Hong Kong, June 23, 2005 – SCMP Book Publishing Limited is pleased to announce today the official release of Silent Witness – The Spirit of Hong Kong 
at the 3/F Happy Valley Stand, Happy Valley Racecourse.
Endorsed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, this high-quality book traces the career of Silent Witness, a horse recognised everywhere as the world’s best turf sprinter, and records the roles of the major players associated with his record-breaking success.
Silent Witness’s popularity has gone way beyond traditional racing fans, thanks to his incredible 17 straight wins. This book records the triumphs, the thrills, the tributes, the awards, and ultimately the pain and reality in defeats at the highest international level.
Alongside the fabulous photos of Silent Witness in glorious action are chapters on the champion’s sire and dam, and where it all began on a stud farm in New South Wales, Australia. The book highlights the champions he surpassed on the way – former Hong Kong idol Co-Tack (10 wins) and mighty Italian champion Ribot (16 wins) – and shares the agony of his first defeat and then another heroic effort in the Yasuda Kinen in Japan.
And the book gives a rare insight into the private lives of the people who have made Silent Witness a thoroughbred icon.
Silent Witness, the Master of the Elite, represents the spirit of Hong Kong.
To celebrate this prestigious book launch, our guests of honour, Mr Ronald Arculli, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mrs Betty da Silva, co-owner of Silent Witness, Mr Tony Cruz, the trainer, and Mr Felix Coetzee, the jockey, are invited to autograph copies of the limited edition.
Whether or not you are a horse lover, this book, packaged with a genuine gold-plated cover and each with a unique serial number and signatures of Mr. Ronald Arculli, Mrs Betty da Silva, Mr Tony Cruz and Mr Felix Coetzee, is a valuable addition to your library.
Publication Date: 23 June: Limited & Regular Editions display and receive orders at the Book Launch
26 June: Regular Edition pre-sale at Sha Tin Racecourse
27 June – 4 July: Limited Edition pre-sale at http://racing.scmp.com
5 July and onwards: Regular Edition available at major bookstores
ISBN: Limited Edition 962-17-8950-8
ISBN: Regular Edition 962-17-8947-8
Retail price: Limited Edition HK$988
Retail price: Regular Edition HK$488
About SCMP Book Publishing Limited
Established in 1981, SCMP Book Publishing Ltd. has a history of more than 23 years in Hong Kong. With over 100 new titles published each year, SCMP Books has accumulated over 2,000 titles in its catalogue. Being one of the pioneers in the book publishing industry, its mission is to publish and develop new books to fit the needs of readers from all walks of life. Three brand names have been developed for different target readers.
BOOK VISION This is a well-known brand aimed at more mature readers, focusing on selected famous writers both local and overseas, covering a wide range of categories including translated Japanese novels, prose, cookery books, travel guides and language learning series.
BOOK ONE Established in 1999, it is a fast-growing and widely accepted brand among Hong Kong youngsters. Book One introduces new writers to bring fresh air to the book industry, with categories like love stories, thrillers and mysteries, beauty guides, photo albums of famous artists, and trendy products like calendars, which are all youth-oriented.
SCMP BOOKS Launched in 2004, it is a new brand, focusing on English non-fiction publications and including books on travel and leisure as well as trade directories.
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For media enquiries, please contact
Ms Cathy Chow
Sales and Marketing Executive
SCMP Book Publishing Limited
SCMP Group Limited
Tel: (852) 2565 2545
Email: cathy.chow@scmp.com