I've just attended the Hong Kong International Sale and I'm very grateful to see hundreds of our Members and Owners showing their huge support for the event at Sha Tin Racecourse this morning. I think it's entirely understandable that some potential Owners may be affected by the current economic sentiment and become more prudent in bidding for horses at the sale. That's why, though, the average selling price this year was lower than that of last season's International Sale which was in two parts, I'm still very satisfied with the results.
We purchased these young horses at yearling sales or auctions last year or early this year. Their pre-sale costs in many cases work out higher than the current market rates, as the foreign currency exchange rates have dropped substantially in recent months, a factor that's beyond our control. However, I wish to emphasise that it's never been our intention to make a profit from Owners' pockets at the Sale. Our primary target is just to give more convenience to those Owners who may not have the time to purchase overseas griffins themselves, or to others who want the Club to provide such a service.
Some people may wonder why we have specially scheduled a challenge race with higher stakes money, for our International Sale graduates every month. Actually, we have reported surpluses in each of our Sales in the past few seasons. I believe it will be a good gesture for the Club to reward the connections of those Sale graduates with nice performances, in thanking for the great support of these Owners and encouraging them to keep investing in quality horses.
Bringing in quality runners for our local Owners to purchase is also another way we can advance our goal of continuously raising Hong Kong's racing standards. With the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races taking place this weekend, it's timely to note that both the last two Hong Kong Miles have been won by International Sale graduates.
For this year's International Races, we have a record 35 overseas racehorses coming from 10 different countries to run in the four HK$62 million showcase events. Sunday's racing carnival will provide a great opportunity for top horses from around the world to meet in Hong Kong and find out who's the "champion of champions".
Apart from the racing side, this top sporting event helps boost Hong Kong's image as a dynamic world city, as well as generating substantial benefits for the local tourism industry and the economy as a whole. Every year a large group of high-spending travellers including Owners, trainers, connections of overseas runners and overseas media representatives will stay in Hong Kong for the entire week of racing and lead-up events. Their average spending is usually double that of other travellers. Adding to that the thousands of racing fans who come here from Europe, Japan, Australia and elsewhere to cheer on their favourite to horses, I estimate the total economic benefit to Hong Kong runs into tens of millions of dollars.
Over the past few days, I've had the chance to meet and chat with a lot of overseas horsemen, journalists and even tour groups of racing fans at morning trackwork. I've also been able to see for myself which runners look to be in top form. So here are some of my observations which I hope can be a useful reference while you are watching our International Races tomorrow.
I'd like to start with the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase as it's probably the most open event among all the four International Group One events on the card. There can be no question that defending champion Doctor Dino and Australian contender Douro Valley are the horses with the highest credentials among the field. But both of them have drawn wide and this might give a chance to some of the outsiders. Up-and-coming Japanese contender Jaguar Mail, who ran second to Japan Cup winner Screen Hero in a listed race last month, will probably be the one to pose most threat here.
With the absence of Sacred Kingdom in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint, it's clear that Aussie champion sprinter Apache Cat and his European equivalent Marchand D'Or have become the outstanding favourites for this race. But if there's a good pace early on, this could favour our John Size-trained sprinter Enthused, and even Green Birdie and Sunny Power to give a strong kick on the straight.
Both Good Ba Ba and Armada have drawn nicely in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile, boosting the chance for our home team to extend its winning spell in this event. But I won't be too surprised if prolific Japanese miler Super Hornet or French filly Natagora put up a keen challenge to this duo. By the way, although our International Mile Trial winner Egyptian Ra was drawn wide at Gate 13, he has good pace to take the lead and I think he will also be another strong force in this event.
For the Cup, it's unarguable that Viva Pataca is in his peak form and better prepared for this race compared with the past two occasions. Let's see if he can make it third time lucky this year. However Mike De Kock, trainer of Eagle Mountain, and Jim Bolger, trainer of Lush Lashes, have both won International Group One race in Hong Kong in the past and their runners look the most likely to threaten to Hong Kong's leading hope of the day.
Whatever the final results, though, it's sure to be a fantastic day of world-class racing, so I hope you all will come to Sha Tin with your families and friends to cheer on our local contenders. And please remember not to leave the racecourse too early, as you can also enjoy a spectacular pyrotechnic show at our closing ceremony in front of the concourse. I hope you all have a great day – see you there!
Comment
