The highlights of the opening day yesterday to the new Hong Kong racing season is that turnover was more than respectable considering the overall state of the economy, and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu was welcomed by the slightly less than 9000 people allowed on course at Shatin.
Add to these, The Zac Attack bagging a treble, and new apprentice Angus Chung making a respectable debut riding in the city.
Was João Moreira, who’s just returned to the city and set to ride next weekend missed by racing fans?
At least for the grassroots sector on course, racing had returned, they had their free calendars, it was four hours of chilling out, and a respite from the gloom and doom of listening to the latest updates on everything that’s still keeping Hong Kong under lock and key and behind masks.
Silvestre de Sousa made a triumphant return to the city by taking out the Chief Executive’s Cup aboard race favourite Lucky Sweynesse when regular rider Zac Purton couldn’t make the light weight.
Unfortunately for the Brazilian, despite his winning ride, he incurred a three meeting suspension for careless riding.
The percentage of the prize money from the win- much higher than what he’d see riding all around Britain- would have eased the pain.
With possibly the Hong Kong International Races in December earmarked for the galloper’s return, it’s no surprise to know that Zac Purton will be back on board.
Danny Shum and Matthew Poon combined to win on the impressive debutant Victor The Winner whereas Karis Teetan didn’t let his followers down with a double that included winning the last aboard the 52-1 shot Gallant Crown.
When was the last time that the Mauritian Magician won on something at these remarkable odds?
For the few who backed Gallant Crown as an omen bet following the passing last week of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it was a pleasant surprise. So was the $126,000 payout for those lucky enough to snare the Treble.
Onwards and upwards as they say with Sunday’s start to the new season showing the way to what lies ahead, especially with December’s upcoming Hong Kong International Races in mind, including, one understand, a cameo appearance again, by, amongst others, the very popular Hollie Doyle.
With Hong Kong set to host the Rugby Sevens and a financial summit in November, the road is paved for the Hong Kong Jockey Club to have a narrow window of opportunity to showcase the internationalism of its showcase week- the pride, and the quality of the racing product and how effectively this is marketed throughout the world to say that Hong Kong is back.
Here’s hoping that Hong Kong is once again seen as the vibrant, fun and inviting city many remember it to be.
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