Kung Hei Fat Choy! On this first day of Chinese New Year, may I wish all of you a healthy, prosperous and successful Year of the Ox.This is the eleventh Chinese New Year I've spent here in Hong Kong and it's always the festival I love the most. That's not simply because I can enjoy so many kinds of delicious Chinese food during the New Year, but because the whole atmosphere of the city is really terrific, with all the festive flowers and decorations on show.
I was born in the Year of the Horse - which seems rather appropriate, considering my passion for horses and how my career has worked out - but some of my Chinese friends have told me that according to Chinese astrology, those who born in the Year of the Horse will not enjoy a smooth time in the Year of the Ox. The prognosis sounds interesting and I wouldn't take it lightly.
Having said that, I will stay optimistic and I always believe in giving my best in everything I do, especially when facing challenges. For sure, we will all have ups and downs at certain moments of our lives, but it's important always to stay bullish and positive.
I'm glad that our Chinese New Year race meeting, which falls on the third day of Chinese New Year with the highest number of attendance of the season, has proved to be one of the most popular ways for families and friends to celebrate the festival in Hong Kong. There is always a very happy atmosphere at Sha Tin as people come to the racecourse to try out their luck in the New Year.
Apart from the usual 11 exciting races on the card, we have arranged a host of other entertainment programmes for you at this festive raceday on Wednesday. On admission, you will receive a set of specially-designed phone straps featuring the four winners of our 2008 International Races, and a scratch-and-win entry card which gives you the chance to win a one-tael golden horseshoe. The day starts with a pre-race variety show at 11am in the Parade Ring featuring well-known celebrities, following by a wide range of other on-course activities, and a spectacular closing parade on the turf track that features the Club's Chinese New Year parade float, and performances by the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders from the US, Funny Pirate Dolls troupe from Spain, and the Poco Loco performance group from Denmark.
So I look forward to seeing you there with your friends and family members and hope you all have a wonderful time. May I wish you a healthy Year of the Ox and lots of luck in the coming year!
Comment
