The Hong Kong Jockey Club staged the 25th Anniversary Hong Kong Reunification Raceday today (1 July) at Sha Tin Racecourse to mark the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on this day 25 years ago. In addition to a race card including two feature races, the 25th Anniversary Hong Kong Reunification Cup and the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup, racegoers were treated to a variety of on-course activities.
The on-course entertainment programme included a medley of iconic Cantopop songs celebrating the Hong Kong spirit performed by HKJC Music and Dance Fund Scholar Yuki Ip and HKJC Scholar Michelle Siu, accompanied by a dance performance choreographed by HKJC Music and Dance Fund Scholar Ronny Wong.
Racegoers also enjoyed videos broadcast between races of the greatest racing moments since the HKSAR was established. The videos had received the most votes in the “Most Memorable Racing Moments over the past 25 years” online poll held in June. Meanwhile, the “Most Memorable Racing Moments over the past 25 years” interactive game was well-received by racing fans.
Other on-course activities included highlights of the “With You. Then. Now. Always.” exhibition, the Drago Cavallo art showcase by artist Simon Ma and students, as well as a virtual reality (VR) experience of Conghua Racecourse and an array of special culinary options.
The 25th Anniversary Hong Kong Reunification Cup was run as Race 7. The President of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR Andrew Leung; Deputy Commissioner of Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Pan Yundong; and Deputy Director of Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Wang Kaibo, presented trophies to the winning owner, trainer and jockey.
The Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup was run as Race 6. Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, Joe Wong, presented trophies to the winning owner, trainer and jockey.
The Class 1 25th Anniversary Hong Kong Reunification Cup was won by the Paul O’Sullivan-trained Duke Wai ridden by Jerry Chau, while the Frankie Lor-trained Peak To Peak ridden by Vincent Ho claimed the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup.
The 25th Anniversary Hong Kong Reunification Raceday is an accredited event celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It is one of the key programmes of the Club’s “With You. Then. Now. Always.” Campaign, which aims to instil positive energy in the community and to thank community partners for helping the Club deliver on its purpose over the past 25 years since the HKSAR was established. Details of programmes and activities can be found on the campaign website at https://hkjc.com/withyou/en.
