What makes this year particularly remarkable extends beyond its designation as a leap year. 2024 is an Olympic year, notably marked by the much-anticipated “Paris 2024” Olympics. However, the significance doesn’t end there. Today, amidst the festivities, the Chinese New Year Raceday unfolded at Sha Tin Horse Racing Racecourse, coinciding with the third day of the Lunar New Year, dedicated to celebrating the Year of the Dragon.
Racecourse organizers treated horse racing enthusiasts to a plethora of on-course activities. These included distributing specially designated “Fortune Pens” and offering the opportunity to vie for a coveted 24k gold foil ornament. The celebration extended beyond the mere spectacle, with a staggering total prize pool of up to HK$138 million earmarked for the occasion. Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, notable guests, including football players, graced the event, further enhancing the celebratory fervor.
Sha Tin Racecourse’s horse racing festivities
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Recently, World Horse Racing shared a captivating reel on Instagram. The video showcased the bustling scene at Sha Tin Racecourse on Monday, that’s today, as thousands of racegoers gathered for the Lunar New Year races. This event traditionally marks the peak of Hong Kong’s racing season, attracting over 80,000 enthusiastic spectators trackside. As part of the festivities, the Hong Kong Jockey Club distributes red packets, known as “lai see,” symbolizing good luck for the upcoming year.
Highlights of the day include vibrant lion dances held in the Sha Tin Parade Ring and consultations with Feng Shui masters to seek auspicious guidance. Additionally, attendees have the unique opportunity to engage with some of the world’s top jockeys. This adds to the excitement of the occasion. Notably, among the distinguished guests present at Sha Tin Racecourse were football legends such as Julio Cesar, Marco Materazzi, and Robert Pires. This further enhances the event’s prestige and allure. However, the excitement didn’t end there!
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Countdown to the Mark Six Chinese New Year Snowball draw
The eagerly awaited Mark Six Chinese New Year Snowball draw is set to take place on February 14th. Expectations are soaring as the First Division Prize Fund for a single HK$10 winning unit could skyrocket to HK$118 million. The presence of esteemed officials will grace this horse racing event. They include the Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po will attend, alongside senior officials of the Club.
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The day promises a blend of entertainment and fortune. The lineup features live performances by renowned artists such as Bowie Woo, Nancy Sit, James Ng, and Albert Chau. With 11 exhilarating races scheduled, including the prestigious HK$3.72 million Class 1 Chinese New Year Cup Handicap, racegoers are in for a day filled with excitement and celebration.
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