Ahead of the HK$18 million HK Derby on Sunday and South Africa’s forthcoming yearling sales in April, Racing South Africa led a small delegation to Hong Kong to raise the profile of South African thoroughbred racehorses in what has become one of the most progressive and wealthy racing jurisdictions in the world.
Bloodstock South Africa’s Gary Grant, Cape Thoroughbred Sales’ Kerry Jack and Adrian Todd from the newly formed SA Equine Health And Protocols (NPC) joined host Racing SA CEO, Peter Gibson at a well attended function at the Gloucester Luk Kwok Hotel in Hong Kong last night.
Long serving SA Consulate Marketing Executive, Davy Chiu, acted as MC, firstly introducing the SA delegates before short speeches were made by Gibson on Trade and Sales matters, high profile HK Jockey Cub Member, Mr David Hui (owner of five horses from South Africa including Elusive Gold/Golden Sleep and Vilikazi/Sleep Education),spoke animatedly on his positive experience of the South African market and his desire to have better access to our horses and finally Adrian Todd updated the party on protocol developments.
Gibson said:”I thought last night was a great success, we were honoured by the presence of SA Consul General Madoda Ntshinga and our audience included a good cross section of owners/HKJC Members and the media (picture). It was also fantastic that Tony and Bev Millard were able to attend.”
Place of beauty and a home to champions-Avontuur Estate
“My thanks to Avontuur and Drakenstein Studs for their kind sponsorship of wine, which added a lovely South African flavour to the evening.”
Historically, before the closure of umbrella organisation, Horseracing South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Racing South Africa (representing the SA Equine Trade Council) hosted numerous promotional events around the world as part of its function of encouraging foreign investment into our industry and to grow exports.
Philanthropist at Drakenstein
Friday eveniing sees the HK Jockey Club holding its annual International Sale with 28 unraced horses acquired from around the world being offered for Sale to both HK Jockey Club Members with valid permits and potential buyers from other racing jurisdictions. The Sale is expected to average HK$4 million per Lot. For the first time in many years, the HK Jockey Club entered the South African market when they purchased 5 yearlings from the CTS Cape Premier Yearling Sale in January with a view to reselling them in HK in 2020.
Tony Millard and Singapore Sling (Philanthropist) on Friday morning
Tony Millard was on hand to show off Singapore Sling this morning (pictured above) and all appears on track for a top effort on Sunday after the son of Philanthropist drew barrier 3, well inside his main dangers Nothingilikemore and Exultant who both drew badly.
Racetime for the Derby on Sunday is 10h35 SA time.
