Fans off to the races as summer break ends for horse-racing season

The season-opening race meeting was held at Sha Tin Racecourse this morning, attracting many fans to return to the grounds for the thrill of the racing after a two-month summer break.

The opening ceremony took place at the Parade Ring around 11.25 am and started with the traditional eye-dotting of the ceremonial lions, followed by the gong-striking ceremony.

A series of unique and dazzling murals with the "Racing in HK City" theme, designed by local young artist Jacky Tao and his team, are also featured at the racecourse.

Lucky gongs to represent well wishes for the new season were set up, along with other events such as trivia games, food trucks, etc.

All attendees had to book in advance before entering the racecourse, which recorded 70 percent attendance around 12 pm, with many hoping to gain good fortune from the first race.

To usher in the new season, a mega prize totaling HK$56 million is up for grabs on Sunday and at Happy Valley's first scheduled fixture this Wednesday.

A horse-racing fan surnamed Tsui, stated he believed the racecourse was one of the characteristics of Hong Kong's economy and hoped he could gain more fortune and luck by betting with fun.

Some tour groups from the mainland came to watch the races, with one of the tourists from Jiangmen saying it was his first time to visit the racecourse.