A crossover of the city's two most popular sports took place yesterday, as Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke enjoyed a thrilling day of racing at Sha Tin Racecourse during his trip to Hong Kong.
Accompanied by CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges - who also played professional football before graduating from university - and steward Lester Huang, Yorke got a close-up look at the horses in the parade ring before watching the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy from trackside.
Yesterday was the second time the 53-year-old Trinidad and Tobago national team coach experienced Hong Kong's world-class racing, and he was impressed by the electric atmosphere.
"The energy here is incredible - it feels like a major football match," he said.
Yorke also drew parallels between jockeys and footballers, praising their professionalism and competitive spirit. Jokingly, he added: "If I ever become a horse owner, I'll name my horse Trinidad!"
Apart from watching yesterday's 11-card race meeting, Yorke also took part in the Jockey Club's Football Development Scheme beforehand - an initiative between the Jockey Club and Manchester United, who have partnered since 2013.
Yorke was not the first big name from the Red Devils to grace Sha Tin, as the club's legendary former manager Alex Ferguson was also in attendance during the Longines Hong Kong International Races last December and the BMW Hong Kong Derby last month.
Football legends who have recently come to the SAR to enjoy some racing action also include former Real Madrid star Fernando Morientes and Barcelona's Luis Garcia, who set their El Clasico rivalry aside to visit Happy Valley Racecourse together.
(Michael Shum)
