosted the Asian Racing Conference, and the conference is not confined to Asia but is in fact of real global significance. The ARC gives us all an opportunity to present and exchange our views, debate pioneering ideas about new developments, and discuss racing’s important issues – from racecourse operation to race wagering; from approaches to integrity to the ways we connect with racing customers.
Asia has emerged as one of the leaders in world racing over the last two decades, marked by the ever increasing quality of the top racehorses and the best races in the region. Hong Kong is among the leaders. All of the delegates at the conference can play a part in shaping future changes that will have a far-reaching impact across the industry, and experience first-hand the vibrancy of the world of racing in the city. I am thankful to the support shown by the SAR government to this international event as the Chief Executive, The Honourable Leung Chun-ying will be with us and will officially open the conference at a special opening ceremony and gala dinner on Monday night, and The Honourable Matthew Cheung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare will be a key speaker at a session covering the community impact of racing on Tuesday.
I would like to express my warm welcome to those delegates who have already arrived in Hong Kong. It will be nice to meet and chat with those of them who are at the racecourse tomorrow. I believe we won’t be short of racing topics ahead of this important world racing conference, as this weekend there are feature events across the globe, notably the English 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, and the Kentucky Derby in the US. And of course here in Hong Kong, a lot of the distinguished guests can enjoy the great on-course atmosphere and watch a top international race in person at Sha Tin as 14 high class local and overseas milers will contest the Champions Mile.
In fact I think this year’s renewal is one of the most interesting mile racing run in Hong Kong’s racing history with an amazing depth of quality. More than half of the field, or eight runners to be exact, are proven at the top level, either as G1 or HKG1 winners. Currently one of the top 50 G1 races in the world, this year’s edition promises to be an entertaining contest and I hope all our guests and racing fans will enjoy it.
The pace of this race should be good with Helene Spirit and Variety Club taking an early lead, while Gold-Fun and Meiner Lacrima likely to be close behind. Blazing Speed, Real Specialist, Mshawish and Glorious Days should be best placed. Able Friend from gate 14 and California Memory from gate 10 will need to be taken back. Gordon Lord Byron will need luck to avoid racing wide from his draw in 13.
Variety Club was voted twice as Horse of the Year in South Africa and looks to be in great shape and in very good form. His previous win in Dubai was very impressive and in my view he has further improved. He will not be easy to beat especially because Able Friend, which is in great form too but has drawn a difficult gate. Having said that, Able Friend can produce very fast last sectionals and should be placed at least, but needs some luck to beat Variety Club. At his best Glorious Days is currently the best miler in Hong Kong, but I am not convinced he is training as well as in December when he won the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, but he’s still a place chance. Gold-Fun should be a place chance too and one should not underestimate him, similarly to defending champion Dan Excel who is always underrated!
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