Sha Tin Racecourse was transformed into a sea of pink on Sunday for what has fast become one of Hong Kong’s great social occasions – the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day.
The annual celebration of fashion, music and horse racing drew a vibrant crowd of racegoers who embraced the day with enthusiasm. The stands and parade ring glowed in every shade imaginable – fuchsia hats, rose-tinted suits, pastel dresses and elegant fascinators that shimmered in the sunshine.
The energy was palpable long before the first race. Early arrivals lined up to collect the day’s coveted door gift – a limited-edition Sa Sa souvenir brooch, given to all racegoers who entered Sha Tin or Happy Valley before 3.30 pm. The avant-garde design, featuring a minimalist horse outline enhanced with crystal embellishments, perfectly complemented the “Race in Style” theme.
A big crowd filled the grandstand, with more than 6,000 tourists – many visiting from the Mainland and experiencing Sha Tin’s unique blend of sport and entertainment for the first time. Free gifts, sparkling photo walls and interactive booths created a festival atmosphere that had fans snapping selfies and comparing outfits between races.
Yan Ting Lights Up the Parade Ring
Adding a burst of star power, singer-songwriter Chau Yan-ting (YT) made his Sha Tin debut with a live performance in the Parade Ring. His four-song set, delivered just before the start of racing, captivated the audience and showcased his versatile artistry. It was YT’s first time performing at Sha Tin, and the crowd responded with cheers as the music echoed around the ring.
The performance also featured a dazzling fashion showcase presented by Sa Sa in collaboration with the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI). Graduates from HKDI’s Higher Diploma in Fashion Image Design program displayed original creations interpreting beauty and femininity from multiple perspectives – a seamless blend of art, fashion and racing that drew warm applause from racegoers.
Fashion Parade Steals the Show
Ambassador Samantha Ko, radiant in an elegant pink ensemble and a bespoke hat by local milliner Phoebe Leung, led the celebrations. She joined Sa Sa executives Dr Simon Kwok SBS, JP (Chairman and CEO), Dr Eleanor Kwok BBS, JP (Vice-Chairman), Mrs Melody Kwok-Chan MH, JP, Ms Kitty Kwok and representatives of The Hong Kong Jockey Club – including CEO Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges – to officiate the day’s feature presentations.
“The Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day is the most dazzling fashion event in Hong Kong’s horse-racing calendar and a highly sought-after experience for tourists,” Dr Simon Kwok said. “Sa Sa is committed to supporting this city’s most glamorous occasion, ensuring visitors leave with wonderful memories and enjoy a delightful experience, thereby contributing to the prosperity of the Hong Kong market.”
Crawford’s Encountered Takes the Feature
On the track, the racing matched the spectacle. The HK$4.2 million Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800 m) produced a memorable result when Encountered claimed the feature for first-season trainer Brett Crawford.
The victory carried extra significance – Encountered had won the same race two years earlier when trained by David Hall.
“He looked amazing today,” Crawford said. “His prep leading into this race went really well and we were confident of a big run. But we know that a Group 3 is really hard to win in Hong Kong, so I think I’ll savour this moment for a while.”
