Before the start of Sunday’s (30 November) race meeting at Sha Tin, The Hong Kong Jockey Club observe a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Stewards, officials, employees, trainers and jockeys stood together prior to the first race, as the meeting was held without public attendance in respect of the period of mourning.
HKJC chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges acknowledged the weight of the moment for the city and called for unity in the days ahead. “This is a time where we all in Hong Kong have to stand together, where we have to overcome this very sad situation,” he said. “While we are sad, we have to do everything to help those who have been impacted.”
The Club has already donated HK$100 million through its Charities Trust, and Engelbrecht-Bresges stressed that the response is broader than funding alone. “It’s not only money,” he said, pointing to practical measures being activated in collaboration with the government and other stakeholders, including access to Jockey Club pharmacies, transitional housing support where needed, and psychological services for people facing trauma and stress after the fire.
Engelbrecht-Bresges added that the Club will also donate HK$70.2 million — the vast majority of that amount generated from Sunday’s meeting — to the government relief fund, representing the proceeds of the Sha Tin raceday. He said the meeting had been conducted “with utmost respect,” and noted that while the public are expected to be admitted to Wednesday’s Happy Valley fixture, the usual entertainment and 'Happy Wednesday' promotions will be scaled back as the city continues to mourn.
