Hong Kong's Sha Tin Racecourse witnessed a record-breaking turnout of approximately 88,000 spectators at its Lunar New Year Race, signaling a resurgence of enthusiasm among horse racing fans. The event, held on 12th February 2024, welcomed a remarkable number of attendees, marking the highest turnout since 2019. In addition to the impressive attendance, the race generated a significant betting turnover of HK$1.76 billion throughout the day.

The previous year's Lunar New Year race had set a post-return record with a betting amount of HK$2.06 billion. However, this year's betting amount experienced a 15% decline compared to the previous year. Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, attributed the decrease in betting amounts to the prevailing economic environment and the lower participation of horses in one of the races.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, the Sha Tin Racecourse was adorned with large windmills, symbolizing good luck and fortune. Attendees were greeted with "wealth-attracting pens" and lucky draw cards upon entry, adding to the celebratory ambiance. Notably, a captivating Lunar New Year installation titled "Wealth Blossoms in the Peach Garden" became a popular backdrop for photographs, capturing cherished memories of the occasion. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's float, which had participated in the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, was on display at the racecourse, offering visitors an opportunity to relish unforgettable moments.
The day's festivities commenced with a grand performance and an opening ceremony at 11:15 am. The presence of Mr. Paul Chan Mo-po, the Financial Secretary, elevated the event as he participated in the traditional eye-dotting ceremony for the lion dance alongside the Jockey Club's senior management. The race schedule featured a total of 11 races, with the Chinese New Year Cup in the eighth race stealing the spotlight. The race was won by "Red Fortune Emperor," trained by John Size and ridden by jockey Pan.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club proudly announced that the event attracted an impressive attendance of nearly 88,000, surpassing the figures recorded since 2019. Among the attendees were over 4,000 mainland Chinese tourists, reflecting the growing appeal of Hong Kong's horse racing events. One visitor from Guangzhou expressed his awe-inspiring experience as a first-time attendee, captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and passionate spectators. He expressed his desire to return to Hong Kong for future horse racing events, leaving a lasting impression.
While the betting amount for the day reached HK$1.76 billion, a 15% decrease compared to the previous year's HK$2.06 billion, Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges highlighted that the overall economic environment and the lower number of participating horses in one race influenced this decline. Despite this, the atmosphere remained fervent throughout the day, with many spectators staying until the conclusion of the final race, showcasing the enduring allure of horse racing at Sha Tin Racecourse.
In conclusion, the Lunar New Year Race at Sha Tin Racecourse broke attendance records with an overwhelming turnout of 88,000 spectators, reaffirming the enduring popularity of horse racing in Hong Kong. Although betting amounts experienced a decline, the event's success and the enthusiastic response from attendees highlight the significance of the Lunar New Year Race as a cherished tradition in the region's cultural calendar.
沙田賽馬場的農曆新年比賽創下88,000名觀眾的出勤記錄
香港沙田馬場農曆新年賽創下了88000人的破紀錄參與人數,展示了賽馬迷的熱情。該活動於2024年2月12日舉行,吸引了大量觀眾的到來,成為自2019年以來的最高人數。當天的賽事總共下注了1.76億港元。
去年的農曆新年賽創下了20.6億港元的下注金額,成為返賽後的新紀錄。但是,與去年相比,今年的下注金額下降了15%。香港賽馬會的行政總裁溫弗里德·恩格爾布雷希特-布雷斯格斯先生將下降的原因歸因於整體經濟環境和某一場比賽參與馬匹數量的減少。
為了增添節日氛圍,沙田馬場裝飾了大風車,象徵著好運和財富。觀眾進場時可獲得「招財筆」和幸運抽獎卡,增添慶祝氣氛。值得一提的是,一個名為「財富花開桃園」的巨大農曆新年裝置成為拍照的熱門場所,捕捉了珍貴的紀念瞬間。此外,香港賽馬會參加了國際農曆新年夜遊行的花車也在賽場展出,讓遊客留下難忘的時刻。
當天的盛會於上午11:15開始,展開了壯觀的表演和開幕儀式。財政司司長陳茂波先生出席了活動,與賽馬會的高層一同參加了舞獅的傳統點睛儀式。當天共有11場比賽,其中第八場的中國新年盃成為焦點。該場比賽由約翰·賽斯訓練的「紅福帝皇」贏得,由騎師潘銘輝騎乘。
香港賽馬會自豪地宣布,當天的活動吸引了近88000名觀眾,超過2019年的人數。其中超過4,000名來自內地的中國遊客。一位來自廣州的遊客表達了他作為首次參與者的難以忘懷的經歷,他被充滿活力的氛圍和熱情的觀眾所吸引,留下了深刻印象,並表示希望未來能再次來香港參加賽馬活動。
儘管當天的下注金額達到1.76億港元,較去年的20.6億港元下降了15%,但溫弗里德·恩格爾布雷希特-布雷斯格斯先生強調,整體經濟環境和某一場比賽參與馬匹數量的從而影響了下降。儘管如此,整個活動的氣氛依然熱烈,許多觀眾一直留到最後一場比賽的結束,展示了沙田馬場賽馬的持久魅力。
總結來說,沙田馬場的農曆新年賽創下了88000名觀眾的參與人數紀錄,再次證明了賽馬在香港的持續受歡迎。儘管下注金額有所下降,但活動的成功和觀眾的熱烈反應彰顯了農曆新年賽作為該地區文化日曆中珍貴傳統的重要性。
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