Analysis of every aspect of major events is the key to making them better and the last few days have been spent taking stock of HKIR 2019.
First and foremost, there is a lasting sense of pride that we were able to stage one of the world’s great racing festivals at a time when so many major sporting and cultural events have been cancelled.
But, now the results are in the books, we can use the lessons of recent months to help us plan for 2020 and beyond.
Sunday’s record turnover figures were remarkable in the circumstances but they also confirmed that an increasing percentage of our wagering revenue comes from international markets.
That is very encouraging in one way – and something we will continue to build on – but it also shows we must do our utmost to make racing as attractive as possible to younger people here in Hong Kong.
Last week’s crowd figures are not of huge relevance given the ongoing local challenges but we are always seeking to attract the best possible fields for HKIR and that remains a priority.
Japan’s incredible success all over the world has been one of the abiding racing themes of 2019 and, even without Almond Eye, the team they sent to Sha Tin last week was exceptional, yielding three winners and three others who made the first four.
Aidan O’Brien remains a strong and welcome presence for Ireland at HKIR and might well have won his first Cup last week with better luck for Magic Wand, while the resolution of long-running quarantine issues opens the door for greater Australian representation in years to come.
Surprisingly, we have to go back to 2012 to find the last British HKIR winner. In a way that illustrates how tough the competition is nowadays but it may also show that there is more we can do to attract high-class horses from the UK to Sha Tin in December.
There is no question that the competition to attract star horses has never been stronger – with Saudi Arabia the latest in a long line of new players at the table – but that is the name of the game we are in.
If the last few months have taught us anything it is that Hong Kong racing is an amazingly resilient and vibrant sport and that knowledge fills us with confidence for the challenges that lie ahead.
Moving on to post HKIR matters, it was great to welcome Benny Andersson of ABBA as our special guest at the Valley on Wednesday.
Benny has been a successful owner and breeder in Europe for a long time and has had many winners and a couple of Classic runners.
It was fascinating to hear his thoughts on how he got into the sport and having the excellent tribute band BABBA performing in the Beer Garden through the night was the perfect way to complete the party.
For the 10 races at Sha Tin tomorrow, the Class 2 Lukfook Jewellery Cup Handicap is the eighth race and will be run over 1400 metres for horses rated between the range of 93 and 81, including a promising pair of newcomers. The pace will be good with Beauty Rush going forward from his inside draw and Little Bird from the outside barrier. Perfect Match will get an ideal position early just behind the early leaders.
Decrypt is a highly regarded import making his first start in Hong Kong with an eye on next month’s Hong Kong Classic Mile. He finished third in his last start in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas and has trialed well here. He is an exciting prospect for the upcoming four-year-old classic series and a place chance in his local debut.
Perfect Match is a course and distance specialist with the benefit of a first up run four weeks ago. He should get every chance from his good draw and is a win and place chance.
Beauty Rush showed improvement in his last outing when stepping up in trip and looks like he can once again make the running. He is a place chance along with Savvy Nine, a British import that was stakes placed in Group 3 company at Longchamp and Chantilly. He gets in with a light weight and should be closing ground late.
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