The Hong Kong Classic Cup marks the resurgence of South African horses in Hong Kong racing, aided by reduced quarantine measures. Mondial, a Johannesburg winner, will debut, while other South Africans are also entering the market. The improved exchange rate makes them attractive to local owners, prompting interest in potential contenders for future races.
South African horses are making a notable return to Hong Kong’s racing scene, particularly highlighted by the upcoming Hong Kong Classic Cup. This race will feature notable four-year-olds, many imported from Australia and New Zealand. Among them, Mondial, a triumpant winner in Johannesburg, is set to make his debut in Hong Kong, hoping to replicate the success of Singapore Sling by winning the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
The recent easing of stringent quarantine regulations after 13 years has facilitated this resurgence. Previously, South African horses faced up to 180 days of quarantine, including 90 days in Mauritius, hindering their proper training. The new guidelines allow a reduced quarantine period of just 45 days for horses traveling to Hong Kong, making it accessible for more South African horses to race abroad.
Despite a few South African horses participating even during the restrictive era, the updated protocols have made them appealing choices for local owners. The current exchange rate between the Hong Kong dollar and the South African rand allows for competitively priced South African horses compared to their Australian and New Zealand counterparts.
Mondial has signed with trainer David Hayes under owners James Lau and Alice Woo, who also own Mid Winter Wind, another South African four-year-old. Previously, Lau and Woo successfully campaigned Cerise Cherry, a notable Group 1 sprinter.
Mondial had finished seventh in the G1 South African Classic and represents the first horse from this event to arrive in Hong Kong since 2018. Lobo’s Legend previously qualified for races but faced setbacks that affected his performance in the Classic series.
Before the Classic Cup commences, the South African Classic will occur at Turffontein Racecourse, serving as a key prelude to the South African Derby scheduled for March 29. This event typically showcases the region’s best three-year-old horses, with Eight On Eighteen currently standing out.
Among the contenders, Grey Jet is a notable outsider to watch. As the least experienced horse in the lineup, he is linked to a strong lineage, being the son of 2015 Hong Kong Mile competitor, Danon Platina. His trainer, Weichong Marwing, is also notable for his previous success as a jockey in Hong Kong.
In conclusion, the return of South African horses to Hong Kong racing signifies a revitalization of interest in this category due to relaxed quarantine measures. Horses like Mondial and Grey Jet could potentially play significant roles in upcoming races, drawing attention from local owners looking for viable contenders in major events. The exchange rate also favors the acquisition of South African bloodstock, making them an appealing choice for investors in the racing community.
Original Source: www.thestandard.com.hk
