In what the South China Morning Post referred to as "the worst kept secret in Hong Kong racing," Dominic Li Fook-sum has been named the new international racing manager for the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

He replaces Simon Cooper, who is resigning effective January 1. Li Fook-sum is the son of Alan Li Fook-sum, chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The appointment was formally announced Sunday after what Jockey Club officials described as "an aggressive, world-wide search for a Mr. Cooper's successor."

Cooper plans to return to England and has accepted a position in Newmarket with attheraces, the consortium of 49 British racecourses which handles broadcast and media rights for Thoroughbred events in Britain.

The owner of Hong Kong-based Rigby Bloodstock, the 39-year-old Dominic Li Fook-sum is best known for a deal he made in early December 2000, when he brokered the sale of Daliapour to local property magnate, Robert Ng Chee-siong, for a reported $1-million. Daliapour promptly went out and won the Hong Kong Vase (G1) less than a week later.

"I am very excited; I feel I was made for the job and the job was made for me," Li Fook-sum said. "Hong Kong's international races have come have a long way, and I'm looking forward to bringing them even further."—Bill Mooney