Ronald Arculli - Interests

G&W -
You do own some famous champion horses. How do you choose these horses or is it just pure luck?

Mr. Arculli -
I only own one champion horse River Verdon. People say that I have an eye for choosing good horses but I think a lot to it is luck. Of course a lot of help has to come from the trainers and jockeys. River Verdon came to Hong Kong when it was 2 years old and it never raced until it was 3. The trainer and jockey decided to give it more time to mature and it has proven to be the correct decision.

G&W -
After River Verdon returned from international races, its results in local races has not been satisfying. Do you think you have made a wrong decision in sending it to these competitions?

Mr. Arculli -
Maybe it was a wrong decision in respect to the horse. But to the development of Hong Kong racing, I think otherwise. By sending River Verdon to international races, we have set up a precedent for other horses in Hong Kong to have a chance to race abroad. Australia has a reputation for strict quarantine requirements which makes it nearly impossible for overseas horses, especially those from Hong Kong, to participate in international races held there. Now that we have succeeded with River Verdon, another horse Makarpura Star will be going to Australia later this week to compete in an international race. I would like to think that we have broken the barrier and helped bring Hong Kong racing to the international arena.

G&W -
Would you like to tell us about your daily work routine?

Mr. Arculli -
Well I start my day at 7 a.m. every morning and usually work until 1 a.m.. My work normally involves those from Legco, my law firm. my own business and the RHKJC. As for leisure, I like to play golf once a while. If I get to play 15 times a year, I am already very contented. I also do skiing in the winter and in recent years I have been going to Colorado in the United States. As for my family, they are already complaining that I am spending too little time with them.