All the talking-up and promoting in the world doesn't do half as much for the global profile of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races as the horseflesh is doing regularly these days.
One of the most fundamental ways that the meeting gains wide respect is in the form that goes into and, just as importantly, comes out of the races, and Pride's Champion Stakes win at the weekend in England was another great advertisement.
The mare, beaten by Vengeance Of Rain in last year's Hong Kong Cup, backed up her excellent run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe by winning the prestigious Newmarket event and connections have already announced that she will be at Sha Tin on December 10 whether she runs in the Breeders' Cup meeting or not.
The world's leading sprinter Takeover Target arrives tomorrow for the Sprint, and when the likes of Pride and Ouija Board are targeted for the big day it says volumes about how far the meeting has come in terms of perception.