There is nothing quite like the start of a new Hong Kong racing season to make the heart beat a little faster and, just over a week out from the first meeting of the new term, there is an unmistakable sense of excitement and anticipation as the clock counts down towards the Sunday 5 September season-opening.
For me, there is a real sense of optimism as the curtain lifts on the 2021/22 season, which is unsurprising given there is so much to look for – especially the return of champion horses, trainers and jockeys and, hopefully, crowds in larger numbers than we have seen over the past two seasons.
Bookings started for season-opening meeting from last Wednesday and already some of the venues are booked out, which is extremely encouraging. Considering the stabilising COVID pandemic situation in Hong Kong unlike last year’s season-opening that had no public attendance – we are able to allow thousands of public members to join us on 5 September.
The energy generated by spectators on a racecourse is like no other and hopefully the prudent safeguards taken to protect Hong Kong from the Delta variant will gradually allow us to host bigger crowds in a controlled and safe environment.
Jockey Club simulcast program thrives during off-season
The Club’s summer simulcasting of international meetings over the past few months was not only a great success financially, but it also showcased some of the champion overseas gallopers who might eventually compete in Hong Kong, including the outstanding Poetic Flare.
While racing celebrated the feats of Palace Pier, Stradivarius, Snowfall, Mishriff and Perfect Power over the summer, World Pool turnover on the 12 simulcast meetings reached HK$3158.9 million.
For me, one of the great benefits of our simulcasts is the opportunity they present to our local racing devotees to become familiar with incredible horses, trainers and jockeys in Ireland, the UK, France, Japan, South Africa and Australia.
Ultimately, I hope some of those outstanding horses will venture to Hong Kong for LONGINES Hong Kong International Raceday and FWD Champions Day.
As anyone who has ever savoured the joys of successful ownership will attest, it is an uplifting experience and I was especially fortunate recently to ride that wave when Now We Know, a horse I bred and race, won the Grand Handicap at Deauville for Nicolas Clement and Stephane Pasquier.
It was a wonderful thrill to watch the race in Europe on HKJC TV together with my children, whom I had not seen in more than two years because of the pandemic – and also somewhat auspicious, given the date of the win was 8/8/21.
I also have an unraced filly named Now She Knows, a full sister to Now We Know – by Kendargent out of Now Forever – in training at Chantilly and I am hoping she, too, becomes a successful member of the Now Family!
For those wondering why I have not been to trackwork so far, I am following government regulations and avoiding direct contact with people in the racing bubble for another week – also in accordance with Club protocols – after serving my mandatory hotel quarantine term following my return from overseas and so sadly missed Saturday morning’s trials at Sha Tin.
However, I look forward to attending trackwork next Tuesday, having already passed four different COVID tests, with another three tests upcoming. These measures are simply part of our life for the time being, at least, and a small price to pay for our health.
With little more than week until our first meeting of the year, I would like to wish all participants, our customers and our staff the very best of health and fortune for the season.
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