Rugby and racing fans bring party atmosphere of Hong Kong Sevens to Happy Valley
Fancy dress, Abba tribute acts and Jason Donovan bring spirit of city’s biggest sporting party to race night in Hong Kong
Aussie pop icon Jason Donovan, an Abba tribute act and rugby officials, players and fans brought a party atmosphere to Happy Valley, as racing took its turn in the Hong Kong Sevens spotlight on Wednesday.
And the racecourse was dressed for the occasion, with rugby-themed decorations and activities drawing crowds of fans already in town for the city’s biggest sporting week.
The venue’s “Shout Stand” resembled the infamous South Stand at Kai Tak Stadium, with costumed spectators singing along to Babba’s rendition of Dancing Queen.
For some, it wasn’t just their first time in Hong Kong, it was their first experience of watching horses fly across the turf.
“My friend who travelled to Hong Kong before recommended this place to me,” Gia, an American visiting the city for the first time, said. “It is kind of scary to watch horses running really fast in front of me. But this is so amazing.”
According to the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the attendance of 20,672 was up 30 per cent on a comparable night last year, while turnover hit HK$1.3 billion.