I'm back in Europe again this week, this time on a business trip to France to attend the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and International Federation of Horseracing Authority's (IFHA) regular meetings over the weekend. It has become a tradition for directors of different racing jurisdictions from around the world to meet in Paris in early October, as in addition to sharing thoughts on current global racing issues, they can enjoy the most prestigious classic distance race in Europe – the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
At this year's ARF's meeting, the whip rule will be discussed. As you may know, the Australian Racing Board has recently introduced a set of rules limiting the use of whips by their jockeys in the final stage of races. As some other jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, simulcast major Australian races for betting by local fans, these rules affect racing fans outside Australia too.
Let me tell you, though, that we have no plans to introduce similar restrictions in Hong Kong, as our Racing Stewards closely monitor the performance of all jockeys here, and the number found to make unnecessary use of whips is extremely low.
Next up is the IFHA Executive Committee meeting, where we will be focusing on how to reach out and expand the customer base of racing as a sport, a topic that was raised at the last ARF conference in Tokyo in November 2008. With 57 delegates from racing jurisdictions all over the world attending this year’s meeting, this gathering offers a good chance to discuss the commingling topic further with some of the interested partners around the world.
By sharing the Club's experiences of different initiatives and seeing what has worked most effectively, I hope we can help all IFHA members and global racing industry players strengthen their business and plan the best way forward.
Although these important racing conferences will take up a lot of my visit, I hope to have a bit of spare time in Paris this week to enjoy the city's wonderful artistic atmosphere. The IFHA will arrange a black tie dinner at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs tonight. This museum is part of the Louvre and its collections include modern French paintings, art and crafts and even toys ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. It's an interesting place to visit and I look forward to attending the party tonight.
But as you might guess, the event I'm looking forward to most of all is the Arc de Triomphe raceday at Longchamp tomorrow. This year's Arc has a notable Hong Kong connection as race favourite Sea The Stars, which is owned by young Hong Kong breeder Christopher Tsui, is bidding to become the first horse ever to win the 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Eclipse and the Arc. Having won five Group One races in a row, the horse is currently in top form and has a proven record at the Arc distance, so I hope he can claim his place in history. But I think Aidan O'Brien's Irish Derby winner Fame And Glory and Sir Michael Stoute's prolific stayer Conduit, will be capable to stage a tough challenge to the ace runner.
I'm also keenly anticipated to meet top trainers like Aidan O'Brien and Andre Fabre, and riders like Frankie Dettori, Olivier Peslier, and Christophe Soumillon, who was out injured and invited by a French television channel for guest commentary in the race meeting. Anyway, you will all have a chance to offer your betting support, as the Club will simulcast the Arc race to Hong Kong tomorrow evening. You can also check the performances of some top European sprinters, as we shall also be simulcasting the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp. It will also be the first time we have no bracketing in simulcast races with more than 14 runners. It will be interesting to hear your feedback on this new arrangement.
I won't be forgetting, though, to check the results of our 10 local races at Sha Tin earlier in the afternoon. Champion jockey Douglas Whyte will be returning from suspension and I think he should have a good start after his comeback. Particularly, I think his combination with trainer John Size on Endless Luck in the Mei Lam Handicap, and Holi Ravioli in the Chinese Recreation Club Challenge Cup, should be successful ones. Endless Luck ran a promising second in his first start this season over 1400M after a seven-month break, I will not be surprised if the four-year-old can win his first race in Hong Kong when he steps up to 1800M tomorrow. Holi Ravioli has a good record over 1200M on All Weather track - one win and one third in two starts, let’s see if he can deliver another decent performance this time.
Hope you enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival!
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