World Racing’s biggest shows in the spotlight on final day of Asian Racing Conference

The final morning of the 35th Asian Racing Conference, 8 May, opened appropriately in the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, as delegates were treated to video presentations of many of the world’s great race meetings – under the banner: ‘Big Events – Today and Tomorrow’.

The emphasis was on the strategic marketing and corporate alliances which underpin the meetings in focus, including: the Hong Kong International Races; British Champions Day; the Breeders’ Cup in America; the Singapore Gold Cup; the Dubai World Cup; and Japan’s Arima Kinen.

A newcomer to that list is the very recently inaugurated ‘The Championships’ in Sydney, which Michael Crismale, the Chairman of the Australian Turf Club, explained was designed to re-invigorate Sydney’s autumn racing carnival - and had succeeded with Government support and massive prize money of A$20 million.

Irish Champions Weekend is a Big Event which has yet to take place. Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh, was confident that the two day race meeting, held on two different racecourses in mid-September would be a success, creating a major showcase for Flat racing in Ireland. "We're famous for our breeding but we lacked a showpiece race meeting at the end of our season. We've pulled together the best from existing meetings for one special weekend of racing," Mr Kavanagh said.

Rod Street, the Chief Executive of British Champions Series Limited and Great British Racing, talked of the industry cooperation and the sponsorship support which has ensured the success of British Champions Day. This new major racing event, staged at Ascot Racecourse on the second Saturday in October, took place for the first time in 2011. “The focus is on world class racing and it’s all about building around that,” commented Mr Street.

Crucially, a commercial partner for the entire series leading up to British Champions Day was secured, with QIPCO signing an initial two-year deal, later extended to seven years. This high-level investment was essential to the business model and vindicated packaging British Racing’s premium assets together.

Craig Fravel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Breeders’ Cup Limited, provided some entertaining history to the Breeders’ Cup. He explained to delegates: “In 1984, the first Breeders’ Cup was held at Hollywood Park, whose owner Marje Everett put up US$40 million to build the Cary Grant Pavilion to help handle the anticipated crowds, with the promise of Hollywood stars attending. Now the Breeders’ Cup has proven itself over 30 years and the concept has been copied elsewhere. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."