New Horse Racing Season Kicks Off at Sha Tin with Grand Ceremony
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The new horse racing season officially opened at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu presiding over the traditional bell-ringing ceremony. Star performer Aaron Kwok entertained the crowd with a lion dance show, drawing large numbers of local fans and tourists to the venue. Attendees included overseas exchange students and mainland visitors eager to experience Hong Kong's iconic racing culture.
Key Points
- Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Secretary for Civil and Youth Affairs Lokmeijuan, and Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman Liu Chang-jiang officiated the opening ceremony at Sha Tin Racecourse on September 6
- Pop icon Aaron Kwok performed with a lion dance troupe, followed by John Lee striking the ceremonial gong to officially launch the new racing season
- Local enthusiast Chan and his brother attend opening day annually, noting the atmosphere is far superior to watching televised races
- Danish exchange students visited the racecourse before classes began, while overseas students from France, Germany, and Italy experienced their first Sha Tin Racecourse visit
- Three Chengdu University students came as tourists and learned about the event through social media, deciding to try betting
- Shortland champion "Ka Ying High Rise" competed in the third race, the Chief Executive's Cup, drawing significant attention
Why It Matters
The strong turnout on opening day underscores horse racing's enduring appeal as a beloved Hong Kong tradition that attracts both repeat enthusiasts and curious newcomers from across the globe, serving as a cultural bridge between residents and visitors while supporting the Hong Kong Jockey Club's charitable mission.
The strong turnout on opening day underscores horse racing's enduring appeal as a beloved Hong Kong tradition that attracts both repeat enthusiasts and curious newcomers from across the globe, serving as a cultural bridge between residents and visitors while supporting the Hong Kong Jockey Club's charitable mission.