We always consider it vital to understand the lifestyle and ways on how the younger generation uses technology and process information. Their engagement with the sport and entertainment of horseracing is at the heart of many of our initiatives. Only by increasing and enhancing their participation can we ensure the sustainability of racing in Hong Kong in the long run. Accordingly, in recent years we have launched new technologies, racing attractions and special campaigns to meet the strong demands and needs of this customer group, which is, in general, more technology-savvy and eager for more new ideas and innovations.
We recognise that there can be no standing still in this fast-paced world, so we are always looking for continuous improvement in our services and offers. And one of the ways to achieve this is to act in a timely way with the application of the latest technology that enables us to follow through with our customer-oriented commitment.
Racing Touch App is one of the new ideas we launched a year ago and it’s now widely used by those of our customers who are iPad users. Starting this week, we have extended the services to the Android platform, so it is now available to all of you users of Android phones and devices. Those of you who use Android can now download this popular app and enjoy functions such as the last run videos, real-time odds enquiry and racing information. So if you do have an Android device please go ahead download the app now, it will certainly enhance your experience of Hong Kong racing.
Another new initiative, which will start from tomorrow’s race meeting, is the merged pool for the Quartet and First 4. Racing fans have responded overwhelmingly since we re-launched the Quartet pool exactly a year ago and that positive response has been great to see. Under the new mechanism, the merged pool adopts a “one pool wagering” concept with real-time odds and dividends calculated by combining wagers on the two bet types into one pool. The Quartet & First 4 Merged Pool are still two separate bet types and we have not changed the way our customers can bet. The advanced mathematical principles and cutting edge computing techniques of the Longitude technology makes real time calculation of odds and displays of these odds available even for exotic bets which cannot be achieved with the technology applied in traditional tote systems. This increase of information will enhance transparency and give customers a better basis when making their selections.
By making it a larger pool, the odds will be more robust and the pool will be less prone to impacts brought on by substantial investments, and we believe this will benefit ordinary racing fans. Also, by extending the coverage of the Quartet pools to all races, racing fans will be given more choice and flexibility in picking the races they prefer. We believe that these enhancements will not only benefit racing fans but also help the Government to combat illegal gambling activities in Hong Kong.
The First 4 and Quartet merged pool will be one of the focuses at our Sha Tin race meeting tomorrow, but no doubt the biggest and most important point of focus will be the HKG1 Hong Kong Classic Mile. Eleven top-class four-year-olds will compete in this HK$8 million contest, the first leg of this season’s Four-Year-Old series, which has benefited from a HK$2 million rise in stakes money. John Moore’s duo Able Friend and Designs On Rome shot to fame by completing a one-two finish in this race 12 months ago. The trainer will see if Arpinati, Helene Happy Star and Savvy Nature can replicate that success tomorrow. Tony Cruz, like John, is seeking his fourth win and this time he has deployed Beauty Only and Anticipation. Meanwhile, two star grey horses, Divine Calling and Giant Treasure, will no doubt catch a lot of attention ahead of this mile event.
The Hong Kong Classic Mile is a four-year-old terms race over 1600m. With the prize money of HK$8 million we hope we can offer good incentives for owners and trainers to bring world-class horses to Hong Kong. It is very difficult to forecast the running positions as there is no regular pacesetter and many of the horses usually race midfield or further back. The pace should therefore be slow and the race could turn into a sprint in the final two furlongs. Flying Moochi showed good early pace in a trial earlier and is the most likely leader in this race. Arpinati can take the box seat on the inside of Gun Pit or Thunder Fantasy, which are both likely to go forward to overcome their draws. Savvy Nature and Divine Calling should be well placed, with Giant Treasure shadowing them. Beauty Only is at risk to be kept wide and Helene Happy Star is likely to be taken back to prevent being overraced.
Divine Calling is working well and is the horse to beat here, with Giant Treasure working very well too as his main opponent. Arpinati should not been underestimated at least for a place, with Savvy Nature and Thunder Fantasy both being my other chances for a place.
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