There is nothing quite like the sense of optimism that the start of a new racing season brings.
The summer break is not so long as it used to be in Hong Kong, but the seven weeks since a record-breaking 2018/2019 season closed have given everyone involved in our sport the chance to take a break and there is so much to look forward to as we prepare for our Season Opening fixture at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Of course, major stars are key to the success of all sports and the dominance shown by Beauty Generation and Exultant last season showcased the very best of Hong Kong racing to the world.
That exceptional pair set a very high standard for emerging stars like Champion’s Way and Aethero to match in the coming months and there are so many more compelling storylines to be written.
Zac Purton is at the peak of his powers after consecutive jockeys’ championships but his arch rival Joao Moreira returns for a full season as a Club rider and will play his part in what should be a thrilling title battle.
Karis Teetan will be determined to maintain his position in the top three of the table and Vincent Ho, fresh from a successful spell in the UK highlighted by a win at the Shergar Cup, will be equally keen to build on the strong progress he made last season.
However, Hong Kong racing is founded on fierce competition. We are always on the lookout for stars with the right qualities to embrace that challenge and our latest recruits to the weighing room – Australian star Blake Shinn and South African champion Lyle Hewitson – bring added strength to what is one of the most attractive jockey line-ups we have ever seen in Hong Kong.
On the training front, former riding legend Douglas Whyte has been preparing for his new career with typical diligence and his progress in his first season based at Olympic Stables will be followed with keen interest. John Size will be favourite to record a 12th title success and John Moore will be aiming to go out with a bang in his final season in Hong Kong.
However, Frankie Lor must also be mentioned. He could not quite match John Size in the closing stages of last season but he is now a dual-site trainer with talented horses based at Conghua and that asset could make him a serious title contender.
As ever, the summer break has also given us the chance to introduce a range of new initiatives designed to improve the digital and customer experience for all types of Hong Kong racing fans.
These include a Multi Angled Cam on the HKJC TV App which provides exclusive pictures from multiple points including the paddock and track entrance.
In addition, our ongoing Racecourse Revitalisation has continued. Sha Tin’s Diamond Vision screen has been improved to offer an amazing resolution, while the attraction of Happy Wednesday at the Valley will be enhanced further with the introduction of a brand new 12m by 4.16m Diamond Vision screen.
This will be sited directly across from the Beer Garden and once launched in December it will be designed to broadcast specially tailored content for the audience who make a night out there such a unique part of Hong Kong’s attraction.
All these initiatives combine to make our racing more competitive and exciting than ever. We must always be conscious of the world around us, and there is no question that this is a challenging time for Hong Kong, but the Club will continue to offer world class sport which provides huge enjoyment and in turn acts for the betterment of society.
Sunday’s Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup features a compact field of seven runners over 1200m with California Fortune set to be the clear leader at an honest pace on his debut for Douglas. Styling City and Regency Legend will be in closest attendance with the others doing their best running from the back.
Regency Legend is undefeated in three starts since coming to Hong Kong from New Zealand. If the track is rain affected, it is worth noting that he won the first two races of his career on a yielding track. This is one of many newcomers who made a big impression last season and I like the way he trialled at Sha Tin last week. He looks ready to keep his Hong Kong record unblemished as a win and place chance.
Styling City is a five-time winner over the 1000m straight course where he is at his best. He has yet to duplicate that form racing around the bend and has managed only one placing in four starts over this course and distance. He was another that trialled well last week and under the light weight and a box seat run, he is a solid place chance.
Seasons Bloom won this race two years ago in what was his last start over the course and distance. He turns back in trip whilst first up from an encouraging trial success at Conghua and will be running on at the end. He is a place chance along with Wishful Thinker, a consistent sort who finished third in last year’s renewal of our traditional season opening cup.
Race 6 on Sunday, the Yi Tung Shan Handicap, is a very interesting Class 4 race over 1000m for several reasons. Aaron Kwok’s Dancing Fighter showed good promise in two runs last season and has trialled very well. He is clearly a strong contender but he is also up against two more upcoming four-year-olds in Allied Agility and Ka Ying Master.
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