The Asian Games officially began last Friday. I’ve kept up with the Games latest news and check on how our local athletes are performing. The football team did well to reach the knockout stages of the Games for the first time in more than 50 years, and it was no shame that they eventually went out on Monday to Oman, who are 40 places above Hong Kong in the FIFA rankings.
Other Hong Kong athletes have done very well in events like cycling, wushu and snooker. As of yesterday, the HKSAR had already collected three gold, five silver and three bronze medals, and ranked sixth in the overall standings behind sporting powerhouses China, Japan and South Korea.
The equestrian events of the Games began on Sunday with the dressage competitions. I've learnt from my colleagues that many locals and visitors have been at Conghua to watch the events, and that all the new facilities and the events have been running smoothly. That's good news, as the Club put a lot of effort into ensuring that the horses and riders were given the best possible conditions to perform in. Equine sports are unique in that they demand a supreme level of understanding between athlete and animal, so providing a comfortable and stress-free environment for the horses is critical.
Meanwhile, the last batch of horses for the jumping competition arrived in Guangzhou from Germany last night and were transported safely to Conghua in the early hours of this morning. They include four horses that the Hong Kong team will ride after training with them in Europe, three of which were purchased by the Club’s Charities Trust. I hope they will settle well in Conghua and look forward to hearing some good news from the Hong Kong equestrian team over the next few days.
Back home in Hong Kong, I've also been keeping a close eye on two top racehorses who have arrived here in the past few days: Singapore’s top sprinter Rocket Man, who will run in the Cathay Pacific Jockey Club Sprint this Sunday, and Melbourne Cup winner Americian who arrived Monday night to prepare for next month's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase.
Rocket Man looks to be in good form, judging from his appearances at Sha Tin trackwork so far, including an impressive fast gallop on dirt yesterday morning. Our own champion sprinter Sacred Kingdom worked well the same morning and his trainer Ricky Yiu also feels his horse is in superb condition. Although Ricky stresses that he sees Sunday's race as just preparation ahead of the main event next month, I still think the rematch between these two world-class sprinters – their first after the 2009 KrisFlyer International Sprint – looks likely to be a thrilling battle.
On another subject, I’m concerned about the news of ICAC’s operations since yesterday, in which Club members have been arrested by the anti-graft body for suspected bribery in relation to applications for Club membership. As the investigation is now in progress, it would be inappropriate for me to give any comment over this case at the current stage. However, I would like to stress that the Club always works with the ICAC closely. We are committed to upholding integrity and will not tolerate any dishonest individuals, as integrity and honesty are at the heart of everything the Club does.
Back to our Happy Valley race meeting tonight, some of our races look to be quite open. In the Bank Street Handicap, I think the expected good to fast pace should ensure that every horse has a fair chance to show its best.
Billion should be able to take the lead from Gate 2 without much effort. With his improving fitness and returning back to this distance, I think he should not be underestimated in this 2200m race. Personally, I think Vitality Express will be the horse to beat as he can be perfectly placed. The extra distance should also be beneficial, given that his sire is Zabeel. Victory Mascot is in great form and he beat Vitality Express last time. But they have just four-pound difference in weights this time, and this should be in favour for Vitality Express a bit. Among other runners, the recent performances of Win Practitioner have been very consistent. He will possibly come with a late run and he will be a value selection in this event.
In the Wayfoong Centenary Bowl Handicap, the expected fast pace will give some chances for closers and horses who have their best distance at 1200m. Towkay Flyer will try to lead but may come under pressure from newcomer King Of The Day. Me Tsui’s Horse Galore should be in a perfect position behind the pace. He has a good chance to win or at least be placed. The same applies to Chevalier King who is working well but they all have to beat Turbo King which will be helped by the fast pace despite being drawn in Gate 10. I see some improvement in Ever Beauty and being a 1000m specialist, he cannot be underestimated.
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