HKJC CEO Blog

Experience tells us that we should never take too much for granted in racing and last Sunday at Sha Tin proved the point yet again. A day that produced two track records and so many talking points started with another impressive success for our Horse of the Year Beauty Generation and the way he won…

For me, this is always one of the most exciting phases of the Hong Kong racing season both on and off the track. Already this week we have seen a fantastic list of international riders revealed for the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley on 5 December. And next week we look forward to…

Owners have always played a huge part in racing’s success so it was good to attend the 40th annual dinner of the Hong Kong Racehorse Owners’ Association on Monday night. It was a highly enjoyable occasion designed to recognise the great contribution made by so many people to the sport in general. As always, we…

There is nothing like the publication of official ratings to start debate among racing fans and the latest LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings will certainly do that. Cracksman joins Winx at the top of the list on a rating of 130 after his runaway win in the Champion Stakes at Ascot and Hong Kong’s best…

The resurgence of Godolphin has been one of the great themes of recent years and it was a pleasure to be at Flemington on Tuesday to see Cross Counter become the first British-trained winner of the Melbourne Cup. It is always impressive to see how the Australian public embrace the race that stops a nation…

The Hong Kong racing calendar has any number of highlights but, for me, Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse day at Sha Tin has always been a personal favourite. This is one of Hong Kong’s most historic showpiece events, with a tradition dating back almost 170 years. It has evolved into something that appeals to every section…

It was fascinating to hear Douglas Whyte talking about what it takes to thrive in Hong Kong after he had ridden his 1,800th winner aboard Good Omen at Happy Valley on Sunday. By any standards, that is a remarkable total and one that takes on even greater significance when you consider that star riders of…

One of the great things about racing is the contrast between youth and experience and Hong Kong is providing us with two classic examples this week in the shape of Matthew Poon and Douglas Whyte. It’s fascinating to think that Matthew was just a baby when Douglas signed up for his first contract to ride…

After an informative few days at home and abroad it is safe to say things are building towards a tremendous edition of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. Qipco Champions Day at Ascot last Saturday produced high-class performances as usual and Cracksman was impressive in running away with the Champion Stakes for the second year…

And so we move on to a weekend that promises to be very significant on several levels. Thursday night’s Happy Valley card produced a handful of notable storylines, with Red Warrior and Country Star looking very progressive in winning the last two races. They look just the sort of horses John Size will do well…