I was in Beijing on Sunday to address the 15th World Equine Veterinary Association Congress, which was held for the first time in the Chinese Mainland. I shared details of the Jockey Club’s practices at the heart of our world-class model and the Club’s groundbreaking development associated with the Conghua Training Centre. Success in Hong Kong has been based in our capabilities to invest in state-of-the-art racecourse facilities, a strong commitment to horse welfare, the rigorous monitoring of races and training of racehorses to ensure complete integrity, and the recruitment and training of top professionals.
Leveraging the development of the CTC and the Equine Disease Free Zone between Sha Tin and Conghua, the Club has developed a vision of how Hong Kong, given its status as a globally-recognised centre of excellence in equestrian sports and racing, can contribute to the development of the ‘equine value chain’ in the Chinese mainland, and the establishment of the Greater Bay Area as a world-wide centre of excellence for high-performing horses.
Attendees of the Congress came from six continents and were incredibly engaged in the sessions. My thanks to all of the organisers, which includes our own Dr Christopher Riggs, Head of Veterinary Clinical Services, who sits on the WEVA Board.
The overseas horses have all arrived in Hong Kong for Champions Day as final preparations are underway for Sunday’s big races. I look forward to getting to see them in person later this week when our three spring Group 1 events will be contested on the same day. I hope you have made plans to join us at Sha Tin for the inaugural Champions Day.
Many of our racing colleagues from around the world will be gathering in Seoul in mid-May as the Korea Racing Authority hosts the 37th Asian Racing Conference. Tonight is the last of our three Korean-themed nights at Happy Wednesday and the feature is Race 6, the Korea Racing Authority Trophy Handicap, a Class 3 event over 1000m of the C course, where the pace is expected to be good-to-fast. Dragon Pioneer is a likely leader and Fortune Bo Bo should be very close. Money Boy and Happy Cooperation are expected to sit close, along with Very Rich Man nearby. After Me should sit on the rail in midfield with Dragon General and Breeders’ Star, who is possible to get a wide trip. Everbrave and Dances With Dragon could be near the back.
My first choice is Money Boy who has two Happy Valley 1000m wins on his record. This race is likely to suit his running style with a lot of pace in the first part of the race and combined with a good barrier, should help him to run on plus the ground will be likely more on the good side which he prefers.
After Me made a good debut and should have improved and having a good draw coming out of barrier two enhance his chances for a place. Dragon General is in good form and while the Happy Valley 1000m is a little bit too short for him he will be charging home for a place.
The same applies for Breeders’ Star who will charge home from behind midfield and prefers 1200m being a four-time winner of this distance in Happy Valley but the strong pace should play into his hands.
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