Head of Handicapping, Race Planning & International Handicapping, Mr Ciaran Kennelly; Executive Director, Racing Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and Chief Executive Mr Lawrence Wong at the post race press conference.

 

HKIR Post Event Press Conference - HKIR prove their international appeal

16 December 2001

Queen Elizabeth II Cup to join the World Racing Championship Series

Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Lawrence Wong said the Jockey Club was well on its way to achieving its short to medium term goal of establishing the HKIR as the Turf Championships of the World. He welcomed the fact that there were more than two hundred overseas media in attendance at Sha Tin, and thanked them for their support and the worldwide coverage that they gave the event. With horses and delegates from nine countries there had been a wonderful day of sport, and some very useful exchanges of views from international representatives.

Executive Director of Racing, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges added that there had been a marvellously competitive Sprint with a reproduction of last year's result, an impressive winner in the mile, and very closely contested Cup and Vase. It was the Club's hope that the Sprint would be raised to Group I status next year." I congratulate the Japanese for their great success today. I think this shows that these races can become the world turf championships, and that horses can come from anywhere in the world, provided they have the right preparation and target these races. They are stronger events now, and European horses can no longer come here as an afterthought and win"

HKJC Senior handicapper Ciaran Kennelly said that the average rating for the Sprint was a little higher than last year at 114, with the Mile enjoying the same average rating as last year. The Vase rating was 116, and the rating for the Cup 119.

In overall performance terms, Japan was the most successful country with three victories, followed by Australia, United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong. Alluding to this fact, Lawrence Wong observed " I think the strength of the horses in the Asian region has made it particularly appropriate that the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in April and the Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji in May have been added to the World Racing Championships. The gap between the Dubai World Cup in March and the 'King George' at Ascot in July was felt by the WRC Committee to be too great, and the inclusion of these races will provide further opportunities for horses from the Asiatic and Australian regions. The series has done a great deal to raise global awareness of the sport of racing."

Commenting on a slightly reduced betting turnover HK$1.16 billion, and a lower crowd attendance of around 59,000, Mr Wong said," You have to take into account the current economic climate, but the off course betting, and telephone betting remains strong. We have the problem of illegal forms of betting to address, but we will find a solution to this. Betting turnover is traditionally slightly down on the international races, because our fans are less familiar with the international horses."