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Regional interaction shot in the arm for industry

The inaugural running of the Hong Kong-Macau Trophy lived up to all expectations with Macau's Crown's Gift giving the away team a well-deserved victory.

However, the result of this race, and the return leg to be held in Macau on April 4, is of minor significance when looking at the big picture. The most important result of a new era of racing detente is that racing in the Pearl River Delta is set to benefit hugely as the two racing centres combine their resources and compete against one another.

The clash between the two former colonies provides intrigue, excitement and another dimension to the sport; not to mention the positive impact on turnover and attendance.

Further interaction with Macau will benefit both clubs, so hopefully this is the first step toward a partnership that will rejuvenate racing in the region.

It was also good to see Brett 'Doubles' Doyle back in action at Sha Tin on Sunday, when the affable Englishman showed all his class in riding Crown's Gift to victory over the Sha Tin mile (Race 402).

The popular Doyle rode with a good deal of success in Hong Kong, initially as a club rider and then for Andy Leung Ting-wah. His victory was a welcome feature of a quality day's racing.

Without even asking he was booked for four more rides on the day, and hopefully it will not be too long before he returns here as he is a positive addition to the local scene.

The meeting at Sha Tin proved costly for favourite backers with three odds-on choices failing to win - Man On The Moon ($14), Agility ($18) and Lucky Owners ($13).

The former failed to hit the frame at all (Race 397) and there seemed to be few excuses. Winner Winning Cat looks open to more improvement and is a promising prospect, while International Sales purchase Great Achievement (second) appeared to tire in the final 100 metres and will benefit enormously for the experience.

There was a lot to like about the debut of Tsunami, who finished third to For Your Eyes Only over 1,200 metres (Race 399). He clearly has enough potential to win a race in Class Four.

Debutant Hip Hip Hooray ($29) was heavily supported but lost his chances when missing the start badly. He deserves another chance given the poor start and the fact it was hard for back-markers to make ground on the day.

Ivan Allan ended a prolonged dry spell with the victory of Circuit Kingdom in the final event on Sunday (Race 406), and there were positive signs that he may have another winner in the short term with third-placed Progressing Times (Race 403). He clearly appreciated the step up to 1,400 metres and has fallen to a mark where he should prove competitive.

Douglas Whyte's tactically proficient ride aboard Tiber was a major reason for success in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (Race 404).

The tactics of trainer John Moore and Whyte worked perfectly in that race but it was a different story when the pair teamed up with Xlerate, who ran well in defeat earlier in the week (Race 394).

Given the steady tempo and slight track bias, it was an outstanding run from Perfect Partner to finish third to Tiber. The breaks did not go the way for Lucky Owners way but he lost no admirers in defeat.

Debutants Buddies Spirit (second) and Million Chase (third) both displayed enough potential in defeat over 1,200 metres (Race 390) to suggest each will be opening his account sooner rather than later.

There were also encouraging signs for Winning Kevin, who hit the frame for the first time locally when third behind Magic Hands over 2,200 metres (Race 394).

Ones To Note: Great Achievement, Tsunami, Million Chase

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