Hong Kong Jockey Club Rule Changes

During the off-season, the Hong Kong Jockey Club made some changes to the rules around private purchases, as well as making alterations to the trainer's benchmark, reports scmp.com. "The club conducted a holistic review of the overall structure of the horse population to address the parity between PPs and private purchase griffins, as well as market conditions," executive director of racing Andrew Harding said regarding the reduction of the minimum rating for private purchases from 68 to 63. "It is important to note that the new minimum levels of initial ratings will not reduce the required level of ability in the assessment of overseas horses to qualify for import to Hong Kong. We will not compromise on quality. These changes are intended solely to improve the value proposition for horse owners importing PPs and increase the competitiveness of these horses as they make the transition to Hong Kong." An additional HK$1.5 million will be added to the current HK$1.5 million bonus system. Already in existence is the bonus for high-rated private purchases who win in Class Two before they turn five, while the new one will be awarded if the galloper can win an unrestricted Class One race when rated 100 or higher and still be under five years old. The trainers' benchmark at the bottom of the trainers' table has changed reducing the number of Class Five wins counted in their tally down to two.