Hong Kong has solidified its status as a top international hub for thoroughbred racing, attracting world-class talent to events like the Hong Kong Cup and the Hong Kong Derby, hosted at its iconic racecourses, Happy Valley and Sha Tin.
Horse racing in Hong Kong traces its roots to the 1840s when the British introduced the sport during the colony’s inception. Happy Valley Racecourse was established in 1845 and became the epicenter of racing on the island, with even rice cultivation being banned to make room for it!
Hong Kong’s racing scene has drawn foreign trainers and jockeys, notably Australians like John Moore and John Size. Homegrown talents, such as Ricky Yiu and Tony Cruz, have also made their mark.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club, founded in 1959 and granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth II, oversees and regulates racing, holding a monopoly on pari-mutuel betting and contributing significantly to the community.
Highlighting the calendar is Hong Kong International Races Day, featuring prestigious Group 1 races like the Hong Kong Cup. Other events include the Four-Year-Old Classic Series and the Hong Kong Derby, showcasing the city’s commitment to elite racing.
Hong Kong’s dynamic racing scene has evolved into a global powerhouse, with iconic venues, prestigious races, and a thriving betting culture, making it a must-visit destination for racing enthusiasts and a stage where champions are crowned!
We should get a nice guide to the G1 Caulfield Cup on Saturday with two very important lead up races on a strong day of racing.
The main race is the G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) with a full field likely to make this a cracking betting race.
Without A Fight ($3.50) will be a huge focus of attention off his excellent Queensland Winter. But he will plenty of company with G1 winners such as Lindermann ($11), Duais ($15), Alligator Blood ($4.50) and Smokin’ Romans ($26) just some of the contenders. Tack on Pinstriped ($15) and Soulcombe ($11) and you have a quality contest in store.
That other race with ramifications is the G3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) and we’ll see horses with Cups hopes looking for qualifying entry here. Mr Waterville, First Immortal, Berkeley Square and others chase spots while some already into the futures are Right You Are and Goldman.
The G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) will give a nice indication of some of the chances in a few weeks. Saltcoats ($15) (if he runs here), Steparty ($2.80), Veight ($4.50) and Scentify ($11) are all big players.
Promising sprinters will line up in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1400m) with some potentially moving around the states looking for big pay days. Amenable and Nunthorpe are two of those as they are down to take on the older brigade including St Lawrence and Here To Shock.
The Listed Jim Moloney Stakes (1400m) is the final stakes race on the day and some fillies can make big improvement like Amazonian Lass and Miracle Of Love.
Charm Stone, the lone filly and only Melbourne based horse has drawn barrier one in Saturday’s Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m).
Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr are looking for back-to-back wins in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) and will saddle up the lone filly in the race with Charm Stone drawing the inside gate at Rosehill.
Only one filly has won the Golden Rose and never in its traditional place in the Spring with Forensics winning in the Autumn of 2008 due to an equine influenza outbreak delaying some races.
Horses drawn barrier one over the Rosehill 1400m win 12.5% of races on average, 2% higher than the next best barrier, with Kent Jnr confirming that regular jockey Damian Lane will make the trip to Sydney to ride the I Am Invincible filly.
Speaking on Sky Radio, Kent Jnr said it was business as usual for the filly at home and expects her to handle both the rise in trip and grade.
“She pulled up very well from that run, she was squealing, licking her bin… she didn’t really know she’d gone around,” Kent Jnr said.
Her main bit of work was Saturday morning, she sat off Laced Up heels, they went four-three, Sydney way on the grass and she worked brilliantly… she pulled up beautifully, scoped up clean… hopefully she travels well and takes to her new surrounds nicely.”
Both Jacquinot and Charm Stone tackled the Golden Rose at their sixth start and while Jacquinot was a colt, Kent Jnr said he and Charm Stone aren’t too dissimilar.
“Clearly Jaciquinot’s a Group One horse and I think this filly is a Group One horse in the making, she’s got a beautiful temperament, she’s got big, long strides and she can maintain a long run,” Kent Jnr said.
“I can’t help be scared of the opposition here, Shinzo has been trialling so well, I think Cylinder’s ready to explode and even Gary Portelli’s horse Encap was very good so I think it’ll be a very strong race and she’ll obviously be the first filly to win it if she does,” Kent Jnr said.
Cylinder (barrier 4) holds the call with TAB at $4 from Shinzo (10) at $5 and King Colorado (9) at $7. Charm Stone (1) is on the fourth line of betting at $7.50 ahead of Militarize (2) and Encap (3) at $10.
Owner Peter Walsh set a cat amongst the pigeons when he threw Everest plans into the melting pot for his star mare Amelia’s Jew
On the eve of her interstate kick off at Flemington, Walsh sent social media into a frenzy and gave trainer Simon Miller conniptions.
Up until that stage the only discussion points for Amelia’s Jewel, publicly anyhow, was the tug of war between Melbourne and Sydney.
Would the Walsh camp target the G1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley or travel up the highway and go for the $10 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill?
The Everest speculation created media fodder for a few hours, but by Saturday night in the afterglow of Amelia’s Jewel’s Let’s Elope victory, they were shut down.
Walsh was back on point, declaring no decision will be made until Amelia’s Jewel gets her first sighting of Moonee Valley in Friday week’s Stock Stakes (1600m).
The Group 2 race is to be the fork in the road for Amelia’s Jewel, but on Melbourne radio this morning (Monday) Walsh gave a clue of what is likely to come.
“To be honest, if she gets around Moonee Valley well in a fortnight’s time, between Simon and myself, there is nothing like a Cox Plate, is there,” Walsh said.
“Melbourne is a great place and is the headquarters of racing as far as I’m concerned.
“It’s a great buzz in Melbourne, Moonee Valley on a Friday night and the grand final Saturday, what a great weekend, you know.
“As I’ve said, the Cox Plate is the race that everybody wants to win, isn’t it.”
Amelia’s Jewel has been the darling of WA racing since her scorching two-year-old season, but Walsh has been blown away by the interest in Melbourne.
“The support there has been fantastic,” Walsh said.
“It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling that so many people are interested in the horse.
Australia’s racing landscape is renowned for its thrilling events, and among the most prestigious is the TAB Everest. With its exhilarating sprint action, massive prize purse, and star-studded lineup, the TAB Everest has swiftly become one of the most highly anticipated races in the country. In this blog post, we will delve into the captivating world of the TAB Everest, exploring its origins, unique features, and the electrifying atmosphere it brings to Australian racing.
Unveiling the Spectacle: The TAB Everest burst onto the scene in 2017, revolutionizing Australian racing. As the richest turf race in the world, it offers an astronomical prize pool that attracts high-profile owners, trainers, and jockeys. Held annually in October at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, the TAB Everest is a weight-for-age sprint race run over 1200 meters, promising intense speed and fierce competition.
The Everest Slot Holder Concept: What sets the TAB Everest apart is its innovative slot holder concept. Instead of a traditional ballot entry, the race features twelve slot owners who secure a place in the field. These slot holders can choose their representative horse to compete, either through ownership or negotiating a partnership with horse owners. This unique format adds an intriguing element of strategy and market dynamics as slot owners vie for the most talented sprinters.
Star-Studded Field: The TAB Everest attracts a star-studded field of sprinting superstars from Australia and around the globe. The race invites the best of the best, ensuring a lineup of exceptional equine talent. Each year, renowned horses and emerging speedsters compete for a chance to etch their names in history alongside the winners of previous editions, showcasing the depth and quality of Australian sprint racing.
The Everest Carnival: The TAB Everest is not just a standalone race; it anchors the Everest Carnival, a series of thrilling racing events held over multiple weekends. The carnival features top-class races, fashion extravaganzas, entertainment, and a vibrant social atmosphere that enhances the overall experience for racing enthusiasts and casual spectators alike.
Spectator Experience and Atmosphere: The TAB Everest is not just a race; it’s an unforgettable experience for all attendees. With a capacity crowd of enthusiastic racegoers, the atmosphere at Royal Randwick during the Everest is electric. The cheers of the crowd, the thundering hooves, and the exhilarating finishes create an intense and immersive environment that leaves a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to witness the event.
The TAB Everest has swiftly risen to become a highlight of the Australian racing calendar, captivating fans with its colossal prize pool, star-studded field, and unique slot holder concept. It exemplifies the excitement and innovation that define Australian racing, drawing both avid punters and casual spectators into a world of speed, drama, and breathtaking moments. The TAB Everest is a testament to the dynamism and allure of sprint racing, and a must-watch for anyone seeking a taste of high-stakes action and unparalleled thrills.
Australia’s racing calendar is brimming with iconic events, and at the heart of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival lies a true gem: the Caulfield Cup. With its rich history, captivating atmosphere, and fiercely competitive field, the Caulfield Cup has cemented its status as one of Australia’s most prestigious and highly anticipated horse races. In this blog post, we will explore the allure of the Caulfield Cup, its traditions, and why it holds a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts around the country.
Origins and Historical Significance: First run in 1879, the Caulfield Cup has a storied past that spans over a century. It has become an integral part of the Australian racing landscape, attracting top-class stayers and capturing the imagination of punters and horse racing enthusiasts alike. As a Group 1 handicap race, it tests the stamina, speed, and tactical prowess of the competing horses over a distance of 2400 meters.
Caulfield Racecourse and the Carnival Atmosphere: Hosted at the iconic Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, the Caulfield Cup is the centerpiece of a thrilling carnival that spans several days. The racecourse’s unique layout, with its famous long sweeping turns and challenging track, adds an additional layer of intrigue and excitement to the event. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with world-class racing, creates an unforgettable experience for attendees and viewers alike.
Fashion and Elegance: The Caulfield Cup is not just about thrilling racing action; it’s also a showcase of fashion and style. Known for its traditional “Fashions on the Field” competition, the race attracts a sophisticated crowd dressed in their finest attire. Attendees flaunt their creativity and elegance, adding to the glamour and allure of the event.
International Attention: The Caulfield Cup has earned international acclaim, drawing interest from racing enthusiasts and participants worldwide. The allure of competing against top Australian stayers and the chance to add their names to the illustrious list of winners have enticed international trainers, jockeys, and horses to participate in this prestigious race.
Caulfield Cup Legends and Memorable Moments: Over the years, the Caulfield Cup has produced numerous racing legends and unforgettable moments. From mighty stayers like Tulloch, Might and Power, and Northerly, to memorable victories by jockeys such as Damien Oliver and Chris Munce, the race has witnessed epic battles and etched its place in Australian racing folklore.
Punters’ Paradise: The Caulfield Cup presents an exciting challenge for punters, with its competitive field and lucrative betting opportunities. Whether it’s analyzing form, considering track conditions, or studying jockey tactics, enthusiasts relish the opportunity to put their racing knowledge to the test and potentially walk away with substantial winnings.
The Caulfield Cup stands tall as a jewel in the crown of Australian racing, capturing the spirit of competition, tradition, and elegance. It showcases the best stayers in the country, ignites the imagination of racing enthusiasts, and provides an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to witness it firsthand. The Caulfield Cup is a testament to the passion and thrill that make horse racing such an enthralling and beloved sport in Australia and beyond.
Australia’s racing calendar boasts numerous exhilarating events, but one race stands above the rest as the pinnacle of the sport – the Melbourne Cup. With its rich history, remarkable traditions, and a captivating atmosphere, the Melbourne Cup has firmly established itself as an iconic event that unites the nation and captures the imagination of racing enthusiasts worldwide. In this blog post, we will delve into the captivating allure of the Melbourne Cup, exploring its origins, legendary moments, and the extraordinary cultural significance it holds in Australian society.
A Rich Historical Legacy: The Melbourne Cup traces its roots back to 1861 when it was first run, transforming into a prestigious racing event over the years. Founded by the Victoria Racing Club, the Cup has become synonymous with excellence, attracting top thoroughbreds, skilled jockeys, and passionate punters. Its storied history is steeped in triumph, tragedy, and unforgettable moments that have shaped the race’s identity and perpetuated its status as an Australian institution.
The “Race that Stops a Nation”: Dubbed the “Race that Stops a Nation,” the Melbourne Cup holds a unique place in the hearts of Australians. Every year, on the first Tuesday of November, the entire nation pauses to witness this extraordinary event. From bustling city streets to remote outback towns, businesses close, and people gather in homes, offices, and public venues to experience the thrill of the race. It is a true reflection of the Cup’s significance, showcasing the power of sport to unite a diverse population under one shared passion.
Prestige and International Participation: The Melbourne Cup is renowned for attracting a global field of competitors. Horses from around the world, representing different racing jurisdictions, vie for a chance to compete in this prestigious event. The presence of international contenders adds an extra layer of excitement, igniting a sense of friendly competition and cultural exchange among racing communities worldwide.
Fashion and Elegance: Beyond the racing action, the Melbourne Cup is synonymous with fashion and style. The event is a glamorous affair, with attendees donning their finest attire and exquisite hats, creating a visually stunning spectacle. The annual “Fashions on the Field” competition further adds to the allure, as racegoers showcase their sartorial elegance and compete for coveted fashion titles.
Legends and Iconic Moments: The Melbourne Cup has witnessed its fair share of legendary horses, jockeys, and unforgettable moments that have etched themselves into racing folklore. From the enduring legacy of Phar Lap to the triumphant victories of Makybe Diva, the Cup’s history is peppered with remarkable achievements and heart-stopping finishes. These moments have become part of Australia’s sporting fabric, evoking nostalgia and inspiring future generations.
The Melbourne Cup represents the epitome of Australian racing, capturing the nation’s spirit and serving as a symbol of unity, tradition, and sporting excellence. Its grandeur, combined with its deep historical roots, transcends the realm of racing, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Australia. As horses thunder down the Flemington Racecourse, the nation collectively holds its breath, immersing itself in the spectacle that is the Melbourne Cup – a testament to the enduring power and enduring magic of the sport of kings.
