We are well into the business programme for the 37th Asian Racing Conference in Seoul and it has been an incredibly busy, productive week so far. The Korea Racing Authority hosted delegates for the 21st Korean Derby race meeting on Sunday and we followed with a series of bureau meetings and the Opening Ceremony on Monday. Approximately 600 delegates from six continents are here for the ARC and the dialogue created has been outstanding.
Yesterday, I spoke about the need for racing to create a clear global brand. It is my vision that within the next decade, racing can climb back to become one of the world’s top ten sports. Not so long ago, it was one of the most popular sports in the world. While we are very lucky to have racing as strong as it is in Hong Kong, the same does not apply globally, and racing is actually even outside the world’s top 20 in the global popularity stakes.
The brand we offer collectively is our promise to our customers on who we are and what they can expect from us. It differentiates us from our competitors. While the Jockey Club has done quite well in this regard, we must be pushing ever forward, always creating new ways to connect with our customers, and of course, maintaining the highest integrity in so doing. This includes our world-leading example on the eradication of race-day medication and a commitment to high standards in overall horse welfare.
We heard from many great speakers this far, which included an incredibly interesting presentation from Australian demographer Bernard Salt, who framed our Tuesday session in light of the ever-growing “Asian Century,” and also from Manchester United’s CEO of Media, Phil Lynch, who discussed ManU’s remarkable engagement and content delivery strategies.
I will try to keep one eye on the racing from Happy Valley while we also enjoy Korean Cultural Night here in Seoul. The St George’s Challenge Cup is one of Hong Kong’s oldest racing trophies, dating back to 1857, and is run tonight as Race 3 for Class 3 sprinters at 1000 metres. The pace figures to be moderate with five of the 11 runners turning back in trip and this opens the door for Dragon Pioneer to be the main speed in the race.
Dragon Pioneer was forced three wide and without cover when contesting the pace in a similar race three weeks ago and fought on to finish a respectable fifth in his Happy Valley debut. He has drawn a good gate and is a win and place chance as he seeks his first ever win in Hong Kong. Dragon Pioneer will be ridden by leading jockey Joao Moreira and his main rival will be Smart Declaration, ridden by Zac Purton. This will be a familiar theme over the final two months of the season as these two athletes battle for the coveted title of Hong Kong’s champion jockey. Purton trails Moreira by nine wins, 107-98, coming into tonight.
Smart Declaration had to be taken back from his wide draw in his last race but he will be much closer this time and is a five-time winner over the course and distance. He has been working well and is a solid place chance in his current form.
Country Melody has drawn the rail and drops 11 pounds at the weights with apprentice Victor Wong riding and I expect an improved performance from both him and Money Boy, both of which have place chances.
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