South Africa is seeing a resurgence in its participation in Hong Kong horse racing, particularly as horses like Mondial debut in the Hong Kong Classic Cup. Recent changes in quarantine protocols have made it easier for South African horses to race abroad, leading to increased interest from local owners. The upcoming South African Classic will provide further opportunities to identify potential contenders for future events, such as the 2026 Hong Kong Derby.
South Africa is regaining prominence in the Hong Kong racing scene, highlighted by the upcoming Hong Kong Classic Cup, which may feature South African horses poised for the 2026 Hong Kong Derby. This year’s Classic Cup showcases established four-year-olds, with Mondial, a horse boasting three wins in Johannesburg, making his debut in Hong Kong. He aims to follow in the footsteps of Singapore Sling and shine in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
Due to previous quarantine restrictions caused by the African horse sickness, South African horses faced stringent travel regulations for 13 years. These included a 180-day quarantine, with 90 days in Mauritius, which significantly hindered training. However, recent improvements now allow direct imports to the EU, along with reduced travel time to Hong Kong, bringing it down to 45 days, thus encouraging the influx of South African horses.
Despite the stringent regulations, a few South African horses continued to participate in Hong Kong races, but the new guidelines have rejuvenated interest. Significantly, the favorable exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar to the South African rand makes acquiring South African racehorses financially attractive for local buyers compared to those from Australia or New Zealand.
Mondial, now under the training of David Hayes and owned by James Lau and Alice Woo, signifies the potential resurgence of South African bloodstock in Hong Kong. Lau and Woo are recognized as pioneers in this market, previously owning the accomplished sprinter Cerise Cherry. Recently, Mondial placed seventh in the G1 South African Classic (1,800 meters) and is the first to arrive in Hong Kong since Lobo’s Legend in 2018.
As the South African Classic is set to unfold at Johannesburg’s Turffontein Racecourse, it serves as a precursor to the South African Derby meeting, scheduled for March 29. The best three-year-olds often compete in Cape Town, with Eight On Eighteen currently leading the rankings. Prospective buyers are encouraged to monitor rising stars such as Grey Jet, who represents a promising outsider in this event, being the first Group 1 runner for trainer Weichong Marwing.
In summary, South Africa’s presence in Hong Kong racing is on the rise, particularly with the introduction of horses like Mondial who are entering the competitive landscape. The easing of quarantine regulations has opened doors for South African horses to re-enter the market, making them appealing to local buyers. The upcoming South African Classic and Hong Kong events will further showcase potential contenders for future races, cementing South Africa’s significance in the global racing community.
Original Source: www.thestandard.com.hk
