That despite a smallish Triple Trio jackpot and the fact that turnover generally this season is running around six per cent higher than last term.

And the race that really surprised was the QE II itself. As we know from long experience, international racing is not as well patronised by punters as the local fare, but to see a significant drop, year on year, for the QE II was odd.

Especially given that the market structure was one that Hong Kong punters generally relish - two strong local favourites in Viva Pataca and Helene Mascot.

Doubtless both were under the odds, but local idols usually are in these races.

We can only imagine that punters were in the dark regarding the capabilities of the foreign horses, who dominated in the end, and showed a very reasonable amount of caution on that basis.

Which brings us to something we have requested in the past from the Jockey Club and that is the availability of more accessible form, preferably video replays of the foreign horses here for international events. Jockey Olivier Doleuze said during the week that he understood his mount Balius to have been unluckily beaten in France at its previous outing.

Alas, it was difficult to confirm as YouTube - formerly the website to find all France's Group race replays - has apparently taken down its French racing files for copyright reasons.

Cost is the word most frequently wheeled out as the reason for not doing this, despite the fact that most of the replays required are available over the internet free of charge - for New Zealand or Dubai for example - or for a very small sum.

Many of the club's customers doubtless don't know where to find them but would welcome their availability for the once or twice a year they might be interested to see them on the club's website.