Nothing stands still for very long in Hong Kong and events in the racing world over the last week certainly prove that.
It didn’t surprise me to hear that Joao Moreira is interested in returning after failing the test to ride in Japan but I repeat that any application will be treated on merits by a HKJC Licensing Committee with the best interests of the sport at heart.
When we discussed the Jockeys roster for this season we took the view that our local jockeys had developed very well and should be given more opportunities, while some senior jockeys who had made good contributions were in the autumn of their careers.
What was perceived as an exodus was actually a planned move to give home grown talent more chances.
But what was not planned was that Joao, despite having applied for a one-year Hong Kong licence, informed the Club two days before the Licensing Committee met that he intended to pursue his dream of riding in Japan full time.
The rest is history but it is great to see homegrown talents have seized the opportunity and Vincent Ho’s terrific four-timer at Sha Tin last weekend is a good example.
Vincent now ranks clear third in the table with 11 wins and now has a great chance to be part of the LONGINES International Jockeys Championship in December.
Reports suggest that John Size intends to apply for Joao to become a Stable Retained Jockey. That comes with significant restrictions, but before that is considered Joao has to solve his current arrangement in Japan to the satisfaction of JRA, which is one of our strategic partners in World Racing.
The Licensing Committee will announce its decision soon in relation to Club Jockeys, with one marquee jockey coming to Hong Kong as a Club Jockey to further strengthen the line-up.
As always, our prime objective is to ensure competition among jockeys and give sufficient choice for owners and trainers.
Hong Kong has always prided itself on attracting a global cast of world-class riders, but we should also always remember the role of equine stars.
Many of Europe’s finest will be in action for the Champions Day Simulcast card at Ascot on Saturday.
Hong Kong’s biggest stars – including Pakistan Star, Beauty Generation, Time Warp, Werther, Ivictory and Mr Stunning – will line up for the Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy and the Premier Bowl at Sha Tin on Sunday and we also have some interesting races on Thursday’s Australian-themed party night at Happy Valley.
The Australian Turf Club Trophy (Race 5) is designed to foster relationships between Hong Kong and Aussie racing organisations and the pace is expected to be good to slow with Marvel Joy and Sparkling Sword looking likely leaders.
Fine With Me is working well and had a fine debut for his new trainer Jimmy Ting, who is another great success story of homegrown Hong Kong talent. He has to come from the back but should be fitter for the run and is a win and place chance.
Sparkling Sword should be well positioned in the front of the field. He has to carry 132lb but is a three-time winner over Happy Valley’s 1650m and is a win and place chance, too.
Mickey Rich is stepping up to 1650m after winning over 1200m at the Valley two starts back. He is a winner over 1600m in Great Britain and, as the additional distance today should be beneficial, he is at least a place chance
Bundle Of Energy was withdrawn from his last engagement on 3 October but has trialled satisfactorily at Happy Valley since and, with Zac Purton aboard, should not be underestimated.
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