View Full Version : HKJC news 2002/03
tunginbum
29-08-2002, 03:52
Senior Club officials address Trainers' Meeting
28 August 2002
At a pre-season meeting at the Sha Tin Clubhouse this morning, senior Jockey Club officials reminded Hong Kong's racehorse trainers of some important points ahead of the new campaign starting September 1.
Jockey Club Chief Executive, Mr Lawrence Wong, stressed the dedication of the Club to further improve the quality of horseracing. He also cited the significant recent investment in the racecourse facilities for an example of the Club's commitment to its patrons. The Jockey Club, Mr Wong added, remains a world leader in international horseracing owing to its representation on the Executive Committees of the International Horseracing Federation and the Asian Racing Federation. Mr Wong also stressed the importance of teamwork between Club officials and racing personnel so that the image of the Club is upheld.
Executive Director of Racing, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, meanwhile, told trainers they would be invited to attend future 'working sessions' to discuss the improvement of the stable facilities; the construction of a retractable roof over the parade ring and the introduction of the STRIDE sectional timing mechanism and its significance to trainers.
Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr John Schreck, reminded trainers of the new plan to reweigh horses on race days. This, he said, would require runners to be presented at the scale behind the Veterinary Hospital 60 minutes before post time. A variance of 20 lbs between the weights recorded on declaration day and race day would be deemed acceptable - otherwise questions would be asked of trainers why such a fluctuation had arisen.
The Chief Stipendiary Steward expressed concern in relation to the poor race performance by some Griffins last season, adding that, starting from this season, Griffins may subsequently be required to display racing fitness in an official barrier trial before being allowed to race again if they fail to be competitive in races.
Mr Schreck also reminded trainers of their responsibility to play an active role in stable administration and not to leave everything to their assistant trainers. Trainers are ultimately responsible for what goes on in their stable, he said.
Deafeners (ear plugs) would not be permitted at any time while tongue-ties had been standardised for the new campaign, he added.
Finally, he reiterated the amended Apprentice allowances for the coming season of a 10lbs claim for an apprentice with less than 15 winners, 7lbs if he has between 15 and 30 winners, 5lbs for 30 to 45 winners and 3lbs for Apprentices with 45 to 60 winners.
These allowances are retrospective meaning, for example, that Apprentice Way Leung, who ended last season claiming 5lbs with 24 winners to his credit, will begin the new season again claiming 7lbs.
Next, Senior Handicapper, Ciaran Kennelly, outlined the recent enhancements made to the to the 2002/2003 Pattern Book beginning with three new Group 3 weight-for-age races in November over 1000m, 1600m and 2000m. Now five Group 3 events and three Premier Handicaps from September through November are programmed to better facilitate the preparation of home-based candidates for the Hong Kong International Races in December for which nominations will close on October 8.
The Senior Handicapper also outlined the principal changes in the calendar: notably restricting the Juvenile Sprint Trophy to Northern Hemisphere 3yos and Southern Hemisphere 2yos eligible to contest current season Griffin races, opening the Sha Tin Futurity Trophy to all 3yos and up which have not an International or Hong Kong Group 1 race in that same season and switching the ING Champions & Chater Cup to June 1 to lessen its proximity to the Singapore Airlines International Cup.
Mr Kennelly also stated that fillies and mares would receive a 4lbs allowance in the HKIR and all Hong Kong weight-for-age Pattern races. And from September 1, all Southern Hemisphere 2yos will receive a 5lbs WFA allowance, while all Northern Hemisphere 2yos (3yos from January 1, 2003) will receive a similar allowance in accordance with the allowances received by Griffins once they graduate to Handicaps.
Mr Kennelly added that horses rated 27 or below at the end of the season - regardless of their age - would be compulsorily retired.
Finally, Senior Veterinary Officer, Brian Stewart, discussed the recent separation of clinical and regulatory functions within the Jockey Club's Veterinary Dept. He said that the vast majority of racing jurisdictions employ specialist regulatory veterinary officers or stewards. Therefore, clinical vets have only to do clinical services, while racing control matters can be left in the care of an independent, regulatory vet.
The functions of the clinical vet and the regulatory vet are fundamentally different, Mr Stewart said. Whereas the clinical vet uses a close and open relationship with a trainer and his horses to ensure that each runner presents at the racetrack in the best possible physical condition, the regulatory specialist, he explained, determines the suitability of each horse to race and supports stipendiary stewards in maintaining the integrity of racing.
Unlike the old system when Club Vets had to perform both roles, the regulatory vet will, in principle, assume the role of an independent examiner which will reduce any perception of stable influence in whether or not a horse races. The duty of the regulatory vet will focus particularly on two stages of pre-race checks and post-race checks and examinations.
[ August 28, 2002, 09:54 PM: Message edited by: tunginbum ]
Jockeys reminded of their obligations ahead of new season
29 August 2002
At a meeting this morning at the Sha Tin clubhouse, the Jockey Club's Executive Director of Racing, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges asked riders to further acknowledge the input of racing fans on race days and be true ambassadors for racing in Hong Kong.
He informed riders that they would be asked to participate in working sessions during the season on matters such as the implementation of the new STRIDE sectional timing mechanism which, he said, is currently being tested by jockeys Douglas Whyte, Felix Coetzee and Jimmy Ting and aided by trainers Alex YO Wong, John Size and David Hayes.
The Club's Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr John Schreck, addressed Hong Kong's licensed jockeys on various matters ahead of the new season. Jockeys were asked to be aware of the scrutiny they would be under on and off the track and Mr Schreck advised riders of certain matters which must be adhered to over the course of the season.
Lead weights, he said, would have to be placed in the lead bag or saddle pouch - not inside riding boots. Jockeys should not be late to the paddock as owners, trainers and the public expects to see them there.
Jockeys' conduct was also stressed. Once out of their changing room, riders are in the public eye and under camera and their behaviour reflects on the Jockey Club.
The Chief Stipendiary Steward reminded jockeys that the Marker Pole would not be used this season, therefore, as long as riders are clear by two lengths, they can shift in at any stage and he added that jockeys found marking horses would be fined.
Jockeys were also asked to exercise care at all times in races and not to put themselves in difficult and dangerous positions - as ever, race safety remains of the utmost importance. Furthermore, jockeys riders were told to ride their mounts out until one stride after the post.
Finally, riders were informed that a new Deputy Starter, Mr Clement Chow, would assist the Starter, Mr Philip Waldron, on race days.
Jockey Club donates over $1 billion to charity despite betting turnover drop; New facilities at Sha Tin, Happy Valley to delight racing fans
29 August 2002
Economic decline and the activities of illegal and unauthorised overseas bookmakers again cut into the Hong Kong Jockey Club's betting turnover last season, Board of Stewards Chairman Alan Li told the Annual General Meeting Thursday (August 29).
Betting turnover slipped to HK$78.2 billion in the 2001/02 season, down 4.1% from the season before and off 15.4% from the 1996/97 record high.
But the Jockey Club still managed to donate more than HK$1 billion to charities and community projects again. However, Mr. Li warned: "It is important to note that if the trend in turnover persists, the prioritisation of where our donations go and how they are spent will become ever more important to ensure that the needs of the community are properly addressed."
Among recent projects, the Jockey Club funded a new facility at the University of Hong Kong: the Jockey Club Centre of Suicide Research and Prevention. It will help understand the causes and identify ways to address the growing incidence of suicide in Hong Kong.
Mr. Li told the Club Members of a project that they "will hear much more of in the coming months," as he put it. It is an initiative called "Around the World in 80 Ways - the Hong Kong Challenge", a play on the 19th century Jules Verne novel, "Around the World in 80 Days." A team of disabled adventurers are circling the globe in a variety of different travel modes, such as swimming and riding animals. The group will be in Hong Kong in November. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, said Mr. Li, "is sponsoring activities for Hong Kong people to share in this spirit of adventure, with the ultimate aim of inspiring them to fulfil their potential and adopt a 'Yes, Can Do!' attitude." The activities will culminate in a grand finale at the Happy Valley Racecourse.
Shifting to the Club's business, racing, Chairman Li called the Hong Kong International Races "without doubt one of the most international racing events in the world", drawing contenders from every hemisphere. He added that with the Hong Kong Sprint elevated to join three other races in International Group One, Hong Kong now hosts one of the very few multiple Group One race days in the world. Hong Kong and the United States also are the only racing jurisdictions to host two legs of the World Series Racing Championship now that Hong Kong's Audemars Piguet QEII Cup is included in the World Series.
Last season produced some of the most competitive racing ever, the Chairman added, with 40% of handicaps being decided by a neck and 60% by no more than a length. With 28% of favourites winning, "there was much for fans to cheer about from a betting perspective," he added.
Racing fans will see major race track changes next season, beginning Sunday, according to Mr. Li. In Happy Valley, the fourth- and fifth-floor public loges in the grandstand have been rebuilt as air conditioned lounges. At Sha Tin, there will be two 300-seat media halls and a food court between them offering a wide range of cuisine. The three facilities are grouped in what's being called MezzaOne. The media halls offer many video screens showing racing and plush, theatre-like seats fans can "rent" for $30 for a race meeting. The enormous food court is a brightly lit collection of modern food stands winding the length of the court and facing stand-up tables, hosted by staff in colourful pink and white striped shirts and blue pants. They offer many Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese and Western food choices. Fans will note that the distracting tangle of food stands in the public forecourt of the course is now gone.
Stewards recently approved redevelopment of the Sha Tin parade ring, including a retractable roof to provide protection from rain and hot sun, a high-quality Diamond Vision screen and an increase in spectator seating.
Although he did not speak at the annual meeting, Chief Executive Lawrence Wong wrote in the annual report that the Jockey Club is moving towards total customer satisfaction. "We believe customers appreciate our efforts, and indeed satisfaction surveys bear this out. Nonetheless, we are aware that we must work hard to retain customer loyalty and respect. Our philosophy is to deal with incidents affecting customer interests promptly, and to provide open briefings to ensure transparency."
Mr. Li also addressed the continuing debate over regulated betting on soccer matches, stressing it is for the Government and the community to decide, not the Jockey Club. "Whatever the decision," Mr. Li told Club Members, "it would seem prudent to maintain Hong Kong's tried and tested model of not-for-private-profit, with all benefits going to charity. The Club has frequently been identified as the appropriate provider of soccer betting. From our point of view, we would certainly welcome the opportunity to serve Hong Kong as we have done in the past.
"We have carefully studied what would be required to set up and run such an operation, and we are confident that the Club could provide a soccer betting service. Nonetheless, any action on our part must await the decision of Government."
Among recent projects, the Jockey Club funded a new facility at the University of Hong Kong: the Jockey Club Centre of Suicide Research and Prevention. It will help understand the causes and identify ways to address the growing incidence of suicide in Hong Kong.
No doubt, one of the causes of suicide is that punters see trainers being let off by the JC again and again. It's enough to cause people to silly things.
Last season produced some of the most competitive racing ever, the Chairman added, with 40% of handicaps being decided by a neck and 60% by no more than a length.
How come it was always my picks that lost those close finishes. Can someone please tell me the address of the Jockey Club Centre of Suicide Research and Prevention? :(
With 28% of favourites winning, "there was much for fans to cheer about from a betting perspective," he added.
Maybe for the sake of having a longer life, I should start betting on favourites instead.
it was competetive racing last season - heres the LBW for second place and the # of times it happened.
dh 1
nose 24
S head 60
head 77
neck 100
0.5 71
0.75 58
1.0 22
1.25 55
1.5 31
1.75 40
2.0 15
2.25 26
2.5 15
2.75 26
3.0 9
3.25 10
3.5 7
3.75 9
4.25 3
4.5 4
4.75 2
5.0 3
5.75 4
6.75 1
7.25 1
so 262/674 (39%) were with a neck!!! but since 96/97 season 36% of races are decided within a neck, so not an enormous difference
[ August 30, 2002, 12:50 PM: Message edited by: Scarper ]
Scarper, have you got the LBW for fourth place? From what I remember of my own study a few months ago, even the fourth finishers are not that far behind the winners most of the time. It makes picking winners really difficult. One of the main reasons many people have turned to soccer betting is that they think horse racing has become so difficult.
Thx Scarper , almost 40% of races won by a neck or less shows how competitive it really is .
Smithers
30-08-2002, 20:59
HKJC agrees to meet with MJC
30 August 2002
The Hong Kong Jockey Club confirms today that it has received a request from the Macau Jockey Club to discuss its plans to offer discount betting on Hong Kong races.
We have sent a reply agreeing to a meeting they requested at a mutually convenient time. We will approach the issue with the overall interests of the Hong Kong community including Government taxation and charity donation as our major considerations.
That 28 percent of winning favourites wasn't a huge help just the same - you needed 31 per cent to finish square!
I recently read that one of the reasons betting had gone berserk in Korea (now 50% of HK t/o) was the 52 percent winning strike rate for favourites - bet they're nice and short odds considering the 28 per cent t/out!!!!
I recently read that one of the reasons betting had gone berserk in Korea (now 50% of HK t/o) was the 52 percent winning strike rate for favourites
That's what I read too. I tried to confirm this is true by emailing the webmaster of a S. Korean horse racing website. I got a reply that this is not the case. The guy said he'd email me the correct % but unfortunately I've not heard from him again.
Cancellation of Racing Meeting Wednesday 11 September 2002
11 September 2002
The Club has been advised by the Observatory that Typhoon Signal No. 8 is hoisted. The Stewards of the Hong Kong Jockey Club have decided to cancel tonight's race meeting (11 September 2002) in view of the deteriorating weather.
All cash bets will be refunded on presentation of tickets at any Off-course Betting (OCB) Branch or at the racecourses during a race meeting within 60 days from today. All telephone bets and Electronic Shroff Card (ESC) bets will be refunded directly to the respective betting accounts.
Patrons who have purchased admission tickets to the Leading Edge at Happy Valley Racecourse and the Media Halls at Sha Tin Racecourse can obtain a cash refund, by presenting their admission tickets to the OCB where the tickets were bought, within 14 days during opening hours.
Tuen Mun Jockey Club Theatre Admission Badges for the racing meeting will be refunded on presentation of the badges at Tuen Mun OCB within 14 days from today.
Patrons who have purchased admission tickets for Happy Valley Stable Bend Terrace, Moon Koon Restaurant, Pak Sing Restaurant and Pak Sing Terrace for this race meeting will be refunded through their credit card accounts or in cash at the OCB where the tickets were bought, upon presentation of the tickets within 14 days from today.
Tourists can obtain a cash refund by presenting their admission badges to the ten designated OCB branches selling guests badges, within 21 days from today during opening hours.
For inquiries, please call Customer Service Hotline 1817.
how will i be able to sleep now??? lol
wanchai wendy
12-09-2002, 01:43
Have a pull and get pissed. that should help.
Horny Harry
12-09-2002, 16:25
Wancai...where you been? Must have been busy huh?
Storm hampers rescue of 29 at sea
http://www.scmp.com/usr3/Mac/gedt/CWRITEb.jpg
Umbrellas offer little protection against the elements as tropical storm Hagupit pummels the waterfront on Hong Kong island. Nineteen people were hurt by falling scaffolding and trees and as windows shattered. Picture by Martin Chan
Emergency services were heading out at first light today to rescue 29 people trapped aboard two disabled mainland boats in storm-lashed seas off Hong Kong.
Bad weather brought by severe tropical storm Hagupit hampered efforts last night to pluck 16 people aboard a tug boat and 13 others on a fishing boat to safety.
The tug, located 35 nautical miles southwest of Hong Kong, near Macau, and the fishing vessel, 40 nautical miles south of Cheung Chau, were being battered by waves up to 15 metres high and taking water.
Hong Kong's work day came to a shuddering halt yesterday as storm-force winds lashed the territory, shutting down most businesses and triggering a stampede for buses, ferries, taxis and trains. Phone lines were jammed when the Observatory warned shortly before lunchtime that it was about to hoist typhoon signal No 8 for the first time this year as tropical storm Hagupit skirted the territory. The signal was lowered to No 3 at 1.40am today.
Homer J.
12-09-2002, 18:12
RACING
Cancellation hits Jockey Club in pocket to tune of $700m
ALAN AITKEN
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The Hong Kong Jockey Club lost $700 million in expected takings after last night's Happy Valley meeting was cancelled because of tropical storm Hagupit. The meeting is the first to be cancelled on account of a typhoon warning since September 1999, coming at a time when betting turnover is already under pressure.
However, the club will have an opportunity to run a replacement fixture on the only vacant date in the foreseeable future - Wednesday, October 16. "The Racing Committee will meet on Thursday and make a final decision, but fortunately we have that blank slot in the calendar and I think the most logical thing would be to fill that," said director of racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. Last night's carryover jackpot pools of $4.9 million in the Triple Trio and $2.7 million in the Six-Up will now move to next Wednesday's Happy Valley meeting.
With the Typhoon No 8 signal hoisted during the early afternoon, the Jockey Club's racecourse manager, John Ridley said there had been no option but to call off the night's racing. "The club doesn't have a choice and it's really a matter of our preparations in a case like this," Ridley said yesterday. "Even though there is every chance the typhoon signal could be down by the time we are due to race, once the signal is raised we have to send everybody home from working on the preparations for the meeting. So even if it was down again at, say, 6pm, we still wouldn't have time to properly prepare for the running of the meeting. Logistically, there are no options."
Ridley said the Happy Valley track itself was not badly affected by the rain accompanying the typhoon. "We rated the track yielding but that was a very conservative rating and it was probably closer to good to yielding and certainly very raceable but that was not the issue," he said.
Ridley added that a number of horses for last night's meeting were already at the Happy Valley stabling area when the typhoon alert was raised. They remained there overnight. "We probably had 50 horses already there and there doesn't seem any sense in moving them again during the night even if the signal does come down," he said. "They have plenty of water and food and comfortable conditions at Happy Valley to stay until the morning and it won't do them any harm."
The Club issued a statement informing customers that all cash bets will be refunded on presentation of tickets at any Off-course Betting (OCB) branch or at the racecourses during a race meeting within 60 days from yesterday. All telephone bets and Electronic Shroff Card (ESC) bets will be refunded directly to the respective betting accounts. Customers who have purchased admission tickets to the Leading Edge at Happy Valley Racecourse and the Media Halls at Sha Tin Racecourse can obtain a cash refund by presenting their admission tickets to the OCB where the tickets were bought within 14 days during opening hours.
Tuen Mun Jockey Club Theatre Admission Badges for the meeting will be refunded on presentation of the badges at Tuen Mun OCB within 14 days from yesterday. Patrons who have purchased admission tickets for Happy Valley Stable Bend Terrace, Moon Koon Restaurant, Pak Sing Restaurant and Pak Sing Terrace for this race meeting will be refunded through their credit card accounts or in cash at the OCB where tickets were bought, upon presentation within 14 days from yesterday.
Declarations for Saturday's meeting at Sha Tin could be delayed if the typhoon warning is not lowered by 7am today.
Smithers
13-09-2002, 18:35
The Jockey Club's Racing Committee yesterday sanctioned an October 16 meeting to replace the fixture lost to the weather on Wednesday night, but the change has yet to go before the government. "We now have to contact the government to have the new meeting authorised, but we are aiming to run a meeting at Happy Valley on that vacant date," Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Club's director of racing, said yesterday.
Wednesday's meeting was cancelled following the raising of typhoon signal No 8, but Engelbrecht-Bresges said that loss of the racing was virtually the only damage inflicted by the typhoon on either the Happy Valley and Sha Tin racecourses.
"I think the total damage from the storm was a broken window," he said. "The horses which stayed at Happy Valley overnight were all returned to their Sha Tin stables this morning without any problems."
Hong Kong and Japan adopt Good Neighbour Policy on wagering
18 September 2002
Mr Lawrence Wong, Chief Executive of HKJC (left) and Mr Naoyuki Sunaga, Chief Representative of JRA's Hong Kong Representative Office shake hands to confirm the Good Neighbour Policy between the two racing organisations.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the Japan Racing Association (JRA) announced today a mutual agreement to adopt a Good Neighbour Policy on wagering. Both HKJC and JRA agree to respect each other's jurisdictional integrity with regards to wagering.
"This Good Neighbour Policy establishes a cooperative structure for regulation of cross-border gambling. It's the first time that there is a framework for international cooperation against unauthorised, uncontrolled and unlimited gambling," said Lawrence Wong, Chief Executive of HKJC.
Mr. Masayuki Takahashi, President and CEO of JRA stated "Promoting the Good Neighbor Policy will enable each country to secure its financial basis in the industry and eventually bring sound development worldwide. I strongly hope that all racing authorities around the world will adopt this Policy in the future and a framework for international cooperation against illegal gambling is established. It is also quite meaningful that Asian countries are in the vanguard for this bright move to the future in the world of racing."
Mr. Masayuki Takahashi, President and CEO of JRA
As part of the agreement, neither party will accept bets from or target residents in the jurisdiction of the other party, nor will any solicitation, marketing or advertising of its wagering be made without prior authorisation.
"There's a need for international cooperation and mutual respect among racing jurisdictions to fight against unauthorised and illegal operators who steal the racing product for their own gain. These illegal operators offer no investment to strengthen either the quality of racing or provide a contribution to the governments that authorise racing activity," said Lawrence Wong. He added, "Our landmark agreement with JRA is an excellent starting point for such international cooperation. We hope that eventually all members of the Asian Racing Federation and the International Racing Federation will join us in adopting this Good Neighbour Policy."
HKJC and JRA will officially execute the signing of the Good Neighbour Policy at the Hong Kong International Races in December 2002.
Monty Burns
20-09-2002, 16:47
Friday, September 20, 2002
RACING
Arculli steps carefully on new path
Political and legal experience sees new Jockey Club chairman choose pragmatic approach to burning issues
ALAN AITKEN
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Setting a course: The chairman says the Club can talk to the public through the media. Picture by Edward Wong
Shaking drips from his umbrella, the slightly built lawyer did something unremarkable at Sha Tin on Monday morning, and stepped quietly across a canyon of decades. Ronald Arculli, GBS, JP, and freshly to the chairmanship of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, placed himself inside the press box in the lifting gloom of morning trackwork and became the first chairman to make the journey. One small step for a man. A Jockey Club leap.
Even the lofty placement of the press areas at Sha Tin and Happy Valley suggests a fussy Jockey Club inclination to sequester the media out of harm's way, doubtless born of clubby British origins. But Arculli is an experienced politician. "So far, I have been spending a lot of time talking to the press," he says. "Through the media we can talk to the public and explain the rationale behind things we do, so it is important we communicate with them."
Just a few days earlier, the chairman had spent a torrid afternoon pressed to his telephone. Not every comment was recognisable in print. "No, reports are not always 100 per cent accurate, but people need to remember that journalists are not always reporting facts, they interpret too," he says. "They might see a number of possible scenarios in what you are saying, then they choose one they believe is more likely and present that to the public. That's why it is better not to discuss the Macau situation through the media - it is sensitive and there is the chance that some misinterpretation may appear."
Don't mention the war. Outside, September continues to rain horror on the flora. Pot plants are strewn about, blown over in the storm. The chairman picks his way like he picks his words, carefully, surefootedly. "Strong winds - still they are only small plants," he observes. The small matter of Macau and its proposal to offer wagering on Hong Kong might not blow over as easily.
On a filthy morning when flame is an unlikely notion, Arculli says Macau is one of his two burning issues. "Macau and soccer betting," he defines as his challenges. Are they separate? "I don't think they are joined. Macau is quite complicated, but I hope it will be resolved in a fairly short time. The soccer betting is going to take somewhat longer. This is a government and community call. If it is decided that soccer betting should happen, then the government will need to decide whether [it is operated by] a non-profit organisation or a profit-making one. Then Legco will want time to consider it."
There is a mood in some sections of Hong Kong that granting the Jockey Club the soccer betting brief will add a second tier of arrogance to the first one founded on racing, but Arculli is politic and pragmatic. "Yes, people say that there should be a different operator," he says. "But if the Jockey Club runs soccer betting and racing turnover is affected, there would be no loss to the community. It would be like taking the money from one pocket and putting it in the other. But if you have rival operators, the experience in other places shows that commercial competition would cut into both and the community would lose."
But for all the heat from soccer and Macau, the Arculli chairmanship may ultimately be judged on tax restructuring. "Soccer betting could operate as a pari-mutuel instead of bookmaker system, but that would require changes to our tax structure, from a turnover tax to a profit-and-loss tax," he says. "But these are changes that eventually we need for horseracing anyway or we will forever be hostage to the arbitrage operators."
Forced to take almost $20 from every $100 bet, the Jockey Club cannot compete with illegal or offshore operators, which do not have the overheads of staging the racing. These "arbitrageurs" pay Jockey Club dividends, but can rebate customers up to 18 per cent of the money lost and still stay ahead of the Club. The Macau Jockey Club was moving to become one before the ceasefire.
Only by moving to a tax on profits can the Jockey Club fight its foes by reducing its own tax takeout and squeezing arbitrage margins to nothing. "You can understand why the government is reluctant or slow to change the tax structure," Arculli concedes. Less-is-more is rarely a public servant's credo. "But experiences in the United Kingdom have shown that switching from a turnover tax has sent betting up by 60 or 70 per cent," he says. "We are the experts, so we must come up with alternatives and persuade government that, longer term, the tax structure must change. I think they are starting to realise this but need our ideas to know what to do about it."
The ad hoc track visit took a scheduled turn. A small party scuttles to the trainers' stand and all huddle resentfully, sheltered against a new downpour. "Not stuck here, are we?" asks the chairman. Former champion trainer Brian Kan Ping-chee is on the move. He grins, shakes Arculli's hand, then a logo-emblazoned umbrella blooms above him. Hotel Lisboa. There's no getting away from Macau.
"When you think about Macau, well, you have two economies side by side and one has a population of 400,000 and the other seven million. It follows that the smaller one must be looking to get numbers from the bigger one," Arculli says, but won't be drawn on "areas of co-operation for mutual benefit".
He adds: "Our discussions will not be unfriendly. I haven't discussed it with the board yet but when that has happened we will contact the MJC."
There are admirers of Hong Kong who find the protectionist path a strange one for the Jockey Club. It has the best racing product anywhere - small horse pool, just two tracks, limited trainers and a slowly-changing jockey pool. Big betting pools cater to huge and small gamblers in a way found nowhere else. Why not throw it open? Promote it around the globe, encourage bettors on every continent and let the devil take the hindmost. "Because, like Japan, we feel we have more to lose than win," Arculli says. "We don't believe there would be so much interest overseas in betting into our pools, but there certainly are others overseas who would like to take part of our pools."
Arculli's chairmanship seems mired in the political already but he hopes it will be far more about the sport, with Hong Kong at the forefront of advances in international competition. He talks of management. The importance of the current team. "The big issues should not force us to take our eye off the ball with fundamental issues. People have criticised [chief executive] Lawrence Wong's reappointment but management cannot be blamed for the betting downturn," Arculli says. "We don't control the economy and even within our own business it is not government policy to promote gambling.
"We are a non-profit organisation working for the community. We have to strike a delicate balance. Within the Club, we have brought our head count down and a lot of credit goes to senior management, and Larry Wong in particular. It has not been easy - there have been changes necessary in the Club mindset and it has been a gradual process."
The rain abates. Directed now to an informal clubhouse breakfast with the press, Arculli also has a direction for the Club. "I would like to see us bring out more of the entertainment side," he says. "Thirty years ago, Las Vegas was only gambling but now it is a family holiday destination. I would like to see racing more of a family experience. In other countries, children are permitted on racetracks and have areas where they can be entertained in a proper way while their parents enjoy racing. There is no concern that those children will grow up to be inveterate gamblers and there is no evidence that they will."
Fried eggs appear and disappear between coffees. "I must say it is unusual for me not to eat Chinese-style breakfast," the chairman says. He has an Irish horse that sounds like one, Diaghilev. He will race as River Dancer under the care of John Size. The media feeds.
"I like to think that I bring many years of racing experience to the job. I have three horses alone right now and three more in syndicates, as well as racing interests in Australia, Ireland, Singapore, England and formerly New Zealand," Arculli says. "My legal skills will help the Club on the rules side. We have spent years cleaning up racing and, I believe, have gone a long way to doing it. Now Hong Kong has a hard-won reputation for integrity and I think I can play a role in helping maintain that. You will always have Doubting Thomases saying racing is corrupt when the occasional problem arises, but we have a reputation which must be protected as an ongoing task."
Arculli has had the rare pleasure of owning a champion, River Verdon. And life is awash with coincidences. The only Hong Kong owner to take a horse to the Melbourne Cup will preside as chairman when Helene Vitality becomes the second to bid for the race in just over five weeks. Ten years after River Verdon finished down the track to David Hayes' winner, Jeune, Hayes is the trainer carrying Hong Kong hopes.
"Many years ago, my cousin was studying in Australia and told me how everything stopped for the race - even his Catholic priest school teacher stopped lessons," Arculli laughs. "At that time I didn't really understand. Having been there, I remember a terrific carnival atmosphere. I think something similar happens here at International Races time but we are not there yet."
Local trainers are holding their own but jockeys are another matter, though changes to the apprentices' overseas training scheme are making a difference. Perhaps one day, there will be a string of world-class local riders such as Tony Cruz, Arculli hopes.
The chairman stands from breakfast and lifts his umbrella once more. The media is sated for now, but in the rain outside the fiery issues are still burning.
Homer J.
04-10-2002, 00:07
Licensing Committee's decisions
3 October 2002
The following is a summary of decisions made at the Licensing Committee Meeting held today:-
The Committee CALLED Apprentice Cliff K K Lai to show cause why his licence should continue. Consideration was given to submissions from Apprentice Lai. Further, Apprentice Lai's disciplinary record, together with the transcript of evidence taken at the Stipendiary Stewards' Inquiries on 23 August and 6 September 2002 into Apprentice Lai's breach of the Apprentice Jockeys' hostel regulations were also considered. The Committee deliberated on this matter and having taken full account of all the evidence and submissions before them, DECIDED that Apprentice Lai had failed to show cause why his licence should continue and accordingly the licence of Apprentice Lai was withdrawn with immediate effect.
The Committee AGREED TO GRANT, subject to a satisfactory medical examination, Club Jockeys' Licences to the following riders for the period 9 December 2002 to 23 March 2003:-
2.1 J P (Jamie) Spencer - Aged 22, Jockey Spencer was champion apprentice jockey of Ireland in 1999 and finished fourth in the overall jockeys championship that season. After moving to England in 2000, he rode 78 winners and then rode 112 winners in the 2001 season. He is currently the retained rider of Trainer Luca Cumani, also riding on a regular basis for the Godolphin Stable and also Trainer Aidan O'Brien. Jockey Spencer has won 7 Group 1 Races including the Irish 1000 Guinnes on GOSSAMER and TARASCON and The Singapore Airlines International Cup on the Luca Cumani trained ENDLESS HALL. Jockey Spencer gives his riding weight as 116 lbs.
2.2 Christophe Soumillon - Aged 21, Jockey Soumillon commenced his career apprenticed to Cedric Boutin in France and was champion apprentice jockey of that country in 1998. He is currently retained by Aga Khan after having ridden regularly for Trainer Andre Fabre. He has ridden 5 Group 1 winners including the 2001 French Derby on ANABAA BLUE and The Dubai Duty Free on TERRE A TERRE. He has ridden a further 43 Group Race winners and in 2000 rode a record equalling five winners in one day at Saint Cloud. Jockey Soumillon gives his riding weight as 116 lbs.
2.3 Pat Smullen - Aged 25, Jockey Smullen is currently the retainer rider for Trainer Dermot Weld and has previously ridden in Hong Kong in the 1999/2000 season when he rode 4 winners and 15 placings from 73 rides. He has been champion jockey for the past 2 seasons in Ireland and has ridden the winners of the Moyglare Stud Stakes (Group 1), Irish St Leger (Group 1) twice, and Prix Royal Oak (Group 1) as well as over 40 other Group Race winners. Jockey Smullen gives his riding weight as 118 lbs.
2.4 Andreas Suborics - Aged 31, was born in Austria and has ridden in Germany since 1993. Since moving to Germany he has ridden 766 winners including 29 Group Race Winners. Among his major wins are the 1998 Grosser Preis Von Baden, 2001 Singapore Cup, 2001 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong on SILVANO and 2001 Arlington Million also on SILVANO. He has previously ridden in Hong Kong on a number of occasions and rode 7 winners and 27 placings from 113 rides during his last visit in 2001/02. Jockey Suborics gives his riding weight as 117 lbs.
The Committee NOTED the written explanation submitted by Trainer David Hill as to the decline in his performance during the 2001/02 season.
The Committee NOTED that Raymond K L Tsui, who was previously licensed as an Assistant Trainer, resigned from his employment with the Club effective 23 August 2002.
The Committee NOTED that King C K Woo tendered his resignation from the position of Assistant Trainer and will take up the position of Work Rider I effective 3 October 2002.
Fasting Mosse sees the light after blackout
NICK PULFORD, Racing Editor and ALAN AITKEN
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Gerald Mosse yesterday assured the stewards he would no longer endeavour to ride at 120 pounds after he had to be stood down by the racecourse doctor for the third time in the past year.
The latest episode occurred when Mosse felt faint after riding the John Moore-trained Waialae Win in race two and, although he recovered quickly and wanted to continue riding, the stewards acted on medical advice to bar him from fulfilling his remaining eight engagements.
One of those rides, Mehboob The Third in race four, was the reason for Mosse's problem. The jockey had wasted to his minimum to partner the Lawrie Fownes-trained gelding, who was handicapped to carry 119 pounds, though Mosse was still likely to put up a pound overweight.
Mosse's eagerness was understandable as Mehboob The Third was only beaten a short-head with Rodney Quinn aboard, but by then the Frenchman's efforts had caught up with him.
"The stewards had no choice but to accept the advice of the doctor that Gerald Mosse was unfit to continue," chief stipendiary steward John Schreck said. "As this has happened twice before, we talked to the jockey and he assured us that he would not attempt to ride at that weight again."
Mosse has ridden at 120 pounds four times this season without incident, but his problems first surfaced almost a year ago when he suffered a brief blackout in the weighing room after a 120-pound ride. He was also stood down a month later following a similar episode and only rode at 120 pounds once more last season.
Mosse had got his day off to a perfect start with a narrow victory aboard Moore's Highland Legend in the first race and he had further consolation from the fact that none of his forsaken mounts managed to win.
Reformed rogue Splendid Bo Bo and dirt specialist Top Quality made up a double for Shane Dye yesterday to keep his win tally ticking over.
Champion Douglas Whyte's treble on Indy's Gem, Cape Of Good Hope and Super Molly took him to equal leader with suspended Eric Saint-Martin on 15 wins but Dye is staying in touch with 12.
He surprised a few by leading throughout on Top Quality for rookie trainer Dennis Yip Chor-hong in race three, dashing well clear around the home turn.
"It wasn't a pre-race plan but I went out to race handy, got a soft lead and I was going so well at the 800 metres that making the break was the right thing to do," said Dye, who combined with John Size and Splendid Bo Bo for their third win this season in the following race.
"The horse has stopped hanging, he's doing everything right, but he is getting all the breaks in these races, too," Dye said.
Earlier, the other rookie, Sean Woods, kept his momentum going with Indy's Gem making up for an unlucky defeat at his latest run. From barrier one at his previous start, the gelding had been held up badly before finishing in the minor place behind Sincere And Faith, but had no traffic problems after drawing gate one again yesterday.
"This horse does need cover, so getting the inside gate is a big help," Woods said. "I know he has been rated quite a bit higher in the past than he is now, but he's an old horse, rising eight, and although he seems to be going all right I don't know whether he can climb back up."
Tony Cruz and jockey Felix Coetzee closed out the card yesterday, combining to win with Medic Corps, which denied Yip a double when he held off Horoscope in a tight finish.
No suspensions were issued yesterday, but mounting concern over riding standards will be addressed at a meeting between stewards and jockeys before racing on Wednesday.
Three riders - Shane Dye, Eric Legrix and Anton Marcus - received official warnings yesterday, while a number of others were told to exercise more care following inquiries into serious crowding in races three and five.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Jockey Club's director of racing, said: "We have had a relatively trouble-free season so far, but there have been several incidents which have raised concerns in recent weeks. One of the issues we will address is the practice of steadying horses during a race, which can have serious consequences for those following."
'Watch your step,' jockeys warned
NICK PULFORD
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Jockeys were last night warned to clean up their act or face the consequences, particularly over the ''unpleasant'' practice of steadying up horses in front.
At a pre-race meeting in the inquiry room, the stewards told the jockeys that racing had become too tight in recent meetings and was causing serious concern for safety. The riders were shown four races from the past week which had raised particular worries, two on dirt and two on turf at Sha Tin. Although only warnings were issued on those occasions, the stewards said riders could expect more serious consequences if there was any repeat.
Chief stipendiary steward John Schreck said: ''Riders were told from tonight that if, in the opinion of the stewards, a rider eases up too quickly in front, causing any trouble at all behind him, he could find himself in breach of at least the careless riding rule.''
Schreck added that ''a lot of concern'' had been raised by ''riders, particularly senior people, crossing to the front when barely clear, then steadying up unnecessarily in front. The stewards are of the view that it is not only unpleasant, but it could be said to be unfair to have a horse's stride upset by another pulling back on top of it''.
Schreck said the aim of the meeting was to nip the problem in the bud. ''I believe prevention is better than cure and co-operation is better than confrontation. The stewards will never get involved in telling jockeys how they should ride races. But as a result of recent incidents, the tactics being used by riders in front needs to be addressed.''
Trainers and Jockeys briefing, October 24
24 October 2002
A briefing between senior Jockey Club officials and Hong Kong's trainers and jockeys took place this morning at the Sha Tin Clubhouse where the matters discussed were the covering of the Sha Tin paddock with a roof, STRIDE and the Health and Safety Act.
Trainers and jockeys were informed of the construction of a retractable roof over the Sha Tin parade ring beginning next off-season and lasting for the duration of season 2003/04. The roof, designed to further enhance the racing experience for Jockey Club customers, will be ready for the start of the 2004/05 campaign. A temporary paddock will be established where horses are currently unsaddled after races and trainers were consulted concerning temporary saddling stall arrangements. The refurbishment and upgrading of Racing Centre and Jockeys' room was also discussed.
Prior to its public introduction during the second quarter of next year, the STRIDE system that will revolutionise racing information and sectional timing methods, will undergo full daily testing in trackwork and in races from early next year and trainers and jockeys were briefed on how the system will be implemented.
Finally, trainers were made aware of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
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