South Africa is resurging in the Hong Kong racing industry, with the Hong Kong Classic Cup showcasing South African horses due to relaxed import regulations. Notable entries include Mondial, a Johannesburg race winner, highlighting renewed interest in South African bloodstock given economic benefits for local owners. Upcoming races in South Africa and Hong Kong may influence future investments in promising horses for the Classic Series.
South Africa has reemerged on Hong Kong’s radar with the upcoming Hong Kong Classic Cup, where South African horses are again competing due to relaxed quarantine restrictions. The race features established four-year-olds, with one notable competitor being Mondial, a three-time winner from Johannesburg, who aims to follow in the footsteps of Singapore Sling by succeeding in this prestigious event.
Former strict quarantine measures, exacerbated by African horse sickness, severely limited the ability of South African horses to compete internationally. The peak of these restrictions required a lengthy quarantine of up to 180 days. However, the introduction of direct imports to the EU and a streamlined 45-day travel protocol to Hong Kong has revitalized interest in South African thoroughbreds.
The current economic dynamics favor acquiring South African horses, as the Hong Kong dollar’s strength against the South African rand makes these purchases more appealing. Horses like Mondial, now under the care of David Hayes, are attracting attention from local owners. Alongside Mondial, another promising South African recruit, Mid Winter Wind, is also in the mix but has opted for sprint races rather than the Classic Series.
Owners James Lau and Alice Woo have a history of integrating South African bloodstock into their stables, with their previous star horse being Cerise Cherry, who performed impressively in the 2012 Hong Kong Sprint. Now, Mondial seeks to make a significant impact after finishing seventh in last year’s prestigious South African Classic, becoming the first to venture to Hong Kong from the race since 2018.
The South African Classic, which serves as a precursor to the Derby meeting, will take place at Johannesburg’s Turffontein Racecourse. The race is critical for identifying top talents, especially three-year-olds capable of competing at high levels. Grey Jet, a lightly-raced contender and son of former Hong Kong Mile participant Danon Platina, should be one to watch under trainer Weichong Marwing, who has extensive experience in Hong Kong racing.
Marwing, although he never clinched a victory in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, has a commendable record elsewhere, including a win in the South African Classic with the exceptional Horse Chestnut. The upcoming events will highlight the growing prominence of South African horses in Hong Kong racing, potentially influencing purchasing decisions ahead of future Classic Series events.
In summary, South Africa is once again making a mark in the Hong Kong racing scene, especially with the upcoming Classic Cup featuring South African thoroughbreds. The easing of quarantine restrictions has led to renewed interest and feasibility in acquiring South African horses. Notable participants, such as Mondial and Mid Winter Wind, signify a promising future for these horses in the Hong Kong racing landscape. With competitive talent emerging alongside economic advantages, South African equestrian prospects are likely to flourish.
Original Source: www.thestandard.com.hk
