Japan will send 'the best group of horses ever' to represent that country at the international meeting on December 16 and the Hong Kong Jockey Club is delighted. 'After a few hiccups with Japan, the strength of their participation is very encouraging,' said Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.
'Last year, we had the problem with equine encephalitis, which prevented the Japanese horses from competing at our International meeting altogether, and, of course, earlier this year there was the foot-and-mouth scare before Fairy King Prawn went to Tokyo.
'Things have not run smoothly in the past 12 months with Japan, so it is especially pleasing to look at the absolutely top-class representation we have from there. This is surely the best group of horses ever from that country and is another sign we are making progress towards our world championship ideal. It is also a good sign for the prospect of an Asian racing series.'
Hong Kong fans will be familiar with the name of Stay Gold, who shocked the Godolphin stable when he ran down Fantastic Light over the final stages of the Dubai Sheema Classic in March, but Engelbrecht-Bresges believes there is strength across the board. 'Stay Gold is the best stayer in Japan so he is going to be a very worthy competitor, but I think people should also note Agnes Digital in the Cup,' Engelbrecht-Bresges said.
'In October, Agnes Digital won the Tenno Sho in Tokyo over 2,000 metres and beat the champion TM Opera O, last year's Japan Cup winner, and who is often widely regarded as the best horse in Japan. So you would think now we have the best stayer in Japan and the best 2,000-metre horse, too.'
The Japanese have previously won the Hong Kong Cup with Midnight Bet and the Vase with Fujiyama Kenzan, but will be well-represented in the shorter events this year, too. 'Trot Star has been one of the leading sprinter milers there for some time,' he said. 'And the two sprint entries are excellent. Daitaku Yamato was voted the best sprinter-miler in Japan and the best racehorse sired by a Japanese stallion.'