Less than 24 hours to go before the running of the two big races at Sha Tin, but Saturday`s been comparatively restful after the frenetic pace of the last few days and plenty of time to reflect on the events of the last few days.

Once again, the overwhelming impression is one of sustained excellence and efficiency on the part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Having spoken to a few of the media folk here, most of whom are much more well-travelled than I am, there is a general consensus that Hong Kong is by far the best racing venue when it comes to their treatment of the media, with the hospitality and logistical organization being of the highest order.

Last night was the traditional pre-race party with the focus being on the tenth anniversary of Audemars Piguet`s sponsorship of the QEII Cup. Spokesmen for both the sponsors and the HKJC emphasized the mutual benefit of two organizations, both leaders in their spheres, joining forces to enhance their chosen sport and there is no doubt that racing has been the big winner as the Cup is now one of the genuinely coveted prizes on the international calendar.

The party itself was, as expected, a blast and festivities appear to have gone on into the early hours of the morning (the more faint-hearted journos, such as this one, decided discretion was the better part of valour and opted to leave before midnight!). Needless to say, organization was slick, speeches were kept to a tasteful minimum and the entertainment was top-notch. As always, the event provided an excellent opportunity to meet with various movers and shakers in the racing world and with a bit of luck, a useful quote or two from the jockeys and trainers with runners in the big races.

Moving beyond the weekend itself, the debate around allowing children at the racecourse has surfaced in Hong Kong, a subject that South Africans will be familiar with as it raised its head in the late 80s, before all-aged entry was confirmed on our courses in 1992. From the editorial in HK magazine Racing World, it appears that there are lobby groups in Hong Kong that are opposing this move, presumably on the grounds that children will be at risk if they are exposed to gambling from a young age. Apollo Ng, writing in Racing World, argues eloquently in favour of allowing under-18s to attend race meetings and the experience in South Africa certainly supports his arguments. There was no mass corruption of children when the ban was lifted in SA all those years ago; instead, a day at the races simply became a family occasion and of course, with proper parental supervision - and vigilance on the part of the tote cashiers - there is no chance that any under-aged party will be allowed to place a bet. This creates a win-win situation whereby children can be introduced to the aesthetic attraction and thrill factor of horse racing - thereby creating valuable patronage for the sport in the future - but without any risk of getting caught up in under-aged gambling.

As Ng rightly points out, children routinely watch soccer matches with their fathers, yet this sport is a huge vehicle for betting throughout the world. Nobody would consider banning kids from watching Manchester United v Liverpool, so there is no logical justification for singling out and stigmatizing horse racing.

In any event, the proposals of the HKJC would ensure that children were only restricted to certain parts of the racecourse and would be barred from entering the actual betting areas. This is no doubt that they will enforce this ruling without exception. After all, the public should remember that the HKJC is an outstanding corporate citizen in Hong Kong, contributing hugely to the economy by way of tax revenues and to society at large by way of its various charitable works. Social responsibility is at the top of its agenda and one has to believe that the Club would carry out its proposals in the proper manner, so it deserves a chance to implement its new plan.