SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Kashmir English): Horse racing in Hong Kong will fall silent on Sunday (tomorrow) and take place behind closed doors after the deadly fire in the city this week.
The income from the event will also be donated to those affected by the fire, the Region’s deadliest since 1948.
Horse racing to go ahead
The race meeting at Sha Tin will go ahead but under sombre circumstances following the Wednesday fire that killed at least 94 people when it engulfed a housing estate in the district of Tai Po.
Jockeys will wear black armbands to pay respect to those killed and there will be a minute’s silence, said the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC).
“The Hong Kong Jockey Club 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,” it said in a statement late on Thursday.
The club said that all gross income from the race meeting, which it estimates to be about HK$70 million ($9 million), will be donated to those affected by the blaze.
The loss of lives also caused postponement to several other domestic sporting events in the city, including a trail race and rugby matches, the South China Morning Post newspaper said.
Hong Kong is a major global city and a Special Administrative Region of China.
