On the direction of government, we have reduced the gathering of crowds on race days. As a result, attendance for fixtures on 12, 16 and 19 February will be restricted to jockeys, trainers, officials with race day duties and owners with horses running on the card.
I hope for the understanding of our fans but we have to introduce these drastic measures to ensure we do everything possible to help racing continue during this challenging times.
The latest restrictions mean we have reduced crowds from our normal average of 22,000 – with over 100,000 present on major days – to around 400 to 600 people. And the fact that we have closed all our Off-Course Betting Branches means that an additional 200,000 people are no longer gathering in public on race days.
Closing our OCBB’s in the interest of avoiding a spread of the virus has disappointed a lot of our most loyal fans, but we are of the view that it is of the utmost importance to keep Hong Kong racing going.
To this end, our use of modern technology means that we can still keep over 800,000 people engaged in their favourite pastime without having to leave home.
That is a highly significant number at this time and, both for the overall interest of the community and for the continued contributions we can make to society, we firmly believe that the decision to keep racing is a reasonable one.
Having under 400 owners with starters gathered over three floors in three different spacious venues measuring a total of 1,484.5 sq. metres (16,166 sq. feet) with full traceability and other public safety measures in place for all attendees represents, in our view, a minimal risk.
We think it is important to keep the most favourite pastime for hundreds of thousands of people going. The consequences and implications of not being permitted to continue would be massive, not only for the racing industry in Hong Kong but also for Hong Kong in general.
Ours is a truly global brand, with millions of people following Hong Kong racing around the globe, and continuing to race represents a symbol of Hong Kong’s resilience.
To keep operations going we have a significant number of unsung heroes. Most people will not know them but their commitment and dedication is vital. Among the many examples are our Hong Kong secondees in Conghua – including assistant trainers, work riders, head lads, vets and track and stable management staff – who are committed to stay at the Training Centre in these challenging circumstances.
I had a video conference with them to hear their concerns, answer questions and to listen to their suggestions as to what we can do for them. I cherished the opportunity to thank them for their commitment and their willingness to make personal sacrifices to stay for a long period of time within the CRC to keep Hong Kong racing going.
Wednesday’s fifth race is the Class 3 Fanling Handicap over 1000m for horses rated 85 to 60.
Multimillion, Baltic Whisper and Quadruple Double will push forward to set a lively pace with Forza Angel, Stronger and Hong Kong Win in close attendance. Chad Schofield is faced with an early decision on Heart Conquered and will probably go back to avoid being trapped wide on the C+3 course.
Hong Kong Win has won his last two starts over this trip and was very impressive ten days ago at Sha Tin. He is in career best form and should get a dream trip from his good draw. Jockey Alexis Badel will call on Hong Kong Win for his best at the top of the straight and he is a win and place chance.
Stronger is also well drawn with jockey Zac Purton and will get a similar run alongside Hong Kong Win. This looks his preferred trip at this stage of his career and he is a place chance.
Quadruple Double reunites with regular rider Matthew Poon after a good effort at Happy Valley last month and cuts back in trip. He has natural speed to join the early mix and should be in for the fight as a place chance along with Multimillion with Karis Teetan riding.
Race 7 on the card, the second section of the Class 3 Kwai Chung Handicap over 1650m, could have a notable bearing on the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge.
Flying Quest is currently third in the rankings with 39 points and the 15 points he would gain for a win would see him overtake current leader Shining Ace. He is at least a good place chance but will face strong opposition from Farshad and Solar Wai Wai as well as Racing Luck and Jade Fortune.
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