Renowned trainer Tony Cruz and his dedicated stable staff have earned high praise after winning the prestigious Safest and Best Housekeeping Stable Award for the 2024/25 season. The recognition reflects their commitment to ensuring top-tier safety standards and maintaining impeccable stable hygiene.
The ceremony took place at Sha Tin Racecourse on Saturday, 5th July, where key officials from The Hong Kong Jockey Club gathered to present the award. Among those in attendance were Andrew Harding, Executive Director of Racing; Claus Weidner, Director of Racing Operations; K L Cheng, Head of Dual Site Stables Operations; Stephen Higgins, Head of Raceday Operations, Tracks and Racing Facilities, who also chairs the Safety Committee, along with Samson Lau from the Racing Talent Training Centre.
This accolade forms part of the Club’s broader initiative to promote workplace safety and hygiene standards across racing stables, which began over two decades ago through the Safety in Action Campaign. Since its introduction in the 2002/03 season, the campaign has emphasized fostering a safe, healthy, and organized working environment for stable employees.
The award selection process is thorough, with representatives from multiple departments within the Club conducting regular inspections of stables. These evaluations focus on hygiene, cleanliness, and overall working conditions. The inspection results, combined with recorded accident rates, determine the overall scores for each stable.
Tony Cruz, a highly respected name in Hong Kong racing circles, adds this achievement to his growing list of accolades, having previously secured the same award in 2006 and 2015. The tradition of honouring stables that excel in safety and housekeeping continues, with past winners including notable trainers such as John Size, Dennis Yip, Peter Ho, Ricky Yiu, and Michael Chang.
For Cruz and his team, this latest recognition stands as a testament to their relentless dedication, not only to the sport but to the wellbeing of their staff and horses.
