Racing has been hit hard worldwide along-with many other sports and business activities by COVID - 19 Pandemic but Hong Kong Jockeys Club the 126 year old organisation successfully conducted almost all race meetings during 2019 - 20 season and now looks forward to Sunday September 6, for start of a new season ( after a gap of 50 days ) for 2020 - 21 with massive purse increases and confidence that fans and owners remain firmly on board.  Last season during February to July, ‘20  HKJC conducted racing without spectators and always complied government instructions and guidelines related to gathering ban, social distancing and other public health directions. Hong Kong international races are designed to attract global interest. 

The Hong Kong government showed how important racing is by supporting it all the way through those challenges like billions of tax revenue and charity donations certainly help and it should happen again. HKJC says — we have to put forward a goal to have international racing - we want to show we can do things that not many other people or organisations can do. We have to do that without creating a health risk. They puts jockeys under tight restrictions, having to report where they are going and who they are meeting whenever they leave the jockey club apartments. 

HKJC financial results remind strong with overall turnover down only by 2 percent from the previous season. New season will be from 6th Sept ‘20  to 14th July ‘21 during which 49 race meetings will be conducted at Sha Tin and 38 race meetings will be conducted at Happy Valley and the total  number of race days inclusive both centres will be 87. The club announced massive hike for stakes during new season and promised to reach the expectations of all at all levels. Despite many adversities they always focus and support community. They are appreciated for their focus for the betterment of society and committed to be more focused than ever on supporting and building the residence of the community. The club has earned a reputation and trust that we do is not for ourselves but for the benefits of the public. 

Sunday’s opening meeting is having a ten race card with first race scheduled at 10.30 am IST. Last season first time trainer P F Yiu won the championship with 67 wins  and Z Purton won fourth time jockeys championship with 147 wins.
    This time jockeys ranks will be more competitive - the addition of popular Frenchman Alexis Badel will make a difference. Ho Chak-Yiu proved himself as a top class jockey last season and showing lot of promise . Than Chad Schofield who also rode some good races last year, seems in good form. J Moreira’s late suspension also proved handy to Z Purton last time to win the championship but this time the three time champion won’t give up easily and will do every effort for his fourth championship title at HK international races. 

I see a interesting and exciting race card in prospect for opening day’s meeting.