The Melbourne Cup was one of the very first overseas races that we brought and simulcast to our racing fans in Hong Kong. This AUD5 million race, dubbed "the race that stops the nation", has become established as one of the most prestigious long distance handicap races in the world. It attracts tens of thousands of Australians and visitors from around the world to Flemington Racecourse, Victoria, on the first Tuesday of November each year.
As the most important event in the spring racing season "down under", the Melbourne Cup always has a carnival-style atmosphere, shared by the entire country. Many companies in Australia even give their staff a day off to let them enjoy the fun.
I think that's the way racing should be. It shouldn't be merely about racing and betting, but should also include entertainment, the passion for sports and the return to the community through various means.
Once again this year, our racing fans will have the opportunity to watch both the Emirates Melbourne Cup and our Club-sponsored Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes, which follows on the same racecard, during tomorrow's lunch break. We will simulcast the races at all our Off-Course Betting Branches, and they will also be carried live on local TV channels. You can also come to Happy Valley Racecourse or our Jockey Club Theatre in Tuen Mun to watch these races free of charge.
I will be lucky enough to watch the race in person and, in fact, I have already arrived in Melbourne Monday. There's heavy downpour here in the past few days. With the new drainage system at Flemington track in place, it will be very difficult to predict the track condition, which stands to make a significant impact on the race outcome.
However, I will still pay my attention to Mahler and Master O'Reilly, horses from two trainers with the namesake of O'Brien – Aidan from Ireland and Danny from Victoria. Mahler enjoys an advantage in carrying the least weight among all entries at 111 pounds and a proven record at soft track, while local hopeful Master O'Reilly's victory in the Caulfield Cup showed its strong form and reminded other local and overseas contenders that it will be the horse to beat. Luca Cumani's Purple Moon also showed promising performances in winning two long distance races at Goodwood and York in August. Having top local jockey Damien Oliver on board will surely help the horse cope with this unfamiliar track.
Like Royal Ascot or our Sa Sa Ladies Purse Day, the Melbourne Cup Day is also an occasion where racegoers like to dress up. I hope that as well as witnessing some exciting action on-course, you will enjoy seeing the charming ladies and well-dressed gentlemen at the Flemington trackside, and get an appreciation of the gorgeous racing atmosphere at this famous Australian race.
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