Happy Valley Racecourse will combine horse racing with an international football theme on Wednesday evening as Hong Kong champion trainer Frankie Lor hopes The Azure can return to winning form in one of the meeting’s most distinctive contests. The nine-race programme begins at 6.30pm, with Race 4 set to bring an added sense of occasion through a football-inspired presentation.
Happy Valley racecards 8 July
The Class 4 EIGHT TO GLORY, Presented by Lenovo Handicap over 1650 metres has attracted an eight-runner field, with every horse representing one of the eight nations remaining in the international football tournament’s quarter-final stage. Riders will wear specially designed silks reflecting the colours and flags of their assigned countries, creating a unique visual spectacle alongside the evening’s racing.
Lor heads into the feature with confidence that The Azure can make his presence felt. The experienced gelding has already won four times over the same course and distance and returns to conditions that have consistently suited him throughout his career.
Although The Azure finished sixth behind Viva Firecracker on his latest appearance, the performance came after he was forced to overcome the disadvantage of drawing gate 12, a starting position widely regarded as difficult over Happy Valley’s 1650-metre circuit.
Lor believes circumstances are more favourable this time.
“This will be a suitable race for The Azure and has been on our radar all along,” he said. “We ensured he would have a good chance to be in the race and I am glad he can participate in the event.
“The barrier cost him last start. It is always difficult if you start from gate 12 over 1650 metres at Happy Valley. He is still in fine form, and hopefully, he can have better luck during the race this time as there is a smaller field. Zac Purton will ride him again.”
The field features Forza Toro, partnered by Joao Moreira, Sturdy Ruby with Vincent Ho, Superb Kid under Jerry Chau, The Azure with Zac Purton, Lucky Year ridden by Andrea Atzeni, Precision Hope with Alexis Badel, Podium partnered by Matthew Poon and Star Elegance under Lyle Hewitson. Each runner will represent one of the remaining football nations, adding a colourful backdrop to the contest.
Lor also has high hopes for Beauty Show, who lines up later on the card in the Class 4 Volley Handicap over 1000 metres.
The three-year-old son of Shalaa has shown steady progress since arriving in Hong Kong, recording two runner-up finishes and a fourth from four starts. An encouraging recent trial has strengthened the trainer’s belief that another strong performance could be on the cards despite a gate nine draw.
“Beauty Show ran well in his recent trial and he is a very fit horse now,” Lor said. “Hopefully, he can have better luck this time. He is still an immature horse and therefore I mainly race him at Happy Valley for the time being.”
Purton again takes the ride as Beauty Show looks to continue his development in competitive company.
Wednesday’s fixture opens with the Class 5 Kick Off Handicap over 1000 metres at 6.30pm before building towards the football-themed feature later in the evening, giving racegoers a programme that blends sporting celebration with competitive racing.
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