'Giving face' is an essential part of doing business in China. The concept of face has a lot to do with personal dignity, appropriate respect etc. Chinese people are acutely sensitive about gaining and maintaining face in all aspects of social and business life and if you were to cause someone to lose face then you could just as easily ruin a business prospect or even invite recrimination.

So, how do you cause someone to lose face? The easiest way is to insult someone or criticize them in front of others (and something to note - Australian-humour works well at home but it can unintentionally cause all manner of offence in this part of the world.)

What has this got to do with horses? Well, I confess I grinned when I read a Daily Telegraph article titled "Clubs ready to reward stragglers". The article goes on to say:

Sydney race clubs are about to pioneer a new prizemoney payment system that could provide financial rewards to owners of racehorses that finish as far back as 10th in a race.

The brainchild of Sydney Turf Club chief executive Michael Kenny, the proposal stipulates horses that finish between sixth and 10th in a race still earn a base payment of around $500.

This is effectively a "starter's bonus" and helps offset owners costs. It should also serve as a further incentive to compete, thus boosting race field sizes which ultimately should help drive increases in wagering turnover."

It's a fabulous marketing initiative for the Southern State - and what a superb way of also giving those ... err... 'less fast' runners the necessary 'face' at the same time!

The full article is at the following URL.