The article discusses the debate surrounding the lack of feature races at Happy Valley and Sha Tin’s all-weather track in Hong Kong. While there is a push for more Group races at these tracks, the article argues that Hong Kong does not have the horse population to support an expanded program. Despite this, Hong Kong has produced top-ranked horses and maintained the integrity of its Group race structure.
Happy Valley is praised for its fan-friendly atmosphere and unique experience for spectators, but its small size and limitations make it difficult to host top-class races. Sha Tin’s dirt track, often used as a launchpad for successful horses like Rich Tapestry, has been successful by accident, as horses were originally purchased to succeed on turf. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining Hong Kong racing’s high reputation and the integrity of the Group race designation.
The World’s Best Racehorse Rankings highlight the quality of Hong Kong’s horses, despite the small horse population. The Jockey Club’s role in international racing organizations, such as the Asian Racing Federation and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, underscores the importance of leading by example in maintaining racing’s structure and integrity. While there may be a case for more high-quality contests away from the Sha Tin turf, the article suggests that maintaining Hong Kong’s reputation does not necessarily require additional Group races at this time.
