It’s all done and dusted and I can say this year’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races was among the most memorable and emotional ones yet. The “irreplaceable” Highland Reel drew the first win of the day as he made a winning swansong in the Vase, helping his Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien extend the record G1 haul of the year to 28. It was special to have him on site to see the great globetrotting champion complete his career in style, repelling a strong challenge from Talismanic and turning the tables on the Breeders’ Cup result.
All the remaining three G1s of the day went to the home team, as Zac Purton completed his sweep of all four HKIR events with his success aboard Time Warp in the Cup. Mr Stunning also formally announced himself of belonging to the top rank sprinters in the world, with his authoritative win in the Sprint.
To many racing fans, the finest moment of the day certainly went to our home-grown jockey Derek Leung. He sent the Sha Tin Racecourse into delirium when he steered Beauty Generation past the post in the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile. It was Derek’s maiden G1 success and personally, I think it was an exceptional riding performance. I’m sure many fans will be hoping this is the first of more G1 successes for our homegrown rider.
Again I would like to express my sincere gratitude and thanks for the huge support given by our sponsor LONGINES, all local and overseas media, as well as the Club team. Without their efforts our flagship international meeting would not achieve such a tremendous success. Our racing fans were nothing short of spectacular as well. More than 94,000 enjoyed the day of racing and were incredibly attentive to the festive occasion. It was the second-highest attendance for an HKIR on record and we set a new mark for turnover at an HKIR meeting.
I am anxious for the remainder of the season ahead and as always, look forward to an even more exciting international meeting next year. Racing returns to Happy Valley tonight as we have eight races on the card. Race 7 is the second section of the Hydrangea Handicap, run over 1650m of the C Course. The pace is projected to be good-to-slow, though it could be on the slower side given the withdrawal of Go Go Win. Dr Win Win will likely be ridden forward from an outside barrier to secure a good run up front with A Beautiful expected to sit just behind with Go Beauty Go. Mister Monte and Easy Hedge should be behind them with Jade Fortune in midfield. Nitro Express and The Judge should be behind midfield.
Mister Monte should get a very good trip in this race, though he may have to be ridden just a bit more forward than normal given the pace setup, is working well and is my top selection. Dr Win Win was a course and distance winner two back and was just caught over the same trip prior to that. He is another who continues to work well and is a win and place candidate who could enjoy a tactical advantage from the front. Jade Fortune has a good draw and was close two starts back when similarly drawn. Along with Easy Hedge, they are both placing chances for me.
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