Threat of protests against pro-China owner forces Happy Valley to be cancelled

Racing was dramatically cancelled in Hong Kong on Wednesday due to the ongoing political unrest in the territory and concerns of potential associated violence at Happy Valley racecourse.

Protests have raged in Hong Kong through the spring and summer but until Wednesday had not impacted racing at either Happy Valley or the territory'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 (HKJC) said: “In organising 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.

“This is a very difficult and most unfortunate decision to make, but public safety is of paramount importance to the Club. We hope the racing community and the Hong Kong public will understand our reasons for doing so.”

John Moore: taken by surprise when racing was cancelledCredit: Hong Kong Jockey Club

John Moore, a multiple champion trainer in Hong Kong, expressed surprise at the decision to call off the meeting given the importance of racing to the territory.

“I thought racing would go through because it’s charitable and it’s important to Hong Kong to keep things going smoothly. I didn’t think anything was going to happen to racing,” he told the South China Morning Post.

“But I can understand the decision. With the turmoil going on in Hong Kong, we’ve got to protect the safety of all concerned – not only the jockeys but the horses and the racing public.”

Ho has become a lightning rod for disaffected Hong Kong residents, with a campaign started in July to have his Jockey Club membership revoked and his horse withdrawn from all races.

Racing in Hong Kong is next due to take place at Sha Tin on Saturday.

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