The Hong Kong Jockey Club will donate all proceeds from Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting to support victims of the deadly Tai Po fire, lifting its total contribution to approximately HK$170 million.
The Club will also hold the meeting behind closed doors.
The Club said it is “deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives during the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, as well as the injuries and personal loss suffered by many others.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the HKJC confirmed an initial HK$100 million donation from its Charities Trust “to support victims and the families of the deceased.”
“The Club has also reviewed all of its operations to ensure that in every aspect of its activities we recognise the terrible impact of this tragedy.”
Sunday’s race meeting will also take on an unprecedented tone. The Club said the fixture will be “conducted on a fully scaled back basis,” with racing held behind closed doors and only owners, Stewards, Voting Members and their invited guests permitted to attend.
“There will be no sponsors,” the Club added, with officials, trainers and jockeys to observe a minute’s silence. Jockeys will also wear black armbands “as a mark of respect.”
Other raceday elements have been stripped back, including live music.
“Off-course Betting Branches will offer essential customer services only.”
Crucially, the HKJC will donate “all gross income from this race meeting, estimated to be around HK$70 million,” to those affected, working with the government to allocate the funds.
Combined with its initial pledge, the Club’s contribution now stands at approximately HK$170 million as Hong Kong rallies around the victims of one of the city’s worst recent tragedies.
