I believe many of you who watched our Dubai World Cup day simulcast would agree with me that the four Hong Kong horses involved all gave creditable performances there last Saturday night. It's especially regrettable that Viva Pataca could only finish second in the Dubai Sheema Classic, missing the chance to become our second Hong Kong-based runner in a row to conquer this 2,400-metre Group One race.
To me, Viva Pataca didn't look to be at his best, as the effects of the travel and a different environment took him a bit on the light side and seemed to make him a little temperamental, as he showed in the parade ring. Even so, Darren Beadman gave the horse a perfect ride and he really looked to be on target for a win heading into the straight. But having started the race in Gate 12, in comparison with race winner Sun Classique who enjoyed a far better draw in Gate 3, it was difficult for Viva Pataca to make up so much ground and he peaked at the 150-metre mark.
Anyway, I hope Viva Pataca can recover well after his journey and defend the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Champions & Chater Cup in the coming weeks.
During my trip to Dubai, I also had the chance to learn more about Dubai's new racecourse and the Meydan City Development Project. A five-storey grandstand stretching for 1.2 kilometres will be developed at this gigantic new racecourse located adjacent to Nad Al Sheba, which on completion in 2010 will also include facilities like a five-star hotel, convention venues, corporate entertainment areas, leisure yacht berthing facilities, a Godolphin gallery and museum, and even luxury apartments and residential zones.
Though some of my friends were quick to reassure me that our Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races and Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup remain the benchmark for international racing, it's obvious that we cannot take it for granted as this new racecourse in Dubai will set new benchmarks. I think it's a must for us to further improve our racing facilities in Hong Kong, so as to stay ahead of the competition and maintain our status as one of the world leaders in racing.
In these circumstances it's disappointing that we've still been unable to get a resolution of our request to Government to lift the antiquated limit on the number of simulcasts we can broadcast each season, and as a result of that, Hong Kong fans were not able to show their support for Watch What Happens at the Godolphin Mile. Needless to say, by giving the Club the flexibility in the number of simulcast races, it would do a lot to help us participate more fully in today's global racing world, and strengthen the position of Hong Kong racing.
In a workshop I attended last week initiated by SAR Financial Secretary John Tsang, looking at ways to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness and revitalise its branding, Mr Tsang said it would be vital for all of us to consider whether Hong Kong's competitive positioning was still relevant today, and more importantly, whether it would still be relevant in the future. The Club shares his aspirations as we view it necessary to enhance the competitiveness of our horse racing industry, which has been a core feature of Hong Kong's brand for over a century and one of its major tourist attractions.
He also stressed that the movement to revitalise Brand Hong Kong will require a team effort, and I strongly agree with his view that all parties should adopt an open-minded and forward-looking vision on this issue. That's why I hope the Government can play its part by doing more to assist the Club in enhancing its competitiveness and consolidating its leading global status in the future.
This week, I'm off on business again as I'm now in Paris to attend an International Federation of Horseracing Authorities meeting, so I'll be absent from our midweek race night. Nevertheless, I hope you'll enjoy the eight exciting races we've arranged for you at Happy Valley this evening.
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