On October 13, 2024, Hong Kong celebrated its Olympic heroes during the Sha Tin race day, where athletes were presented with a total of HK$17.625 million (approximately US$2.3 million) in cash rewards. Notably, gold medalists Vivian Kong and Cheung Ka-long each received HK$6 million, while swimmer Siobhan Haughey was awarded HK$3 million for her two bronze medals. The event was attended by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) chairman Michael Lee, who praised the athletes for embodying the spirit of Hong Kong and inspiring future generations. Kong expressed her interest in pursuing horse riding after her retirement from fencing, showcasing the athletes' connection to the racing culture in the region. This celebration of athletic achievement coincided with the opening of the horse racing season, which had already seen a successful start with record attendance and wagering figures. [6fcd50b8]
The Hong Kong horse racing season had kicked off just a month earlier on September 8, 2024, attracting 42,556 attendees, the highest since the pandemic. The event generated HK$1.31 billion in wagers, reflecting a 9.4% increase from the previous year. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attended the season opener, emphasizing its role in revitalizing local tourism and the economy. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the CEO of the HKJC, acknowledged the challenges faced in the previous season, including a 4.5% drop in turnover due to illegal gambling and economic conditions. Despite this, the attendance this year represented a 32% increase compared to last year, although it still fell short of pre-COVID numbers. The vibrant atmosphere of the racing culture was further highlighted by performances and the presence of tourists from various regions. [75c3da70][a7b72027]