A fortnight ago, a dozen leading jockeys from all over the world gathered at Happy Valley Racecourse to compete for our Cathay Pacific International Jockeys' Championship. It gave our local racing fans a great opportunity to observe the different riding techniques of these top overseas jockeys, and we saw three very absorbing races.
I'm pleased to say that our visiting jockeys got just as much out of the experience. Richard Migliore from the United States and female jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson from Canada, both of whom were riding in Hong Kong for the first time, told me they enjoyed the event a lot and were amazed by the high standards and exciting racing atmosphere in the city.
Another newcomer – Ted Durcan from the United Arab Emirates – left me a message through this blog, saying he had a fantastic time here and felt honoured to have been invited by the Club to represent the UAE at this event.
Just like any athlete, all jockeys feel proud if they can represent their country at an international racing event. That's why I think the comments I've received recently from some of you through this blog, suggesting the International Jockeys' Championship be changed to a country-based format with jockeys from the same country being grouped as a team, are opinions worth noting.
Like other premier sports, I personally think it would be more interesting and challenging if there is a series of competitions being hosted in different countries each year with jockeys racing for their countries for an championship title crowned to the one with best overall results. Should this become possible, I'm certain it would boost the jockeys' team spirit and their sportsmanship, and the competitiveness of these events.
I've also received some positive comments from you regarding our "Who will be the champion jockey" contest for the International Jockeys' Championship event, suggesting that the Club should extend it and set up a betting pool on jockeys achieving the most wins, so as to add more fun and excitement to the races. I'd like to gather different points of view, so it would be great if you all could offer me your opinion and ideas on this topic.
At the same time when you brainstorm your opinions to me, please don't forget we have again arranged eight exciting races for you at Happy Valley tonight. I think Dim Sum in Race 7 and Circular Machine in Race 8 are in top form for tonight's competition.
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