We had some very exciting races at Happy Valley on Wednesday – also a rewarding evening for Caspar Fownes with his three-timer that night. It was also enjoyable for our racegoers in the Beer Garden as they enjoyed the sights of a Formula E racecar on display trackside. Some sat in the cockpit of the various Formula E simulators there to enjoy their very own personal experience.
Currently in Hong Kong it wouldn’t be difficult for anyone to spot an electric car on the road, as they have been increasingly popular in this city in recent years. So it comes natural that the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix became an instant hit when it was held for the first time in the unique Central Harbourfront circuit last year.
The 2017/18 Formula E racing season begins today in Hong Kong, with the first round Saturday and the second round tomorrow on the same street circuit. I know that among the 20 drivers on the grid there will be some strong talent from the series, including reigning champion Lucas Di Grassi. I’m sure many local motorsport fans will enjoy attending the race and closely follow the related action and news this weekend, and I wish the best of luck to all involved.
This is the second of three consecutive weeks this year of championship sport in our great city. Racing action of the equine variety will be on offer at Sha Tin Racecourse tomorrow. It will be our last regular race meeting before entering the LONGINES HKIR week, with three turf races and seven dirt races being arranged on the card. The feature is the Peninsula Golden Jubilee Challenge Cup, which was presented in December 1978 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Peninsula Hong Kong, which in my opinion is still one of the best hotels in the world.
This Cup race is run as race six and is a Class 3 event over 1650m on the dirt track, with an expected good-to-slow pace. Dylan Mo led throughout on Turin Pearl at the end of last season and one would expect they try the same tactics. Dollar Reward, stepping up in trip, should be forwardly placed, while Go Beauty Go can also race with prominence. Unicron Jewellery could be posted wide. Willie Way and Sky King should settle behind mid-division with Andoyas, Generous Heart and Little Island near the rear.
Willie Way is my first choice for this race despite the fact that he has to overcome a wide draw in gate 10 again, and that he will have to come from the back of the field. He is in very good form and is working well. Turin Pearl is better drawn in gate four than last time when finishing third over course, distance and surface, and is at least a place chance.
Kyrus Bowser is slowly settling in and improving his performance and could be placed. The same applies for Dollar Reward who is a winner on the Tapeta in Great Britain and placed over a distance of 1600m on Polytrack.
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