When future historians review the events of 2020/21, and specifically how they relate to the Club’s agile handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, they might marvel at the resilience, vision and expertise displayed.
A similar thought crossed my mind on Thursday when the Club marked its 136th anniversary.
It is incredible to reflect that, from such humble beginnings in 1884, the Club has developed into one of Hong Kong’s largest and multi-faceted organisations with our unique integrated business model, comprising world-class racing and racecourse entertainment, membership, responsible sports wagering and lottery and charities and community contribution.
Through our tax contributions, charitable donations and proactive community engagement, we strive continuously for the betterment of our society. Indeed, the Club is proud of its contributions to the city’s social and economic value. In 2020/21, the Club returned a total of HK$29.4 billion to the community. This figure included HK$24.9 billion to the Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$4.5 billion in approved charity donations.
Our Charities Trust is one of the world’s top 10 charity donors and the Club also supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling.
On Sunday at Sha Tin, the G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse is an 1800 metre handicap and it is an important race on the Hong Kong racing calendar. The Club is deeply appreciative of the Kwok Family’s support and generous sponsorship of the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse, which is one of our oldest races, having been first run in 1846. It once again produces a very interesting race. Southern Legend with Vincent Ho and Ka Ying Star with Matthew Chadwick will take up the running in tandem and the pace will be moderate at best as both will try to reserve their speed to see out the trip.
Tourbillon Diamond takes his third straight step up in trip this season and comes off a tough run in a G2 mile three weeks ago when he travelled wide and without cover. He gets in with a light weight, good recent form and is a place chance coming from midfield under Alexis Badel.
Glorious Dragon was a hard luck story in his last run when he had no running room throughout the straight over a mile. He is better suited over this trip and I expect a much-improved effort. Zac Purton picks up the ride and I make him a win and place chance.
Columbus County with Joao Moreira will also appreciate the additional furlong and is a place chance along with Butterfield for Matthew Poon.
Breeders’ Cup pits European stars against the best of the US
Breakfast and the Breeders’ Cup is on the Sunday morning menu for many of us with the Breeders’ Cup Mile at 6.20am and the Breeders’ Cup Turf at 7.40am. The Breeders’ Cup is at Del Mar this year in California and features a tight turning turf track with a short straight. This will pose a bit of a challenge for the Europeans, though the Euros have a good record against the Americans on turf.
The Breeders’ Cup meeting is one of international racing’s truly great events and the leadership role the Breeders’ Cup has played to support the principle of non-raceday medication is highly commendable.
Space Blues stretches out for Godolphin in the Mile after winning the G1 Prix de la Foret last month over 1400 metres on Arc Day. He will go back in the run from his good draw but is in top form and the son of Dubawi is a win and place chance for jockey William Buick and trainer Charlie Appleby.
Mo Forza is the best chance for America. He has been lightly-raced this season with two wins from two starts, including a G2 win over the course and distance. He then returned to win a G2 last month. Top California jockey Flavien Prat will go forward with Mo Forza to give him every opportunity as a place chance.
Smooth Like Strait is a familiar rival to Mo Forza and there is not much between them. They share the same running style and he is also a place chance with Umberto Rispoli. In Love is one to keep an eye on as the Brazilian-bred brings some strong Kentucky form into the race. He has improved with the addition of blinkers and is also a place chance with Alex Archard riding.
In the Turf (2400m), Tarnawa is the class of the race and last year’s winner. Colin Keane is back on and he will have his work cut out from a wide draw. He will go back in the run and hope that his talented mare can produce her big turn of foot over the concluding stages. I think she is the best horse in the race but worry about the track profile. I make her a win and place chance to overcome the tight turns and short straight as she towers over the opposition in my view.
Rockemperor has drawn the inside gate and will get a good trip under Javier Castellano. The American turf horses are not at the same level as the top Europeans but, with the exception of Tarnawa, this field is well matched. Rockemperor comes off a G1 win and maps as a place chance.
Gufo moved too early in his last run and should improve with a more patient ride this time under Joel Rosario. He is a place change along with Teona and jockey David Egan.
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