Ten months after the start of another truly remarkable Hong Kong racing season, it is extraordinary to think that we are now only nine races away from the end of the 2020/21 term.
For the second season in a row, Hong Kong racing’s resilience and ‘can do’ spirit has sustained the sport against ravages of COVID-19. By any measure, the Club is justifiably proud of the achievements of its human and equine stars, who have again risen to supreme heights in the face of adversity.
Our jockeys, trainers, owners, staff and valued customers have been integral to the ongoing health and prosperity of Hong Kong racing, not to mention the Club’s broader role as a contributor to the community at large.
For the first time in history, total turnover has exceeded HK$130 billion in a season, reaching close to HK$135 billion ahead of tonight’s season finale. This exceptional performance has generated racing betting duty of HK$13.5 billion to the Government.
From a pure spectator perspective, it remains a great shame that the number of customers able to attend the 88 meetings the Club has staged has been far lower than normal because of public health concerns.
However, we are proud of the fact that we have not lost a single meeting to the virus as the Club continues to apply stringent biosecurity measures for all participants. In alignment with Government policy, we will continue ensure that every measure is taken to protect the health of all until such time as restrictions are eased.
I fervently hope next season will allow the Club to welcome back our legions of loyal followers.
The enduring quality of Hong Kong racing was underlined at a special ceremony on Tuesday night with Golden Sixty carrying off the Hong Kong Horse of the Year award, along with victories in the Champion Miler and Champion Middle-distance Horse categories as well as being voted the Most Popular Horse for the second consecutive year.
Hot King Prawn (Champion Sprinter), Panfield (Champion Stayer), Sky Darci (Four-Year-Old Champion), Fantastic Treasure (Champion Griffin) and Courier Wonder (Most Improved Horse) were also recognised along with Caspar Fownes (Champion Trainer) and Joao Moreira (Champion Jockey). Joao also won the public vote to earn the Most Popular Jockey of the Year accolade.
Former Hong Kong Champions Beauty Generation and Exultant were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Awards for their great contributions to Hong Kong racing.
The winner of the Tony Cruz Award for the season’s leading homegrown rider will be revealed and presented during racing at Wednesday’s season finale (14 July) at Happy Valley.
Vincent Ho, who has 59 wins for the season so far, has eight rides on the nine-race card, while Jerry Chau (57 wins) has seven mounts – and the contest shapes to go down to the final race of the season.
If Vincent and Jerry finish the meeting on the same number of wins, Jerry would win the Tony Cruz Award on a tiebreaker because one of Vincent’s victories was a dead-heat.
For Joao and Caspar, tonight will serve as a coronation march as both celebrate a fourth title in the jockeys and trainers’ championships, respectively.
Joao wrapped up his fourth crown several weeks ago and heads into last meeting with 156 wins and a lead of 31 over reigning champion Zac Purton, who is suspended. Joao has now ridden 150 winners or more in three separate Hong Kong seasons, a phenomenal achievement, and this term alone has accumulated HK$214,366,500 for owners in prize money.
Caspar enters the season finale with an impregnable seven-win lead over John Size and given the fact John has just three runners for the night, Caspar will be able to enjoy a wonderful accomplishment without worrying about any last-minute stresses.
The Class 2 Sports Road Handicap is the final race of the season and will be run over 1200 metres with three horses getting one last shot at the Club’s $1 million High Achievement Bonus.
Igniting will go forward to make the running under Vincent Ho along with Sparkling Dragon (Derek Leung). When You Believe (Blake Shinn), Super Winner (Joao Moreira) and Baby (Vagner Borges) will be in close contention to ensure a good pace. Last start winner and ISG bonus winner Family Folks (Dylan Mo) is likely to go back from his wide draw.
Igniting jumped awkwardly and lost ground in his last start which proved to be an insurmountable disadvantage. He will be straight on the pace from his good draw and is a consistent performer over the course and distance. I make him a win and place chance. Igniting returns from Conghua where trainer Francis Lui has accounted for 19 wins this season. Caspar Fownes leads all trainers this season with 29 Conghua winners whilst Frankie Lor is next best with 26.
Loving A Boom (Jerry Chau) is working very well and is also a win and a place chance, making for a very interesting potential scenario in terms of the Tony Cruz Award given Igniting’s claims under Vincent.
When You Believe makes his first-ever appearance at Happy Valley after a sharp effort at Sha Tin last month. He will stalk the pace and is a place chance. All In Mind (Neil Callan) will go back in the run and is capable of a fast-closing section as a place chance. Interestingly, these are the three horses in the field that are bonus eligible.
All In Mind is Neil’s final ride in Hong Kong before returning home to the UK and he will be determined to make it a winning ride and we wish him all the best.
War Weapon will get a nice run from his inside draw under Karis Teetan as he is back in trip for his first race at the Valley. He is also a place chance.
Comment
