One of the underlying strengths of Hong Kong racing resides in its people.
Drawn from all different walks of life and from around the world, the Club is a dynamic amalgam of incredible Owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff, medical and veterinary professionals and officials.
Collectively, our people have combined relentlessly to ensure Hong Kong racing flourishes despite the enduring challenges of 2020/21.
At the core of the Club’s operation is professional and personal development across a broad spectrum of areas and, in this regard, it is with mixed feelings – those of deep appreciation and sadness – that we farewell Steve Railton.
Steve’s work as secretary of the Licensing Committee has had a profound effect on the Club as well as his important work in occupational health and safety and the development of local jockeys and trainers. His years of experience and steady presence as a Stipendiary Steward have been of great value to the Club through the years but his additional duties must also be acknowledged to appreciate his full contribution.
Steve has chosen to return to Australia and the Club wishes him and his family the best of health and fortune in his future endeavours.
On a similar tangent, the Club remains deeply appreciative of the patience and understanding of our customers during the pandemic.
It is pleasing that from Sunday, 7 February, the number of Off-Course Betting Branches (OCBBs) will increase from 19 to 67. This is an important step and it has not been taken lightly but, as the Lunar New Year approaches, there will be significant increases in customer demand for OCBB services.
Naturally, the Club is determined to avoid overcrowding and creating public health challenges at the OCBBs. After thoroughly considering all aspects, the Club has made the decision to open the additional OCBBs to reduce customer flow with a view of protecting public health.
As such, the Club will not open other OCBBs located in the “specified area” as delineated by the HKSAR Government. Appropriate adjustments of opening arrangements will be made in accordance with the prevailing COVID-19 situations.
On the racing front, the Club has been in bonus mode over the past four race meetings and the trend may continue at Sha Tin on Saturday in the Class 2 Yuen Long Handicap with three of the eight runners eligible for a HK$1 million High Achievement Bonus.
Recent recipients of the High Achievement Bonus include Excellent Proposal in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, Delightful Laos, Beauty Smile and DBS x Manulife Million Challenge leader Grateful Heart.
A HK$1 million bonus is paid out to any horse under the age of five that can win a Class 2 off a rating of 80 or higher. A further $500,000 is paid as a top-up if the horse continues on to win in Class 1 or above within the same timeframe. The High Achievement Bonus was created as part of an incentive system to bring top-class horses to Hong Kong in light of a significant increase in cost for Owners buying talented horses globally.
Conqueror, Arthur’s Kingdom and Sea Of Life will try to keep the momentum going.
The Yuen Long Handicap will be run over a mile and is the third race of the day.
Sea Of Life (Vincent Ho) figures to lead by default as there is no true speed in the race with Alpha Hedge (Vagner Borges) and Circuit Three (Joao Moreira) in close pursuit. The race will be run at a slow tempo, which could prompt Alpha Hedge to vie for the lead, with Arthur’s Kingdom (Blake Shinn) positioned midfield ahead of Lakeshore Eagle (Karis Teetan).
Conqueror (Tony Piccone), The Rock (Alexis Badel) and Preciousship (Antoine Hamelin) should all be near the rear of the field.
Hong Kong International Sale graduate Circuit Three comes into the race in top form, having won at the class, course and distance last month when he overcame a slow pace with a sub-22s closing sectional. I make Circuit Three a win and place chance to repeat.
The Rock turned in a big effort at Happy Valley in his last start when beaten by High Achievement Bonus winner Delightful Laos and is a solid place chance at the weights. Sea Of Life is up in grade and in trip after winning his last two starts and his connections are hopeful the horse can qualify for the BMW Hong Kong Derby. The step up in trip from 1400m to 1600m and also in class should not be an issue and I see him as a place chance.
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