There is nothing like the start of a new racing season to generate optimism. Owners, trainers, riders and fans all dream that this could be their year – and that positivity is one of the sport’s greatest assets – but the modern world forces us to be realistic as well as optimistic.
Coronavirus made last season one of the most challenging in Hong Kong racing history. Our city had to face a damaging third wave after the Season Finale in July and, more than ever, our thoughts and continued support are with vulnerable members of society even as case numbers move in the right direction again.
The protective bubble that helped us race continuously from January onwards remains in place for Sunday’s Season Opening meeting at Sha Tin – with all key personnel being tested four times a week – and the Club has agreed a clear plan with Government for the first four fixtures.
For Sunday’s meeting, only owners with starters plus one guest with advance table booking will be admitted, while only one owner or representative per horse will be allowed in the Parade Ring with a maximum of two people for winning photos.
The usual stringent social distancing measures remain in place, just as they are in Off-Course Betting Branches on non racedays, but this system remains essential to minimise public health risks as we look forward to a season that is richly promising in so many ways.
Established stars like Zac Purton and Joao Moreira will be raring to go after their break, while Karis Teetan and Vincent Ho are gradually closing the gap on the big two and it is good to see Alexis Badel has joined us for his first full season.
Old champions more than held their own last season, with Beat The Clock, Beauty Generation and Exultant excelling, but our BMW Hong Kong Derby hero Golden Sixty heads a wave of exciting young horses seeking to make a mark and claim a place in the LONGINES HKIR.
David Hayes has taken charge of Beauty Generation and a host of exciting young horses as he resumes his Hong Kong training career after 15 years performing at the highest level in Australia. He has a chance of scoring with his first starter when Moneymore lines up for Race 2, while John Size, Tony Cruz, Douglas Whyte and reigning champion Ricky Yiu will all be aiming high in what promises to be another thrilling race for the trainers’ title.
It may be some time before we can welcome racegoers back to Sha Tin and Happy Valley in their former numbers – though we hope to begin a phased return in the middle of October – and the continued patience of so many racing fans is greatly appreciated. Fortunately, our experience in the last season shows the great agility of our customers and the vast majority of supporters have been able to engage with racing via various online channels.
That engagement will be further enhanced by a range of new initiatives and wagering options such as the Forecast pool, while Commingling provided almost 20 per cent of total racing turnover last season and remains an area of rich potential as we strive to maximise the appeal of our sport on the global stage.
Owners have supported our continued drive for world-class racing by bringing in young talent from all over the world and the Club has bucked a significant global trend and taken a bold approach by raising prize money by almost five per cent to a record HK$1.4 billion.
Last season provided a stern reminder of how volatile the world can be and it would take a very brave forecaster to predict exactly what the next ten months will bring but the Club and all its valued teams are well equipped for what could be another roller coaster ride.
Above all else, 2019/20 season confirmed racing’s role as a vital part of Hong Kong life during troubled times but I have no doubt that we will continue to perform our role with the betterment of society in mind and I wish you all good fortune and good health as the 2020-21 season beckons.
The Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup headlines a strong start to the season with 134 horses set to go over the ten-race card, including a well-matched field of 11 in the 1200m featured handicap. Perfect Match and Amazing Star will make the running with Fat Turtle, Computer Patch and Victoriam in close contention. Champion’s Way and Shining Ace should settle midfield.
There are a number of interesting twists to the opening day highlight. Perfect Match is a six-time winner over 1400m but is a bit of a question mark over the shorter trip. Amazing Star has not run over this course since January 2018. Beauty Legacy has not run over 1200m since January 2019 at Moonee Valley in Australia and his team are hoping the tempo of a sprint race will help his racing manners.
Champion’s Way was perfect in the first four starts of his career over this distance, and returns to it for the first time since March 2019, while Wishful Thinker runs in the CE Cup for the third consecutive year, this time for new trainer Dennis Yip.
Champion’s Way was defeated by Golden Sixty in each of his last four races last season. With the exception of the Derby, he ran well in defeat and, having rested for four months after that disappointing run, he was sent to Conghua in April and enjoyed a solid trial win there in August. He will get every chance from midfield and is a win and place chance under Moreira.
Amazing Star was the Most Improved Horse of last season, climbing 42 points in the ratings. Much like Perfect Match, he prefers to make the running to run his best race. Both horses are place chances as the pace will be moderate.
Computer Patch was consistent and progressive for John Moore last season. He freshened up in Conghua during the summer, gets in with a light weight and will get a good run from midfield for his new trainer Tony Cruz. He is working well and also has to be respected as a win and place chance.
Comment
