National Day Raceday is one of the most auspicious occasions on the Hong Kong racing calendar and Thursday’s (1 October) race meeting duly produced a vibrant atmosphere, strong attendance of almost 30,000 passionate onlookers and world-class racing.
With more than 9,300 tourists in attendance, the popularity of Hong Kong’s horseracing is clear as the Club continues to work in collaboration with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to create attractive tourism experiences with a mix of world-class racing and outstanding off-track entertainment.
The performance of the internationally renowned China’s Three Tenors – Dai Yuqiang, Warren Mok and Wei Song – in a fabulous joint appearance, which was crowned by a rousing rendition of the National Anthem accompanied by the Hong Kong Police band, set the tone for a wonderful day.
It was gratifying to observe the social media remarks of Mr Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Secretary of the HKSAR, who praised the festive National Day atmosphere, the Opening Ceremony and the traditional cultural performances which showcased the charm of Chinese culture.
These performances delivered a tremendous sense of energy as attendees enjoyed an excellent afternoon of racing crowned by COLOURFUL KING’S triumph in the G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) for David Eustace and Zac Purton.
There were several other impressive wins on the day, including that of SKY JEWELLERY for John Size and James Orman in the Class 2 Beijing Handicap (1400m), defeating leading Four-Year-Old Classic Series aspirant HOT DELIGHT, who ran well despite being caught wide.
Following the National Day Raceday, I travelled to Paris in my position as president of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) for the 60th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities.
This year’s milestone Conference will reflect on the major achievements of the IFHA across six decades before focusing on the future of racing around the globe. The keynote address will be delivered by Princess Zahra Aga Khan.
I look forward to celebrating the achievements of the past and discussing the opportunities and challenges presented in the current environment.
Our World Pool operation continues at Flemington on Saturday (3 October) with Turnbull Stakes Day. The first of four races will be simulcast from 1.50pm and the G1 Turnbull Stakes is carded as S1-2 and will be run at 2.25pm.
SIR DELIUS (Craig Williams) won this race last year from barrier 14 and ran well when fourth to SHEZA ALIBI when resuming over 1600m on 12 September. He will be much improved for the run and his chances will be even further enhanced if the conditions remain soft. He is a win and place chance.
Chris Waller has four runners in the field and his leading hope appears to be AELIANA (Damian Lane) who will also relish stepping out to 2000m after finishing second over 1600m last start at Randwick. She is a place chance.
In a race which is significant to the hopes of success in the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), G1 W. S. Cox Plate (2040m) and G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), there are several horses with place chances including COSMIC CRUSADER (William Pike), SAINT GEORGE (Michael Dee), SHE’S A HUSTLER (Jordan Childs), ZAHRAAN (Ethan Brown) and BUCKAROO (Jye McNeil).
On Saturday night, our attention turns to Newmarket Racecourse in England for Sun Chariot Stakes Day with the first of four races from 7.25pm. The G1 Sun Chariot Stakes is carded as S2-3 and will be run over 1600m at 8.35pm.
BLUE BOLT (Colin Keane) is unbeaten in five starts this season for Andrew Balding, with three of those victories coming at Group 1 level. The BLUE POINT filly continues to race at the peak of her powers and she is a win and place chance.
CITY OF MEMPHIS (Billy Lee) ran second to BLUE BOLT in the G1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown last start and she is again a strong chance, while KON TIKI (Marco Ghiani), MOON TARGET (David Probert) and CALENDAR GIRL (Saffie Osborne) all have place hopes.
SUNLY, a filly by NIGHT OF THUNDER, was being considered by trainer Francis Henri Graffard to run in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) on Sunday (4 October), but she will instead contest the Prix de Royallieu in search of her first Group 1 win. She is in strong form and is a win and place chance for Christophe Soumillon.
WAARDAH (Callum Rodriguez) won impressively at Doncaster at Group 2 level last start and shapes as the hardest to beat, while SANTORINI STAR (Tom Marquand), CONSENT (Luke Morris), FAIRY GLEN (Mickael Barzalona), EARTH SHOT (James Doyle) and AMELIA EARHART (Ryan Moore) are all place considerations.
Source: HKJC