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Originally Posted by my miss storm cat
I completely agree with the 2nd part.
The first.....if that time is not yet, as you say, how will anyone know when that time comes? Isn't there a chance it's now but too little people are paying attention?
Emotion influences my truth, sure, but what bothers me a little are that there are obvious standouts who are lumped in a package labled "far East horses". I don't know if this makes sense.
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Believe me, you'll know when that time comes. As KG said, Hong Kong and Japan haven't been in this game as long as some of the mjor racing countries. You'll see a shift when horses from both Hong Kong and Japan start to ship over here and to America to win some of the Gr races.
Until then, we know they are slightly behind.
It isn't now, and believe me, people are certainly paying attention. A few years ago I wouldn't have even bothered looking at this thread, but the last couple of years I've realised that the racing in Hong Kong and Japan is moving so quickly, that it won't be long until they are very close to a par with Britain, Ireland and America.
Viva Pataca probably wouldn't win a Grou/grade one race in Britain, Ireland or America. It's just like Helene Mascot, he wasn't top class over here, but he's good enough to win a Gr1 on his first start in HK and over a trip short of his best. I think this shows everyone that they aren't quite at the level we have here and you have in America.
Give it three or four years, and I think they will be there. New stallions, better breeding programmes. It all takes time.
Please don't read this as a HK or a Japan throw back. They are making many people sit up and watch now. They know they can reach the same heights as other nations, and as long as they keep that belief, they will get there sooner rather than later.