THE Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club yesterday took the unusual step of issuing a press release to explain defending champion Romanee Conti's exclusion from the International Cup on December 12.
The exclusion has been criticised not only in these columns but also in Chinese press.
But the Club states: ''You (racing editors) should be aware of the real reasons why Romanee Conti was not selected to represent New Zealand . . . ''These are: To maintain the International Cup's Group Three status and to help it and the Bowl race gain improved Group recognition, the International Authorities concerned require that the Club takes no part in the overseas horse selection process. As a result the race title was changed from ''Invitation'' to ''International'' when Group Three status was granted to the Cup race for the first time in April this year.
Selections of overseas entries are solely determined by the internationally recognised appointed authorities in the regions concerned.
Romanee Conti was not chosen for the Cup race simply because Kiwi Golfer was rated more highly by the internationally recognised appointed authority in New Zealand.'' But the contention here remains that on form and other factors Romanee Conti should have been invited.
She has beaten six Group One winners in winning her last two races including the Arc De Triomphe winner and the Caulfield Cup winner.