THERE will be plenty of cheering if Neville Begg, in his final season in Hong Kong, wins the International Bowl with Winning Partners who looks likely to start as race favourite. But if he happens to be beaten by Australian runner Monopolize, the veteran handler will be able to take defeat with a wide smile.
After all, Monopolize is trained by his son, ridden by his son-in-law - and he owns part of it himself.
The Begg family - and it's not a small one - have had a happy reunion which has lasted all week at Sha Tin. They have worked and watched their two horses, discussed chances and sat around a family breakfast table every morning.
And, despite what the story books and popular tabloids may say, it's not going to be 'there are no friends on the park' when the action starts.
Grahame Begg has rightfully made a name for himself training at Randwick in Sydney and is hopeful about the chances of Monopolize.
But it won't worry him if Winning Partners wins by the length of the Sha Tin straight.
