There comes a stage in every long battle when the tide begins to turn in a certain direction.
It’s possible we witnessed one such moment when our champion jockey Zac Purton rode a five timer at Happy Valley on Wednesday night and, in a wider context, this weekend could also prove a notable milestone in Hong Kong’s ongoing measures against coronavirus.
The clear plan followed by Hong Kong and its people has been a huge help in keeping the number of cases to just over 1000. That has enabled the Government to implement plans to reduce social and economic pressures this week and, in alignment with a strategy that has helped racing to continue since January, the Club has made special arrangements for Saturday’s meeting at Sha Tin and the fixtures on 13, 17 and 20 May.
As part of a gradual and carefully phased plan to bring people back to the racecourse, we welcome all owners and Voting Members as well as their accompanying guests with an advance table booking to attend the race meeting this weekend.
All our stringent public health precautionary measures including surgical masks wearing, temperature checks and health declarations remain in place, while our Parade Ring protocol will align with the Government’s condition on group gatherings by limiting the number of people accompanying each runner to a maximum of eight – including owner(s) with a starters, jockey, trainer and assistant trainer – with at least 1.5 metres of social distance between each group.
In another positive move, we have also made progress in regard to winning photos. We are well aware that this is often the highlight of an owner’s racing experience and, although we cannot have celebratory ceremonies at this stage, it is good to report that up to eight people, including the winning trainer, rider and stable staff, will now be able to enjoy a photo opportunity at the Winning Arch after each race.
Catering facilities will operate in full compliance with the Secretary for Food and Health’s requirements, with no more than eight people at each socially-distanced table. Once again, we must stress this a very gradual process. It remains essential that our progress mirrors the progress made by society as a whole, but if current positive trends continue then more loyal racing fans can join us at the racecourse and then eventually at our OCBB’s with all appropriate public health precautions in place.
The latest measures come at a time when the Club is renewing its commitment to society with a new HK$150 million Community Sustainability Fund designed to provide grants to small-to-medium size community service agencies and sports organisations who target the physical and mental well-being of underprivileged and vulnerable groups impacted by COVID-19.
The pandemic has challenged our community as never before but we hope this latest fund will help these community organisations in their important work providing essential services to the most vulnerable members of society. In doing so, we also hope to support the diversity and vitality of the community service ecosystem.
Moving back to the sport itself, Wednesday at the Valley was the sort of night that could prove highly significant come the end of the season.
Zac started with a string of strong rides and helpful barrier draws but it takes a special rider to take full advantage and he did so in style, crowning a world-class performance as Dances With Dragon shaded another thrilling duel with old rival Enrichment and Joao Moreira.
It was a memorable night that would have been even more special with a big Valley crowd in attendance but the latest announcements show that we are making progress in that department. This Saturday is the next step in an ongoing title battle between Zac and Joao that still has a long way to run.
But Saturday is also another step on the road to a carefully phased return to normality. That is something well worth celebrating after a challenging few months and I am very much looking forward to welcoming some familiar faces back to the racecourse this weekend.
Saturday’s Class 1 Amber Handicap is the ninth race with the top three jockeys riding the top three choices which also happened to be the top three finishers of a race over course and distance four weeks ago. Purton rides Decrypt, Moreira takes his regular seat on Beauty Legacy and Karis Teetan is back on last-start winner Ballistic King.
Buddies and Good Standing will set an honest pace with Time To Celebrate, Kings Shield and Morethanlucky in close order. Decrypt, Ballistic King and Beauty Legacy will all do their running from midfield.
Ballistic King has been very consistent this season and comes off a smart win in his most recent start when stepping up to 1400m for the first time in his Hong Kong career. He was held up for running but won decisively once clear. His consistency coupled with proven success over the course and distance make him a place chance.
Beauty Legacy raced much more professionally following a change in equipment when second to Ballistic King in his last start and this is clearly his best trip. He will finish the race off strongly as a win and place chance.
Buddies has a reputation as a dirt specialist but his run over this course and distance on Derby day was exceptional and he will make full use of his speed under a light weight, courtesy of new apprentice Jerry Chau. He is a place chance along with Decrypt.
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