International Participation in Hong Kong Uncertain

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has unveiled a top-notch slate of international entries for its April 26 Champions Day races—along with a caution that few, if any, may compete amid steadily evolving quarantine and travel regulations.

The announcement reflects not only the uncertainty facing Thoroughbred racing worldwide in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the Hong Kong Jockey Club's unique place geographically.

"Hong Kong racing has been able to continue with stringent safeguards in place, and we are pleased that horsemen from around the world have shown faith and trust enough in our dedication to health, safety, and security to nominate their stable stars to our three group 1 races at Sha Tin on FWD Champions Day," Andrew Harding, the HKJC's executive director of racing, said in the March 18 announcement. "That says much for the attraction of Hong Kong racing and all the positive things it stands for in the world of sport."

But, he said, the HKJC is working with the Hong Kong government to determine whether it will be practical—or even possible—to ship horses and transport staff during the ongoing pandemic.

"The Club is monitoring developments, including announcements of Hong Kong and other governments, and assessing what is feasible and appropriate. A realistic assessment of the feasibility of international runners participating in the 2020 edition of FWD Champions Day can only be made in the next few weeks," Harding said.

The HKJC has continued racing throughout the pandemic but closed its two tracks and off-track wagering facilities to fans. That blow follows the impact on attendance and wagering of the street violence that swept Hong Kong during the second half of 2019.

FWD Champions Day features the FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) at 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles), the FWD Champions Mile (G1), and the Chairman's Sprint Prize (G1) at 1,200 meters (about six furlongs). Purses total HK$63 million, or just more than US$8.1 million.

Among this year's entries are 34 group 1 winners. Many also are entered for the rich races on the March 28 Dubai World Cup Presented by Emirates Airline (G1) program at Meydan Racecourse.

The QE II Cup entries include last year's winner, Win Bright, who also took down the Longines Hong Kong Cup (G1) in December. The 6-year-old son of Stay Gold is part of a strong Japanese entry list that includes superstar mare Almond Eye.

Godolphin has entered Barney Roy and Ghaiyyath. Group 1 winners from France and Australia also are on the entries list. Should circumstances preclude any of those running, Hong Kong champion stayer Exultant would hold a dominant position.

Beauty Generation seeks an unprecedented third FWD Champions Mile victory. Almond Eye is cross-entered in this race as one of 10 Japanese nominees, along with a pair of group 1 winners from Australia.

Hong Kong usually is dominant in its own sprints and again has the top prospects for the Chairman's Sprint Prize. The only foreign nominations with group 1 wins are Australia's Pierata and Mr Melody from Japan.