Today's racing at Sha Tin is the 11th meeting of 2009/10, our 125th Anniversary season. Before the start of the season, I said that I felt cautiously optimistic about racing turnover, given that the local economy has gradually recovered and stabilised. It's good to see that the figures from our recent race meetings support that view.
For instance, the gross margin at our night meeting last Wednesday reached HK$127 million, with HK$92 million of betting duty paid to the Government. We also registered a gross margin of HK$156 million at the Sa Sa Ladies' Purse Day, with HK$113 million going to Government – both the highest of the season. These figures are quite encouraging and I would definitely say we are on the right track so far.
However, I know that the racing public have been rather concerned in the past few meetings about a few unfortunate incidents affecting race favourites at or near the starting point. Apart from these pre-race incidents, some of you have made comments on the performances of specific runners. Whether sent to me via this blog or expressed in the media, I always try to keep up with the views of our racing fans.
There will always be different opinions among those involved in the racing business or participating as spectators, as racing and the betting activities associated with it can sometimes be quite subjective and emotional. However, I would see this as a good thing. It shows the public really care about the sport, and reminds us that public support is essential for its sustainable development. That's why we never take these views lightly in the Club, and always take note of our customers' opinions and suggestions.
Although the current racing season is just only one month ago, we are already looking at areas where we can improve and do better, as part of a continuous review of our racing operations. Where changes are deemed to be necessary, I can reassure you that my colleagues in different areas will make them, having regard to the best interests of all parties involved. But changes cannot usually happen overnight, so I do ask for your understanding and continued support.
This blog has been serving as an important communication channel between the Club and its racing fans over the past two years. Often I forward the thoughtful ideas you contribute to my colleagues, and we see what we can do to respond to your wants. Last season, for example, some media and racing fans suggested that we arrange more Saturday race meetings, so as to allow them to spend time with their families on Sundays.
After careful study, we decided to increase the number of Saturday race meetings this season to 11, including the one we held last month and today's meeting at Sha Tin. Although the racing turnover as well as attendance for our Saturday meetings is generally lower than for Sundays, we will continue this practice in order to cater for different Owners' and racing fans' needs.
Anyway, I'm sure that the 10 races in our programme will offer plenty of excitement. Personally, I will be watching the performances of Magic Temple and Aashiq. In the Po Leung Kuk Centenary Cup, Magic Temple is obviously in top-form. He delivered a good turn of foot in his last two outings over 1200m and 1650m on the dirt. I'm expecting another decent performance from the nine-year-old this afternoon. Other than Magic Temple, I think both Amazing Choice and Sea Prince are the other contenders that you should not overlook.
In the Caroline Hill Handicap, Aashiq will be hard to beat, giving his wonderful performance of just being beaten by Beauty Flash over 1400m last term. However, I think Good Gains, Winning Fellowship and Cars King Prawn are the up-and-coming ones that will ensure it should not be just a walk in the park for Asshiq.
Please don't forget we will be simulcasting the Champion Stakes from Newmarket Racecourse later this evening. I'm looking forward to see the G1 2000M on the Rowley course and I'm expecting a duel between the Irish Derby winner Fame And Glory and the fantastic Dual Classic winner Sariska. So please stay tuned at 10 o'clock tonight to enjoy this race we are simulcasting to Hong Kong for you.
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