Sha Tin Season Opener Expecting Crowds

The Hong Kong Jockey Club official are expecting a crowd of 15,000 for the season opener on September 5, reports scmp.com. "It's a big step forward and after so long without a crowd of 10,000 or more, it's a big number and hopefully it gets the season off to a good start," HKJC director of racing business and operations Bill Nader said. "While it's far from what we would normally expect on season opening, being able to begin the season on a relatively high note [is a positive]. For look, feel and a fan base that loves horse racing and hasn't really been able to participate on course, this is a big step forward and I think there will be a very good vibe at the season opener." People attending will have to book in advance and adhere to all public health measures including wearing a mask, temperature screenings, and signing in via the Leave Home Safe app. Meanwhile, crowds at Happy Valley will take a little longer before they are approved. Hong Kong will hold 88 meetings in 2021/22, 48 at Sha Tin and 40 at Happy Valley.