We are living through an era of rapid change that demands swift, sensible action and the challenges that have faced Hong Kong for most of 2020 are now being replicated in dramatic fashion all over the world.
It now seems clear that some countries have taken much longer to react to the threat of the COVID-19 virus than others and that the various measures we have taken in relation to racecourse attendance and Off-Course Betting Branches were fully justified.
However, the Government announced yesterday the issuance of Red Outbound Travel Alert on all overseas countries and territories, and the extension of the 14-day compulsory quarantine on inbound travellers arriving from all overseas countries and territories. These represent a new and highly significant step in the drive to reduce the growing number of cases of infection being imported from abroad.
Clearly, this has major implications for racing on various levels. It means Joao Moreira will no longer be able to travel to take rides on Dubai World Cup night – which is unfortunate but sadly inevitable – and even before the latest red travel alert it was clear that there was little possibility of international jockeys being able to come here to ride in this Sunday’s BMW Hong Kong Derby.
The Club was already closely monitoring latest developments and the worsening situation in other countries before Tuesday’s announcement about further expansion of self-isolation and, as a result, it has been decided that existing admission arrangements for race meetings will remain unchanged for the moment.
That means owners with a prior table reservation will be able to come racing but further expansion is not a risk we are prepared to take at this stage and we agree with Government that any further opening needs to be delayed for at least two weeks.
On a more positive note, it is good to report that the plans we are putting in place to help racing fans engage with the sport have been working well. Customers who wish to cash vouchers or make account deposits will be able to do so again at 15 selected Off-Course Betting Branches (listed below) and our two racecourses between 9.30am and 7.30pm on 19 and 20 March.
In addition, a portion of our Telebet operation, which has been suspended since 6 February, will resume from this Sunday with a limited number of employees reporting on a voluntary basis with all precautionary measures including social distancing in place.
Back on the racecourse, it was good to see Derek Leung in treble form at Sha Tin on Saturday and Zac Purton’s four timer – which reduced Joao’s lead at the top of the jockeys’ table to just four – suggests that the fight for the championship could be a long one.
Of course, the build-up to this year’s Derby will progress in a very different way than normal. Last week’s Selections Announcement and tomorrow’s Barrier Draw ceremony have been scaled down due to the current situation but Derby week is always a special time in the Hong Kong racing calendar.
As we have seen before, adversity can also create opportunity and that is certainly the case for several Hong Kong riders who now have an unexpected Classic opportunity this weekend.
There is no question that this is a Derby week like no other, but it will still be a great occasion and the fact that one of our true flagship events is going ahead is testament to all the measures put in place since this latest challenge surfaced almost two months ago.
The speed will be on in tonight’s Class 2 Begonia Handicap over 1200m as the final race of the night shapes up as an intriguing contest. Amazing Star will use his speed from an outside gate to join Moment Of Power and Mr Lumieres to set a genuine pace. Country Star, Styling City and Waldorf will be in the next flight with the others doing their running from the back.
Waldorf is a last-start winner against top opposition and is well drawn on the C+3 course to get a smooth run from midfield. He is a course and distance specialist and will get every opportunity as a win and place chance.
Invincible Missile is one of many chances in the race and he enters the race in career best form as he steps up in grade. The fast pace will be to his liking and he is a place chance with the added value of being eligible for a HK$1 million High Achievement Bonus. Jockey Vincent Ho will need find cover during the early stages.
Amazing Star was defeated for the first time in four starts this season in his most recent race three weeks ago and does not look as imposing a presence this time around. He has high early speed and will need to use it from barrier 11 with regular rider Zac Purton. He is a place chance along with Country Star, a five-time winner at Happy Valley.
The 15 OCBBs opening on 19 and 20 March are:
Quarry Bay, King’s Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hankow Road
Mong Kok, Nathan Centre
Mong Kok, Tong Mei Road
Wong Tai Sin, Tropicana
Tseung Kwan O, Po Lam
Sheung Shui, Shek Wu Hui
Tai Po Plaza
Tuen Mun Town Plaza
Tin Shui Wai
Kwai Fong
Kwai Chung, Wing Fong Road
Tsing Yi, Maritime Square
Tsuen Wan, Castle Peak Road
Sai Kung
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