Tony Millard and Chad Schofield could pick up a very important win in Hong Kong this weekend but it means far more for South African racing than you think.

The Hong Kong Derby is a prestigious old race. Since 1873 it holds a special place for locals on the island as the most sought after race to win. Since 1981 it has been restricted to 4 year Olds and the winners have normally gone on to greater things. The like of Vengeance of Rain, Werther, Designs On Rome and Akeed Mofeed have been recent winners who have rated highly in the world rankings.

For South Africans, this year is extra special as the South African bred Singapore Sling takes on the might of Hong Kong with a very definite chance of victory.

His last win brought much joy to Tony Millard whose star endured a long and hard quarantine journey to get home to his Sha Tin base.

Beating the favourite last time out was special but much has been spoken about the effort it took for the horse to win and if he can come back to Sha Tin in the same form. Time will tell of course.

The ripple effect of a victory will hit home in South Africa, as the country experiences the near isolation from the world with the lengthy protocol scenario and difficulty in traveling horses. Also near impossible it is to stage an international race in Cape Town, once a clear thought in the minds of administrators some 15 years ago.

The buying power of the Hong Kong owners and the Jockey Club cannot be underestimated especially with the Australian scenario playing out and the isolation that  they face from the Hong Kong market. Hong Kong is looking for new areas when sourcing horses and South Africa, dollar for dollar, is the best value in the world. It may not be only a yearling market that is improved by a possible Singapore Sling win, but the raced market as well. As our promising 3 year old's could be snapped up by Hong Kong owners. Edict Of Nantes is headed there as we speak.

Rumour has it that Tony Millard is also the man behind the purchase of Monks Hood, who's deal isn't finalized as yet. Edict of Nantes, the one time Sun Met favourite, will be headed to his stable later this year with a world of possibilities open to him.

This could be the norm rather than the exception even if Singapore Sling doesn't win. The mere fact that he is in line for the win and racing in this select field is a big thing in Hong Kong. It has been noticed. Of course the win would be stratospheric for SA. 

The Hong Kong owner population hold this event dear. The already mega wealthy owners of the runners gain more fame and fortune from the win with many considered to be even luckier in a market where 'luck' is an all important and rare commodity. They all become overnight sensations and people want to associate with winners. This is especially so with the no. 1 race in the islands no. 1 sport.

The pressure will be immense. Millard is no stranger to good even great horses and knows how to win Group 1's. He's been waiting for one like this for some time.
His last big horse in Hong Kong was Ambitious Dragon, a very smart performer from a few years ago. He also had a sprint Group 1 winner Korea in 2016. This could be Millard's next 'wake up in morning' horse for 2018 as the dream started with the HK Classic last time out and could end in anything that luck permits. The Derby this weekend is the start but the QEII Cup (London News's HK race win) and the rest of the Hong Kong and international calendar beckons for a horse bred in the depths of Africa at the beautiful Drakenstein Stud by their stallion Philanthropist.

Could we be so lucky?