Hi there, I am now spending my Chung Yeung festival short break in Shanghai. I am truly amazed by the rapid development of this Chinese city, and also, the beauty of the historical buildings on the Bund.
It is enjoyable to walk along the riverfront of the Bund, and these beautiful buildings remind me of the importance of heritage conservation and the Club's latest proposal to revitalise the Central Police Station Compound, which was announced last week.
We all in the Club see it worthwhile to make that HK$1.8 billion investment for the community. Not only do we believe in the importance of preserving the community's heritage and collective memory for future generations, but we also believe this project can establish a new heritage, arts and cultural hub in Central, and create a new tourism landmark for Hong Kong.
Based on the success of horse racing in Hong Kong, this project enables the Club to continue to serve Hong Kong and the community at large.
Back to my trip to Shanghai. As I always do when traveling, I have been seeking out the best food in Shanghai. I recommend you go dining at Jesse's, located in the Huaihai area, which I believe is one of the best Shanghainese restaurants. Egg yoke fried crab, fried river shrimps, red meat and the famous sweet dates are my favourite items on their menu. Their service is also wonderful but please, do remember to make a reservation in advance.
Those who wish to sample the delicacies preferred by locals should try Xia Mian Guan. The crab noodles (48 yuan) and eel noodles (28 yuan) they offer are not expensive, but I can assure you they are superb.
But while the noodles at Xia Mian Guan were great, I actually did not have a good enough appetite to enjoy them because I was still upset by the performance of the German football team, which was crushed by Czech Republic 3-0 in the Euro 2008 qualifying match in Munich on Wednesday.
Although Germany has already qualified and is guaranteed a place in the tournament next year, the German players were over-relaxed in this match. I was stunned, actually feeling a loss of face, as they conceded the first goal to the Czechs just 112 seconds into the match - the fastest goal conceded by Germany's national football team on home soil for 33 years.
Anyway, I hope they can perform better and with a higher consistency in Austria and Switzerland next summer.
In tomorrow's races, I think Medic Power (No. 6) in Race 7, who will run for the Premier Bowl, will not disappoint me as the German team did. Although trainer Paul O'Sullivan has been lacking a bit of luck recently, the horse is in full preparation and good form, and I look forward to his match-up with our other top sprinter, Absolute Champion (No. 1) in Race 7.
Top horses like Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner Viva Pataca (No. 1) in Race 9, last year's Hong Kong Derby winner Vital King (No. 11), Hong Kong Classic Mile winner Floral Pegasus (No. 6), will also encounter each other in their first race of the season in the Sha Tin Trophy, another Group Three races to be held tomorrow.
With these good races, star horses and total jackpots of HK$68 million for Triple Trio and 1st Double Trio, I wish to see you all tomorrow and wish you good luck.
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