On Wednesday, the Club announced a donation of HK$1.244 billion to the University of Hong Kong for the establishment of the Centre for Clinical Innovation and Discovery and the Institute of Cancer Care – the first purpose-built cancer specific research and service centre in Hong Kong. The donation was the largest single sum the Club’s Charities Trust has made to the medical and health sector in this financial year, and is also the largest single donation ever received by the university.
Upon its completion in 2024, this future cancer research centre will facilitate scientific research, teaching and treatment all under one roof and I believe it will bring immense benefits to the whole population. The project also demonstrates the Club’s continuous contribution to Hong Kong’s medical and health services, from supporting the construction of hospitals and clinics in the early years, to our more recent approach of funding cutting-edge medical research projects.
It’s a special day today as it marks the 20th anniversary of the SAR’s Reunification. 20 years ago, Hong Kong racing was still at its takeoff stage. At that time, Hong Kong had yet to run a single international Group 1 race and not a single horse was in the world rankings. Our top runners hadn’t made their mark and were still seeking a first win in a top overseas race.
Twenty years on, Hong Kong has become one of the forerunners in global racing, with 11 G1 races each season, and last year, we enjoyed a record of 26 horses in the world rankings. Our top horses have achieved major success around the world, with wins across Asia, Europe, Australasia and America. These two decades have been exceptional for the growth of Hong Kong racing and I’m sure there will be more exciting moments to come.
Today at Sha Tin Racecourse we have prepared a host of performances, special treats, also 10 great races for you all to join our celebration. The Hong Kong Reunification Cup is a Class 2 event run over 1400m of the A+3 course. The pace is projected to be good, which should give an even chance to all. Lucky Girl and newcomer Saul’s Special, who raced forward in Australia before coming to Hong Kong, should be on the front-end with Line Seeker and My Darling tracking. Hang’s Decision is likely to run in midpack with Sichuan Dar, The Golden Age and Dukedom behind. Limitless, who can be a bit difficult to handle in recent starts, could be near the rear.
My Darling was very impressive in his late May win with Joao Moreira and this pair stick together. Drawn well in gate three, he is working well and my main win and place chance. Line Seeker also has a good draw and with apprentice Matthew Poon aboard, enjoys a ten-pound weight break. This is his first try over 1400m in some time and his recent races have shown that he looks like he would appreciate a step up from 1200m. He is also a win and place hope. Limitless is also a chance if he can settle better while Hang’s Decision is also a good place chance following two strong efforts behind My Darling and New Asia Sunrise in his last two runs. New import Saul’s Special has trialed well and could be one to follow.
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