Newly introduced Government restrictions prohibiting group gathering of more than four people, has seen the Hong Kong Jockey Club again adapt to comply with the efforts to fight the COVID -19 threat.
The Club has announced that the Government has granted an exemption to four race meetings, including this past Sunday’s Sha Tin Meeting up and including 8 April.
In accordance with the conditions attached to the exemption prescribed by the Government, the Club announced the following arrangements for the race meetings to be held on 1 April, 5 April and 8 April.
- Apart from trainers, jockeys, Club officials and Stewards with governance duties, only horse owners with starters with advance table booking approved by the Club will be admitted to the racecourses. Anyone who has travelled overseas within 14 days before the race day will not be admitted. They are required to fill in a health declaration form and receive temperature screening before entry. They are also required to wear surgical masks during the race meeting.
- To comply with the government’s condition that group gatherings in the Parade Ring should not exceed four persons, only one designated owner representing each horse will be allowed to enter the Parade Ring with the trainer, jockey and assistant trainer of the horse concerned. Special arrangements will be implemented in the Parade Ring to ensure that there is at least 1.5 metres social distance between groups of people inside the Parade Ring.
- There will not be photo-taking for the winning horse and owners at the Winning Arch after each race.
- The catering facilities in the racecourses will operate in full compliance with the requirements issued by the Secretary for Food and Health for the catering business. For example, each dining table will only accommodate not more than four guests and there will be at least a 1.5 metres distance between the tables.
All off-course betting branches remain closed.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s proactive co-operation with the Government has meant that their racing is able to continue under a safe environment for the benefit of the community and the sport, That includes the significant taxation contribution to the Government and the donation of HK$200 million to the community in supporting those in need.
