Tens of thousands of local residents and visitors joined the 16th anniversary celebrations of the Hong Kong SAR at Sha Tin Racecourse today (1 July), enjoying some adrenalin-raising action on the racetrack as well as a programme of carnival activities organised by The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The success of the annual Hong Kong Reunification Raceday not only testified to the famous “ma zhao pao” pledge – the racing would continue after Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty – but also demonstrated that horse racing remains the city's favourite spectator sport and an iconic part of its lifestyle.
Hong Kong horse racing has continued to thrive since the handover, establishing a strong foothold in the international racing arena. This has enabled the Club to build further on its unique role in society, whereby it channels the public demand for racing into charitable donations to better the livelihoods of Hong Kong people, thanks to its not-for-profit business model.
Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip told guests at today’s race meeting that horse racing had gone from strength to strength since the handover – a fine example of “One Country, Two Systems” in action. “The Club makes significant contributions not only to Hong Kong and its people, but also benefits the development of the Chinese Mainland, including its support for the hosting of the Olympics and Asian Games, the development of equestrian sport, and post-earthquake reconstruction,” he remarked.
Dr Ip noted that the Club donated a record HK$1.7 billion to support more than 150 charitable and community projects last year alone. “The Club’s not-for-profit business model will continue to foster Hong Kong’s development as one of the finest racing organisations in the world, as well as Hong Kong’s largest charitable benefactor serving the community,” he stressed.
This year’s Hong Kong Reunification Raceday showcased two feature races, namely, the Hong Kong Reunification Cup and the CMA Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo Cup, the latter sponsored by the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong. Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Zhang Xiaoming, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR Song Zhe and HKSAR Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So Kam-leung presented trophies to the winning horse owners in the feature races.
Apart from the racing action, close to 25,000 racing fans and visitors were treated to some great entertainment on-course. There were booths offering face painting or specially-designed tattoo stickers, free snapshots with Club ambassadors, and the Hong Kong Police Silver Band playing the National Anthem.
On the racing side, Rumba King ridden by Alex H W Lai and trained by Me Y S Tsui clinched the Hong Kong Reunification Cup, while Brett Prebble rode Sean Woods-trained Lord Sinclair to victory in the CMA Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo Cup.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip says horse racing makes significant contributions not only to Hong Kong and its people, but also benefits the development of the Chinese Mainland a£į”§ a fine example of a£į?One Country, Two Systemsa£į? in action.
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Officiating guests toast the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR: Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Zhang Xiaoming (front row, second from left); Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peoplea£į?s Republic of China in the HKSAR Song Zhe (front row, second from right); Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip (front row, middle); Club Stewards Anthony W K Chow (second row, fourth from right), Philip N L Chen (second row, fourth from left), Stephen Ip Shu-kwan (second row, third from left), Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai (second row, third from right), Dr Eric Li Ka-cheung (second row, second from left), The Hon Sir C K Chow (second row, second from right), The Hon Martin C K Liao (second row, first from left); Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (front row, first from left), Legislative Councillor Dr the Hon Joseph Lee Kok-long (front row, first from right) and Vice President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong Jimmy Ng Wing-ka (second row, first from right).
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The Hong Kong Police Silver Band salutes officiating guests and Club Stewards.
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Famous magician Louis Yana£į?s masterful illusions bring joy to the guests.
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Racegoers have their faces painted or wear specially-designed tattoo stickers for the special occasion.
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Local citizens and visitors indulge themselves in the festive mood, enjoying the myriad on-course entertainment at Sha Tin Racecourse.
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Club Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip (first from left); HKSAR Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So Kam-leung (second from left); Club Steward Dr Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai (second from right); President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong Iron Sze (middle) and Legislative Councillor Dr the Hon Joseph Lee Kok-long (first from right).
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