It was fascinating to hear Douglas Whyte talking about what it takes to thrive in Hong Kong after he had ridden his 1,800th winner aboard Good Omen at Happy Valley on Sunday.
By any standards, that is a remarkable total and one that takes on even greater significance when you consider that star riders of past and present such as Tony Cruz and Zac Purton are over 800 winners behind him. Not surprisingly, there was a real warmth to the reception Douglas received for his latest milestone.
It has been my pleasure to know him as the ultimate professional and role model during three incredible decades here. He has my greatest respect as a superb ambassador for racing and no-one is better placed to assess the expectations and demands that a high-profile role in Hong Kong brings.
Douglas was right to say that the challenges of Hong Kong can make or break a rider and, for me, the same is true of many people who come to take on a new challenge in this unique city.
It will be good to see how our new arrivals Silvestre De Sousa and Alexis Badel progress on their return to ride here, but we will also be saying goodbye to one of our trainers now that Michael Freedman is to relinquish his training licence and return to Australia.
The news was announced on Monday and, as soon as we learned that Michael is departing for personal reasons, we began the important process of ensuring that all his owners can move their horses to a trainer of their choosing.
Our whole team will do everything necessary to minimize any inconvenience – including taking care of the staff in Freedman’s stable and finding suitable positions in other stables – and a decision about how to move forward will be taken once all relevant information has been considered.
As for tonight’s AWT meeting at Sha Tin, the final race is a Class 3 sprint with an extended rating band of 85-60 and a race loaded with chances.
The pace will be good with Nuclear Power likely to show pace from the inside along with Encore Boy. Big Time Baby should be within close range just off the early leader, while Lean Perfection is making his first start on the surface but has trialled well and is one of many with hope.
Lean Perfection, Solomon’s Bay, Go Public, Encore Boy and Raging Blitzkrieg all are working very well and my first choice is Lean Perfection. Big Time Baby will have every chance from a nice position, he is a place chance along with Mega Red.
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