Hong Kong has the carnival feeling

I write this week's column from my hotel room over-looking the water (don't ask me which water it is!) in Hong Kong where I am among many other journalists looking forward to the QEII meeting from Sha Tin on Sunday.

In what is now part and parcel of the whole international racing bandwagon, every morning gallop watchers get the chance to see all their favourite equine stars on the track prior to the big day. It's almost home from home here as many Dubai Carnival performers are in action and Godolphin's Alexandros, who runs in the Champions Mile along with Presvis, who is well fancied in the QEII as well, were both given an easy day yesterday as they stretched their legs in the very well equipped trotting ring.

Australia's Niconero, another QEII contender looked in superb shape when cantering around the large all-weather circuit. No occasion like this would be complete without Mike De Kock and his two runners. Archipenko and Imbongi, complete a stellar line-up for the big two races.

Kevin Shea, who will be aboard the De Kock hopefuls, is enjoying the hospitality Hong Kong offers but he informs me as long as he can see his beloved Manchester United he is happy, and the status updates on Facebook suggest he has been keeping himself well up to date. Happy Valley was the centre of all attention last night as members of the press were treated to a night at the races.

The popular track would be Dubai's equivalent to Jebel Ali and I have to say it was a privilege being there, and while there were no world beaters gracing the track, an enjoyable time was had by all, and it was a good opportunity to whet the appetite for what's to come.

A full report of all the week's shenanigans will be broadcast on Dubai Racing Channel over the coming days so make sure you tune in for all the up-to-the minute stories.

It's not only me on my travels; many work riders have begun their holidays, and those remaining in the country still riding out have the luxury of riding around the new tapeta training track behind Green Stables which has been open since the week before the World Cup, and has proved a very popular training method.

Treadwell on island

Elsewhere, Grand National-winning jockey Liam Treadwell will be a big crowd-puller on May 4 as he will be riding at L'Ancresse Common in Guernsey on the Channel Island's popular Bank Holiday race meeting. The quality of horses competing there is not quite what Treadwell will be used to – indeed, when I worked for Alan King, what was a very modest handicapper in the yard turned out to be Guernsey's Champion Hurdler, although the name escapes me. Answers on a postcard please. With five booked mounts, if the 23 year old rides a winner, I wonder if he will hang around to be interviewed after!