Fans hurry to avoid the rain as they enter Sha Tin Racecourse on the opening day of the Hong Kong racing season. Photo: Eugene Lee
The heavy rain and thunder brought by the approaching Tropical Storm Tapah did little to deter racing fans, as the Hong Kong season opened in Sha Tin on Sunday.
Crowds started gathering at the racecourse from 8am, with punters eager to get a spot near the parade ring for the opening ceremony, which included a performance by singer MC Cheung Tin-fu.
And the opening day was the first opportunity many experienced punters got to see the new facilities, with opinion divided on the latest phase of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s (HKJC) HK$14 billion master plan.
But there was no denying the excitement many felt at the return of the sport, even if torrential rain greeted the opening of the gates at 11am.
