HKJC Cancels Racing At Happy Valley Amid Threats Of Protests
Hong Kong, Racing News, 19.09.19: Due to the ongoing political unrest in Hong Kong and concerns of potential violence at Happy Valley racecourse, HKJC decided to take a serious call of cancelling racing on Wednesday night, last week.
Protests have raged in Hong Kong through the spring and summer but until Wednesday had not affected racing at either Happy Valley or the nation's other course, Sha Tin.
However, according to local media reports, the participation of a horse part-owned by the pro-China establishment lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu heightened concerns about possible dissent and the safety of crowds and participants on the eight-race card.
In a statement, the Hong Kong Jockey Club said: "In organizing race meetings, the Club always puts safety as a top priority. It's our responsibility to ensure racehorses, racegoers, jockeys, and employees are safe at all times.
"Our concerns are tied to potential social unrest in the vicinity, the very real threat of a disturbance or possible violence at Happy Valley, and uncertainty regarding transportation in and around Happy Valley for (anyone) entering or leaving the racecourse.
Credit: Bloodhorse.com