Picture: Racing at Hong Kong’s premier course Sha Tin (HKJC)
Monthly Molly Column
Dave Mollett
Probably the most important development for SA racing in the last five years has been the blossoming relationship with Hong Kong.
South Africa’s list of sporting alliances is pretty short. So, Hong Kong’s “open door” policy to the country is not only good for racing but also the industry as a whole.
Obviously, it is the Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pools that has thrown a lifeline to racing operations. We weren’t searching for the last birth on the last lifeboat launched from the Titanic but not far off.
Of course, World Pools have not only helped South Africa but many racecourses around the world.
Happily, the SA Hong Kong relationship is not a one-way street. To the delight of breeders, Hong Kong have been in the market regularly in bloodstock sales across the country with some notable big, priced purchases.
On a recent visit to me in hospital, my good friend Nico Kritsiotis informed me of the hiccup they are having getting horses from SA to Dubai. Apparently, there was a full cargo of 18 horses but six deserted and the plane will not take off without a full cargo. Also, the cost of getting a thorough breed to Dubai can cost R800 000 – this is getting an expensive exercise.
At the National Yearling Sale in April, eyebrows were raised at the number of millionaire purchases which – if my memory is correct – was 55.
So, I’m imagining that I signed for one of these purchases (no chance), what route would someone take if they outlaid seven figures? These horses are now two-year-olds and I think my route would be to join Mike de Kock in Durban or his son Mathew in Joburg.
They would soon work out whether an expensive buy would be competitive in Dubai in the first place.
We all know the story about Mike de Kock. I had been racing editor of the Rand Daily Mail for 14 years when the vivacious and talented Transvaal trainer, Ricky Howard Ginsberg, passed away. I didn’t know his assistant Mike de Kock but that was soon to change.
The Alberton born youngster was left with a handful of hardened handicappers and – on the other side some choicely bred purchases by Howard Ginsberg’s richer clients. Would they jump ship or give de Kock a chance. Happily – for both parties – the majority chose the latter.
De Kock has cleared the runway for his son Mathew to take off on an exciting career. He will have learnt the tricks of the trade under his father. We will follow his career with interest.
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Princess Aga Khan Worried Her Arc Hero Could Sustain Fatal Injury If He Races On
Whether it’s i Harry Kane scoring a goal or a Protea hitting a century there is something exhilarating at witnessing sporting performances at their highest level.
For racing fans, that experience came in Paris at the beginning of the month when the favourite Daryz stormed through a devastating wind in the Prix de l’Arc de triomphe for the second year running.
Following his warmup win in the Prix Ganny, the French bred colt was a natural selection, but punters still got the good price of 7/4.
Those fans who didn’t make it to Paris will have penciled in October next year to go to the French capital to witness a historic third win.
Don’t hold your breath. There is every chance Daryz will not be making an appearance.
In the media interview after the Arc the four-year-olds owner the Princess Aga Khan seemed to have a bee in her bonnet about a possible fatality if the horse raced on. This is quite strange because fatalities in races around the world are few and far between.
Nevertheless, the Princess was not to be dislodged from the subject and said, “We are principally a breeding operation – he has things to do”.
This suggests that the Arc hero could be headed for the breeding barn. One imagines that stable connections will still fancy a tilt at a third Arc which will put the colt in the history books.
If the decision is made to race on, there are several tempting races for Daryz to aim at including the rich Bahrain Cup in February and two months later Hong Kong stage an important international meeting at Sha-Tin.
