Who would have thought Christmas 2020 would involve people all over the world being asked to stay at home instead of heading off to celebrate with family and friends?
All our lives have changed dramatically since the Covid-19 pandemic began to spread early in 2020 and there are still some tough times ahead before society and sport can even think of returning to the sort of situations we once took for granted.
However, reflecting on what has been achieved is an essential part of the Christmas and New Year period and, as a turbulent 2020 begins to wind down, there are so many things Hong Kong as a whole and the sport of horse racing can be proud of.
First and foremost, it is important to pay tribute to the people of our city for the way in which they have responded to an immense challenge over the last 12 months. We live in one of the most vibrant, crowded places on the planet with 7.5 million people who are used to moving around constantly.
Covid-19 has affected many lives here and the Club is having to ask all its Licensees and employees working within the Racing Bubble to show an amazing level of togetherness and discipline in order that we can keep racing for the benefit of the community as a whole.
The facts show Hong Kong has handled the crisis far better than many places and that many citizens who are willing to do whatever is necessary to minimise risk to themselves and others is an important reason.
We never take anything for granted, especially in times like this, but it will be good to be back at Sha Tin this weekend and, when we look back on events at our flagship racetrack this year, it’s clear there have been some memorable days and pleasant surprises.
Zac Purton’s latest duel with Joao Moreira for the 2019/20 jockeys’ championship provided a constant theme through the first half of 2020 and it was only in the closing weeks of last season that Zac began to assert. Exultant’s QEII Cup win gave Zac another record as the first rider ever to complete the full set of Hong Kong’s 12 G1 contests, while Mr Stunning ended his long spell at or near the top of the sprint division by going out on a high under Karis Teetan in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize.
Southern Legend gave Vincent Ho his first G1 success in a memorable Champions Mile battle with Beauty Generation, while John Moore ended his epic training career with a winner at his final Sha Tin fixture in July and Ricky Yiu gained a popular and thoroughly deserved first trainers’ title after a long and exciting tussle with John, Francis and Tony Cruz.
But when the book on Hong Kong racing in 2020 is written, the two key themes will, of course, involve Golden Sixty and Covid-19. Golden Sixty’s tremendous winning streak for Francis and Vincent culminated with his stunning Hong Kong Mile success just under two weeks ago and he will forever be remembered as the horse who delivered time and time again from within the Racing Bubble.
Joao Moreira’s achievement of becoming only the third jockey to ride 1,000 winners in Hong Kong after Douglas Whyte and Zac speaks to Joao’s incredible talent and professionalism.
We are, indeed, extremely fortunate to have such a high quality group of jockeys and, as we saw at Happy Valley on Wednesday night when Joao, Zac and Christophe Soumillon were to the fore, Vincent Ho and Matthew Chadwick again demonstrated their skill by winning against the elite.
At Sha Tin on Boxing Day, the Class 2 Cheung Sheung Handicap (2000m) presents a fascinating clash between several emerging staying talents, including Enjoying, Butterfield, Tianchi Monster, Panfield and Thinkin’ Big.
Christophe Soumillon has been booked to ride Enjoying, who shapes as a win and place chance after he was found to have some blood in his trachea last start.
Zac Purton partners Butterfield, while Vincent Ho rides Helene Leadingstar. Both, along with Tianchi Monster (Antoine Hamelin) and well-performed Australian import Thinkin’ Big (Joao Moreira), also have place claims.
For me, Panfield is an intriguing runner. To be ridden by Alexis Badel, Panfield was a multiple G1 winner in Chile but needed throat surgery in the US before arriving in Hong Kong. If he has improved from his last start eighth at Happy Valley, and stepping out to the more suitable distance of 2000m, he would not surprise by running a place as he attempts to secure a place in the BMW Hong Kong Derby, his main target.
This has been the most challenging year in the Club’s history and continued vigilance, care and determination are essential if the good work of 2020 is to continue into 2021.
It will not be easy but nothing worthwhile ever is. The Club is hugely appreciative for the continued support and understanding of all staff and followers and I am certain I speak for everyone here at Sports Road HQ in wishing you all the very best as the Christmas holiday period continues.
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