The sheer excitement of attending the races on the first day of a new season never ages and, with one of our largest crowds at Sha Tin since the start of the pandemic, Hong Kong racing shone as brightly as ever on Sunday.
With close to 18,000 customers in attendance at the season-opener, turnover of HK$1.441 billion delivered a new record for the start of the season as the Club’s frontline staff ensured fans had a wonderful race-day experience.
For me, there were multiple racing and business highlights across the first day and we could not really have asked for a better way to launch a season. However, given the current situation with the Delta variant, we need to remain agile and vigilant as we prepare for all contingencies.
But, by maintaining our “racing bubble”, and ensuring we remain customer focused and closely in touch with our legions of fans at home and around the world, we hope Hong Kong racing can continue to go from strength to strength.
From a personal point of view, Sunday’s racing was a perfect opening chapter, spawning several different storylines – and David Hayes was the central figure with a treble through Naboo Attack, Lucky Maryknoll and Nervous Witness.
David was bullish heading into the meeting over the strength of his stable and the victories of Naboo Attack (HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup) and the debut success of Nervous Witness, in particular, showed why he is so confident about doubling his tally of 32 winners from last season.
The striking nature of Nervous Witness’ victory, coupled with the fact he is raced in the same interests (and colours) as the mighty Silent Witness, ensures this impressive newcomer already has a strong following. After earning a 14-point rise in the handicaps, it will be fascinating to track the progress of this impressive young sprinter.
Tony Cruz also showed he will again be a force with a double, while Karis Teetan kicked off in dashing fashion with a three-timer, as Zac Purton and Derek Leung chimed in with doubles.
We now move on to our first Happy Valley meeting of the season and we look forward to gradually reopening more areas of the world’s most famous city track to our customers in an accordance with HKSAR health and safety protocols. Hopefully we will have more news on that front in coming weeks.
The Community Chest Cup kicks off the popular DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, a Happy Valley series of races at Class 3 and above from the start of season through 23 February. The final three races of our first Valley race meeting are Class 3 events to help get the Million Challenge off to a big start.
The Community Chest Cup, carded as race six, will be run over 1650 metres and the early pace will be moderate. Royal Bomb is likely to cross from his wide draw under freelance jockey Alfred Chan to make the running with Turin Redstar, who will be ridden by Harry Bentley, in close attendance.
I expect an improved performance from Royal Bomb as he steps back up in trip to his preferred distance and make him a place chance.
Gallant Crown is a last-start winner in the class, track and distance, and comes off a useful trial. He is nicely drawn in gate 4 with the services of in-form Karis Teetan and will get the benefit of a good run behind the pace setters. He is a win and place chance.
Nothing New steps back up in grade and is in light weight with Alexis Badel named to ride. He will also get a nice run and is a place chance, along with course and distance specialist Sunny Star, who will be partnered by Jerry Chau.
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