We are living in challenging times which require us to make a clear distinction between what is going on in the sporting world and events in wider society.
The spotlight was back on racing at Sha Tin on Saturday and Karis Teetan stole the show with an amazing five timer crowned which included all the last four races.
There is no question that there is strength in depth among our riders this year – something Karis readily acknowledges – and the competition will get hotter still when Silvestre de Sousa and Alexis Badel return in November.
However, Karis proved that he belongs among the elite by riding 84 winners last season and his skill, strength and positive outlook add a great deal to the sport here.
The top of the trainers’ table has an interesting look as we approach the end of September, with Francis Lui, Danny Shum and Tony Cruz all off to fast starts, and the countdown is under way for the reappearance of some of the equine stars who made last season so memorable for Hong Kong racing.
Our dual Horse of the Year Beauty Generation made his first public appearance of a new season in a barrier trial won by his exciting young stablemate Aethero on Tuesday and, all being well, he will now try to win the Celebration Cup for the third year in a row next week.
At the moment our risk assessment suggests that there is no significant risk of a threat to public safety in staging Wednesday’s Happy Valley meeting, which features the first of four popular Oktoberfest-themed nights and an extra race to assist the needs of our horse population following last week’s cancellation.
Wednesday’s Tai Shue Wan Handicap (race eight) is a Class 3 over 1650m and looks an interesting contest. Last Kingdom is a son of Frankel who won three times in France before coming to Hong Kong. He began on a rating of 86 here and finally broke through two weeks ago off a mark of 63 on his first start for new trainer Douglas Whyte.
The five-year-old proved a difficult ride whilst making all the running under Alberto Sanna and looks like the clear leader again. He is a place chance in a race where the pace will be slightly below standard.
Win Win has drawn gate 10 for the second race running here and this time I expect Zac Purton to take him back from his wide draw to find cover and make a run from the back. He has looked good in his trials and ran well first up last season. It will be a tricky ride with the slow tempo but I make him a win and place chance.
Jenerator enjoyed a solid trial recently and should enjoy the run of the race from the box seat. He is a place chance along with Racing Luck, a two-time winner in this class over course and distance last season.
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