Outstanding Asian Racing Conference raises the banner for India - By Vivek Jain
Posted on - 12 May 2014
Outstanding Asian Racing Conference raises the banner for India
By Vivek Jain
The 35th Asian Racing Conference held between May 5-8 in Hong Kong was an outstanding success on every major parameter - organisation, venues, business sessions, racing, socials and the huge representation from all over the world.
As leader of a strong Indian delegation, I had the honour and privilege of presenting the country gift to The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) on the opening day, representing India at the opening ceremony to the backdrop of the National Flag, and finally being presented the ARF Flag in ceremonious handover at the closing. It was a great experience for the first time before such a mammoth international gathering.
As it would be impossible to record every detail, hence highlights under the various heads:
RACING
The Sunday racing at Sha Tin was splendid and it would rank as one of the world’s premium race courses. At a casual meeting I had with the CEO of HKJC, Winfried Engel-Brecht-Berges at the races, and who has taken over as the new Chairman of the ARF, the figures he reeled off extempore were staggering and impressive:
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82 race days a year- 45 at Sha Tin and 37 of Night Racing at Happy Valley
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Annual betting turnover: US $ 13 billion; Profits about US $ 600 million
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HKJC is a not for profit Club and contribution to charities about HK $ 1.7 billion
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Average attendance at Sha Tin 23,000; Happy Valley 16,000
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Biggest race day is on Chinese New Year with over 100,000 attending
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Prize Money over US $ 100 million;
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Deduction from tote 17%; of which the Club keeps 4%
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No local breeding; average runners per race 12.4
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The Place Quinella/ Quinella generate 40% of the betting; no bookmakers
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All horses tested pre-race; virtually “nil” medication infringements
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HKJC has the largest turnover per race in the world
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Only 15 “simulcast” race days from outside Hong Kong
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Happy Valley generated US $135 million on the ARF race day during the conference
BUSINESS
A record 837 delegates, including accompanying guests, from all major racing centres attended the ARF Conference held at the Convention Hall of the Grand Hyatt, splendidly located at Hong Kong Island with magnificent views of the Harbour. 15 business sessions were held across three packed days, in addition to the Stewarding Session, Stud Book Conference and the Council Meetings. The topics included the future of wagering, community impact of racing, Worldwide pattern races, Medication and drug control, environment, Technology and TV, customer connect, racing’s big events, Integrity in Sports and more. The interesting Stewards Conference drew over 70 participants with an interactive session on practices followed on common parameters.
Most of the sessions featured packed attendance at the Grand Ball Room, with humungous screens with brilliant clarity. The clinical efficiency and precision in the organisation of every session was a lesson for us.
SOCIALS
Once the day was over with the lectures, networking, visiting the exhibitors, an array of social events took charge of the evenings:
Monday: Opening Ceremony in the Grand Ball Room, with formal seated dinner, with stunning local themed entertainment, and introduction of the chief delegates;
Tuesday: Casual night at Sky 100, Hong Kong’s tallest building, with drinks and dinner on the 100th floor;
Wednesday: The spectacular Happy Valley Night Racing from 7 to 11pm;
Thursday: Closing Ceremony in the Paddock of Sha Tin with acrobatics; dancers, live music, the handover ceremony in a chic setting.
The Indian Delegation also had the Chairmen of HRC and BTC, with Mr Surender Reddy representing ARC at the Executive Council Meeting. Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, well known in international circles, made his presence felt throughout the conference and also chaired a session on breeding. Mr Louis Romanet, head of IFHA, the world wide body that regulates much of the racing world was outstanding in his presentation on medication and the need for drug free racing and strong medication policies. The one take home from the Conference was the increasing focus on drug testing, out of competition testing and the emphasis on strong medication policies to promote the sport.
It was a great learning to meet with the heads of leading racing authorities, our Irish partners, and view at close hand the sheer professionalism, with attention to every detail in the conduct of the conference.
As I mentioned in my brief talk at the closing, that having raised the banner so high, the HKJC has made our task of hosting the 36th ARC in Mumbai that much more challenging. But I did tell the audience, with our logo proudly splashed on the giant screen behind, that we still will present a top class event with the “sound and sights” of India unmatched, and I am sure our socials being even more splendid. It was encouraging to hear of the huge interest in India and we are confident of a strong presence.
Even though the ARF in Mumbai will be in January, 2016, we have to start work right away, and it will take a collective effort from the TAI, to give the racing world something to remember.
