Last Wednesday's Cathay Pacific International Jockeys' Championship turned out to be quite special, as apart from the great atmosphere at Happy Valley Racecourse, we had a three-way tie for the honours between three European jockeys – Johnny Murtagh, Christophe Lemaire and Ryan Moore. It was a great night of sport and I'm delighted to learn that our visiting jockeys all enjoyed the competition a lot.
Our local talents Matthew Chadwick and Howard Cheng also managed to score points in the series, showing good composure to earn placings even though they were not allocated very outstanding rides. This shows that our Hong Kong riders have the credentials to match some of the best in the world.
The international racing action will continue at Sha Tin tomorrow with a formidable line-up of top local and overseas runners contesting the four International Group One races. I've made my own studies of the line-ups and would like to share some of my thoughts and analysis with you.
Our veteran stayer Viva Pataca will be seeking his first victory in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase. I expect the pace of this race will be slow and I think it will be an advantage for Sir Michael Stoute's frontrunner Spanish Moon, making him to be the horse to beat in this race. Other competitive runners in this race include local hopeful Viva Pataca, Arc runner-up Youmzain, prolific French filly Daryakana, and another Hong Kong runner Thumbs Up.
I would say the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint is probably a real highlight and the most exciting turf sprint race anywhere in the world in recent years, as it brings together champion sprinters from Australia, England, North America, Japan and Hong Kong. I think a good to fast pace will give horses from the back a chance. Among the runners, I'm hopeful to see the real Sacred Kingdom winning this fantastic race as he performed superbly in the trackwork, but he will face a tremendous challenge from the Australian duo All Silent and Scenic Blast, who will also be eligible for the US$1 million Global Sprint Challenge bonus if he wins tomorrow. To me, the horse who could spring a surprise in this sprint event will probably be the ever-improving One World.
I know many local racing fans will hope our champion miler Good Ba Ba can become the first horse ever to win one of the International Races for three years in a row, when he competes in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile. I expect the pace will be quite fast in this race and this will definitely suit Good Ba Ba, but he seems to me that he was not as impressive as he was last year. Another star runner Happy Zero is in top form and I think he will be the most competitive in the field.
It's interesting to see that two international runners who have prevailed separately in Hong Kong in the past 12 months – Eagle Mountain and Presvis – will be up against each other in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup. It's a small but very competitive field and I expect the pace there to be slow. Luca Cumani-trained Presvis will have nice chance winning this event as I was at Sha Tin on Thursday and Friday morning, and the horse showed terrific form in the trackwork. He will be the horse to beat. Another young French filly Ashalanda possesses great quality and I think she'll also have some chance in this race. Our home runner Collection should be well-placed and I'm still hopeful he can turn the table. By the time I was preparing this blog, I was informed that French Derby winner Vision d'Etat was found to have light swelling on his right hind fetlock. Our vets will be examining him again before the race tomorrow. If he's fine and clear for running, I think he'll also be capable to stage a challenge to other contenders in this 2000m event.
Don't forget that popular singer Leo Ku will be joining us to perform in the pre-race opening ceremony in the Parade Ring, while after the races you can enjoy a pyrotechnic show and other attractions, so it should be great day for everyone at Sha Tin tomorrow.
Coincidentally, tomorrow is also the final day of the 2009 East Asian Games. I'm delighted to learn that our athletes in Hong Kong have achieved some outstanding results in the Games. Some of the Hong Kong gold medallists will come to Sha Tin Racecourse tomorrow to give their support to the local horses. So I hope you will join them in cheering on our Hong Kong runners. Later tomorrow at 8pm the closing ceremony of the East Asian Games will be held in the Hong Kong Coliseum, which promises further colour and excitement. I hope you will give your support to both these major sporting events tomorrow.
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