There is a clear contrast between the excitement level on the racecourse and the caution we must show in our day to day business as November turns to December.
A strong crop of youngsters is essential for boosting the depth of Hong Kong racing and time will probably show that Sunday at Sha Tin was a very significant day with next year’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series in mind.
Sky Darci and Lucky Express are both on the Classic Mile trail after dominating a close finish to the Chevalier Cup, while Enrich Delight looked a very smart prospect by making a winning Class 2 debut in a finale which contained several other very promising horses including the dual Australian G1 winner Shadow Hero, who needs a longer trip than 1400m.
The remarkable Almond Eye waved sayonara to her adoring fans with a thrilling second Japan Cup win in our penultimate simulcast race of the year, but back at home the Club is taking all appropriate steps to ensure that racing keeps risk to a minimum in relation to the latest wave of Covid-19 cases.
There is so much at stake for the Club and the whole Hong Kong community but recent trends show the situation has changed and therefore we have put the following additional risk mitigations in place.
First, we have decided to close all Off-Course Betting Branches from today (2 December) until further notice. We ask for the understanding of customers who use and value this service but, after a thorough review, it has been decided that this is the prudent course of action until we see a significant drop in the number of confirmed Covid cases.
In addition, only owners with starters and their family members with advance bookings approved by the Club will be admitted to the racecourse for the time being. We have reduced the maximum number of people at a table to two according to Government Regulations and anyone who enters the racecourse will have to abide by stringent public health measures.
Nothing is finally confirmed as yet but at this stage but it is safe to assume that the racing mode outlined here will also be the racing mode employed for this year’s LONGINES HKIR.
Thankfully, none of our licensed personnel have returned a positive test but it is sensible at this stage to discuss and implement further stress testing and part of that involves ensuring that Hong Kong’s riders remain free from risk wherever possible.
We are fortunate in that we have people within our Racing Bubble who understand what is at stake and play by the rules. The bubble has remained intact throughout this incredibly challenging year and, provided that everyone concerned continues to be vigilant, I am cautiously optimistic that it will continue to be robust.
Wednesday’s Class 3 Harbour Handicap over 1200m is the final race of the night and features a number of in-form runners, including last-start winners Mig Energy and Compassion Spirit. The pace will be modest with Winning Feeling going forward and a number of horses tightly positioned behind the leader.
Scores Of Fun, Mig Energy, Sparkling Dragon, Harrier Jet and Compassion Spirit are all horses in good form that will be midfield or better. Sparkling Dragon gets the double benefit of class relief and the inside draw for his second-up run. He will get every opportunity from inside of midfield and is a win and place chance along with Scores Of Fun, who is fresh from a good second here and open to further progress.
Le Terroir is in good form and overcame a wide trip in his last start to finish off well. He will be closing off strongly again and is a place chance along with Mig Energy.
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