A distinctive blend of horse racing and international football will be on display at Happy Valley on Wednesday evening (8 July) when eight runners represent different nations in the EIGHT TO GLORY, Presented by Lenovo, a 1650-metre handicap that forms the highlight of the nine-race programme.
Happy Valley EIGHT TO GLORY race.
The special contest, scheduled as Race 4 at 8.10pm, takes on added significance as each horse has been paired with one of the nations still involved in the football tournament’s quarter-final stage. The allocations were confirmed during a draw held on Monday morning, giving trainers, jockeys and stable staff a country to follow when the field lines up on Wednesday.
Adding to the occasion, jockeys will wear specially designed racing silks reflecting the flags and national colours of the countries they represent. Four nations had already secured quarter-final places by Monday, while the remaining assignments were due to be confirmed before race time.
Among those embracing the concept is trainer David Eustace, whose in-form Podium has been linked with Norway and will be partnered by Matthew Poon. A keen football supporter, Eustace said the event has generated plenty of enthusiasm around his stable.
“The boys do follow it,” Eustace said.
Podium heads into the Happy Valley EIGHT TO GLORY race in encouraging form after winning two of his last three starts, giving the stable confidence ahead of another competitive assignment.
“This horse has been great for the stable. He’s won three races and is in good form, and it was a logical race to go to,” Eustace said.
“The tournament only comes around every four years. It’ll be good to be a part of it.”
Australian trainer David Hayes will saddle Precision Hope, who has yet to record a victory in eight starts but produced an encouraging runner-up finish on his latest appearance. Alexis Badel takes the ride and will wear the colours of France.
“It’s an interesting concept, and I think it’ll get a bit of attention. It’s a good idea, and I’m happy to have a runner,” Hayes said.
“And I’ve got a horse with a real live chance in it. Let’s hope he wins – it will be his first cup. But he ran a good second last start, and he’s held his form.”
The full field for the Happy Valley EIGHT TO GLORY race features Forza Toro (133lb, Joao Moreira, Portugal or Spain), Sturdy Ruby (133lb, Vincent Ho, Argentina or Egypt), Superb Kid (129lb, Jerry Chau, Morocco), The Azure (127lb, Zac Purton, Switzerland or Colombia), Lucky Year (126lb, Andrea Atzeni, USA or Belgium), Precision Hope (121lb, Alexis Badel, France), Star Elegance (119lb, Lyle Hewitson, England) and Podium (119lb, Matthew Poon, Norway).
While no finishing order is yet available, the event is expected to provide one of the most memorable spectacles of the Hong Kong season, combining racing competition with the excitement of international football in a colourful and imaginative format.
Wednesday’s meeting at Happy Valley begins at 6.30pm with the Class 5 Kick Off Handicap over 1000 metres before building towards the feature race later in the evening.
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