This has been another significant week in the history of Hong Kong racing.
The last few days have provided a chance to assess all aspects of the decision to cancel Wednesday’s evening meeting at Happy Valley and I would like to thank all concerned for the understanding shown.
As we stated at the time, public safety will always be of paramount importance whenever the Club is faced with difficult choices such as this.
Our decision to cancel was made only after a detailed risk assessment and we will continue to put the interests of racegoers, staff and racehorses first whenever there is a perceived threat to safety.
An announcement over a replacement fixture will be made in due course but, for the moment, it is time to look forward to our Saturday meeting at Sha Tin as we turn the spotlight back to the sport that plays such a vital part in Hong Kong life.
I have spoken to many people from inside and outside the Club over the last few days and their passion for racing and the role it plays in wider society shines through.
For me, the key elements involved in our great sport are also the same things that make Hong Kong such a wonderful city.
World-class racing is based on a belief that great things are possible if you combine vision and ambition with skill and teamwork and Hong Kong and its people have embodied those qualities perfectly during my time here.
I look forward to seeing all our staff and customers come together again this weekend as racing returns on Saturday and on Sunday we can enjoy another notable sporting challenge as twelve of our best jockeys and local soccer legends take part in a special game as part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Challenge Cup day.
Joao Moreira has Zac Purton, Matthew Poon, Alfred Chan, Grant Van Niekerk and Umberto Rispoli as part of his team, while Derek Leung, Neil Callan, Chad Schofield, Dylan Mo, Aldo Domeyer and Lyle Hewitson will be part of the opposition.
History tells us that it will be a close contest, as jockeys always want to win whatever sport they play, and there should be a good crowd at Mong Kok Stadium for an occasion that helps connect our stars with the community as well as doing valuable work for local charities.
Saturday’s Class 3 Yuen Long Handicap at 1400m will be run at a moderate pace with My Darling and Beauty Energy setting the tempo. Last-start winner Cordyceps will be close up along with Regency Bo Bo. Preciousship will be closer than usual with the addition of crossed nose band.
Flying Victory is lightly raced in Hong Kong and showed progressive form in three runs for Frankie Lor last season. He is drawn 14 but has decent early speed and is a win and place chance with Moreira aboard.
Regency Bo Bo ran well on his seasonal debut despite a difficult trip when he was slow out and then travelled wide and without cover. He is well drawn here and looks a place chance with Zac Purton picking up the ride for the first time since he finished second over course and distance just over two years ago.
Charizard is first up after finishing the past season in top form. He will do his running from the back and is a place chance along with Cordyceps, while Great Treasure ran very well first time up and is worth noting from the bottom of the weights.
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