A fun day out was enjoyed by all at Sha Tin Racecourse today, Saturday 29 August, when over 10,000 attendees took part in various educational and racing-related activities at the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Pre-season Carnival.
The annual event, held a week prior to the opening fixture of Hong Kong’s racing season - this year scheduled on Sunday, 6 September - as usual provided a welcoming, family-friendly environment packed with fun attractions.
New initiatives this time included the largest galloping racehorse model in Hong Kong, complete with with jockeys’ figures. The Hong Chi Glass Up-cycle workshop and a cheerful performance by a world champion clown were popular, as were the various merchandise available such as the Lam Pei and workshop of DIY 3D pony keychains. One of the day’s annual features proved as popular as ever as children and adults alike took the opportunity to learn more about animal care: event favourites, the Shetland Ponies, were on hand for grooming and many youngsters made the most of one of the day’s most popular attractions - pony rides.
The day’s outright highlight was once again the annual Jockeys’ Sprint, with Hong Kong’s star riders formed into teams of two for a 100m relay contest. Having shown fleetness of foot and seamless teamwork, the winning team of Nash Rawiller and Howard Cheng crossed the finish line first to claim the crown in this unofficial “first race” of the season. The Club’s Executive Director of Racing, Mr William A. Nader, presented a HK$5,000 cheque, the winning trophy and medals to Rawiller and Cheng after the competition. Douglas Whyte and Richard Fourie in second place, and Alvin Ng and Vincent Ho in third place, were also presented with medals and cheques of HK$3,000 and HK$2,000 respectively.
Visitors also took the opportunity to watch the real stars, the race horses, in action. Dozens strode out under their riders in seven turf barrier trials as evening arrived. The on-track action offered a taste of the exciting entertainment to come at the 2015/16 season opener at Sha Tin next Sunday.
Jockeys’ Sprint Past Results
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Year
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Champions
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First Runners-up
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Second Runners-up
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2015
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Nash Rawiller / Howard Cheng
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Douglas Whyte / Richard Fourie
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Alvin Ng / Vincent Ho
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2014
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Karis Teetan /
Vincent Ho
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Alex Lai /
Jacky Tong
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Alvin Ng /
Olivier Doleuze
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2013
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Nicola Pinna
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Karis Teetan
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Andreas Suborics
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2012
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Richard Fourie
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Jacky Tong
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Olivier Doleuze
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2011
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Brett Prebble
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Jacky Tong
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Howard Cheng
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2010
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Olivier Doleuze
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Jacky Tong
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Derek Leung
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2009
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Jacky Tong
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Olivier Doleuze
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Derek Leung
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2008
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Jacky Tong
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Olivier Doleuze
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Howard Cheng
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2007
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Manoel Nunes
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Eric Saint-Martin
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Olivier Doleuze
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2006
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Olivier Doleuze
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Manoel Nunes
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Eric Saint-Martin
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Photo 1, 2, 3
The Hong Kong Jockey Cluba£á?s Pre-Season Carnival, an ever-popular outdoor event for families each summer, is held today at Sha Tin Racecourse. Young guests and their families share some entertaining and educational moments as they take part in myriad on-course activities and horse-related attractions.
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Kids play in the exclusive largest galloping racehorse display in Sha Tin Racecourse.
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Photo 5, 6
A local artist Lam Pei guides the participants to make their unique Chinese traditional handicraft. Giant characters named a£á?Flying Sofyea£á? by Lam Pei also were showcased.
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With the collaboration with Hong Chi Association, children make special eco-friendly glass bottles back home with joy.
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Children learn from the experienced Club chef to make cookies to share with their families.
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World-class clowns showcase their skills to delight children and adults alike.
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Kids take photos with the Giant Little Pony mascot and DIY Little Pony by joining the workshop.
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Photo 11, 12
Children have the opportunity to ride the Cluba£á?s ponies and to take photos with the ponies.
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Photo 13, 14
TVB artistes join the Pre-Season Carnival to the delight of the crowd.
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William A Nader, Executive Director of Racing, Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing Authority, and all participating jockeys of the annual Jockeysa£á? Sprint pose for a group photo before the contest.
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Photo 16, 17
Jockeys dash over 100m in front of the grandstand, with the team comprises of Nash Rawiller and Howard Cheng storming home to crown this yeara£á?s contest. Team Douglas Whyte and Richard Fourie finish second, while Vincent Ho and Alvin Ng took third.
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Photo 18, 19, 20
At the presentation ceremony, Mr. Nader presents the winning trophies, medals and prizes to Jockeysa£á? Sprint winners Nash Rawiller and Howard Cheng, first runners-up Douglas Whyte and Richard Fourie, as well as second runners-up Vincent Ho and Alvin Ng.
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Mr. Nader and all participating jockeys smile for cameras after the presentation ceremony.
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A fully-fledged pre-season grass trial offers visitors an opportunity to experience the power and speed of racehorses in action.
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