The Hong Kong Jockey Club hosted its annual Pre-season Carnival at Sha Tin Racecourse today, Saturday, 25 August, and 12,000 people turned out to enjoy the fun. Racehorse Owners, Club Members, guests and the general public, enjoyed a variety of educational and racing-related activities one week out from the 2018/19 season opener on 2 September.

The popular event as usual provided a welcoming, family-friendly environment packed with fun attractions.

Jockeys dash over 100m in front of the grandstand, with Matthew Poon and Karis Teetan storming home to take this year’s contest. Jerry Chau Chun Lok and Dylan Mo finished second, while the pairing of Jack Wong and Zac Purton finished third.

The Carnival activities extended from the Racecourse Grandstand across to the Penfold Park infield and offered a spectrum of entertainment. The new events included the EverBlock “Little Architect” STEM Zone and the 4M STEAM Fun Academy, where the young ones could improve their STEM knowledge.

At the presentation ceremony, Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing presents the winning trophies, medals and prizes to Jockeys’ Sprint winners Matthew Poon and Karis Teetan, second-placed team Jerry Chau Chun Lok and Dylan Mo, and third-placed Jack Wong and Zac Purton.

Andrew Harding, William Nader and all participating jockeys smile for the cameras after the Jockeys’ Sprint presentation ceremony.

The Carnival offered six fun game zones. Stage performances, roving shows and prize-winning games were enjoyed throughout the day. Outdoor fun at Penfold Park included the ever-popular Pony Ride Photo Taking with Shetland Ponies, as well as the all-new Water Gun Land.

The day’s outright highlight was once again the annual Jockeys’ Sprint, with Hong Kong’s star riders pairing off for a 100m relay contest. The Club’s Executive Director, Racing, Mr. Andrew Harding, took on the role of judge while the Club’s Director of Racing Business and Operations, Mr. William Nader, acted as starter and got the race off to a clean break.

Matthew Poon and Karis Teetan showed their rivals two clean pairs of heels to claim the unofficial “first race” of the season. Mr. Andrew Harding presented a HK$5,000 cheque, the winning trophy and medals to Matthew Poon and Karis Teetan after the competition. Racing Trainee Jerry Chau Chun Lok and Apprentice Jockey Dylan Mo took second place, and Jack Wong and Zac Purton third, and 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 six turf barrier trials as evening arrived. The on-track action offered a taste of the exciting entertainment to come at the 2018/19 season opener at Sha Tin next Sunday.

A fully-fledged pre-season grass trial session offers visitors an opportunity to experience the power and speed of racehorses in action.

Past Jockeys’ Sprint Results