Our new racing season will get under way at Sha Tin racecourse tomorrow. Before the resumption of exciting horse racing action at our season opening meeting, earlier this week my focus was on a meeting of a different kind, our Annual General Meeting. At the meeting we reported on the Club’s business operation for the last fiscal year that ended on 30 June.
We experienced an utterly successful season last year, as our racing turnover reached a record high. But I think it’s even more pleasing for us to see that our charitable donations, as well as betting duties and tax contributions, rose to all-time highs. Last year our annual donations amounts increased substantially, by 85 per cent, to HK$3.61 billion, while our tax contributions to the public coffer went up by 11 per cent to HK$19.58 billion. These figures hold significant meaning for both the Club and the local community, as not only have we maintained our important role as the largest single tax and charity contributor in Hong Kong, the figures also show our strong commitment to giving back to our community, improving further the quality of life of many thousands of Hong Kong people
Such an increase in our charity contributions was not a one-off in nature and we endeavour to maintain such sizeable contributions in the foreseeable future. To maintain such financial viability so as to continue playing our important role community-wise, it will be vital for us to ensure the sustainable growth of our business.
Maintaining the Club’s financial soundness will also enable us to continue to invest in our racing hardware, to make improvements to various racing and training facilities. Over the past few years, we have upgraded horse training and stable facilities at Sha Tin racecourse. As I mentioned previously, the refurbishment of the six three-storey stable blocks have all been completed, with the work on the first of the 14 two-storey stable blocks soon to commence. We will also build a new equine swimming pool in the Olympic Stables area, so that upon its completion, those horses who now reside there will not need to walk all the way to the current swimming pool located at the other side of the racecourse. We believe this will enhance the efficiency for the daily stable operation for those trainers and staff working at the Olympic Stables.
In recent years, we also made an important strategic effort to enhance the digital experience for our racing customers. In the new season we will introduce some new attractions including an aerial virtual replay online, which will enhance the experience for racing fans in their post-race analysis. The HKJC Racing WeChat is another new feature and subscribers will receive latest racing news and marketing propositions from the Club. Customer connectivity has increased its importance nowadays. With the latest initiatives, it means all of the customers, especially those younger fans who are social media active, can connect with the Club and horse racing at any time.
To enhance further racecourse experience, under the Racecourse Master Plan, of course there are some fresh new racecourse venues and boxes that will be available to our customers and racegoers tomorrow. I hope all of you enjoy your visit to the racecourse, and if possible, come earlier than usual to join our season opening ceremony at the Parade Ring.
Our first fixture of 2014/2015 will feature a total of 10 races. The highlight of the day will definitely be the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup, with 11 high-class sprinters competing in this 1200m event. Reigning champion jockey Zac Purton has won the past two editions of the Chief Executive’s Cup, with Cerise Cherry and Supreme Win, and he will partner Tony Cruz’s trained Bullish Friend this year. I will be watching to see if Zac can get off the mark and make a sensational start to his title defence.
The race has attracted a top class field with several Hong Kong’s bright young sprinters. The pace should be good to fast with Divine Ten coming out of Gate 7 and Peniaphobia likely to go forward. Helene Spirit is likely to join them too, but is at risk to be kept wide, with Bullish Friend likely to roll forward to keep his good spot at the rails. Smart Volatility, Tour De Force and Charles The Great can all be well placed.
Divine Ten has trialled well and could have his first win over 1200m which he mastered well when second over course and distance last time out. Gate 7 is not ideal and he is a win and place chance. But he will face strong competition, particularly from Charles The Great, Golden Harvest, Smart Volatility and Tour De Force. I like Tour De Force most because he is working very well and has a significant weight advantage.
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