JOCKEY Club supremo General Guy Watkins outlined three ''firsts'' for the racing body yesterday - and picked up a cheque for $1.25 million in the process. Brandy giants Martell passed over the money to become the first company to sponsor an entire Hong Kong race meeting, rather than a single event. Martell sponsor the Grand National at Aintree and the April 9 meeting at Happy Valley will feature the world's greatest steeplechase as the final race on the programme. ''It will be the first time we have had a sponsored race at Happy Valley and it is also the first time that we have had a night meeting sponsored,'' explained Gen Watkins. It was also confirmed yesterday that L'Or de Martell, the premier event on the Saturday night programme, would be one of two races simulcast to Aintree and then beamed into betting shops throughout Britain. The BBC will also carry both races on their nationally telecast Grandstand programme as part of their Grand National coverage. The National regularly attracts the highest viewing figures for any British sporting event - outdrawing the Olympics and the FA Cup final. Sir Roger Lobo, associated with Martell for decades, presented the cheque to Gen Watkins and said that all associated with the company were looking forward to a great evening's racing at Happy Valley, culminating with the National. ''I won't be at Happy Valley, however, I'm going to watch it at Aintree,'' Sir Roger said. Also putting in a brief appearance yesterday was Lester Piggott who is seeking rides in the two featured races destined for British consumption on April 9.
