Aussie pop star Jason Donovan, an Abba concert performer and rugby officials, players and fans brought a party atmosphere to Happy Valley, as racing took its turn in the spotlight for the Hong Kong Sevens on Wednesday.
And the racecourse was decked out for the occasion, with decorations and rugby activities attracting crowds of fans already in town for the city’s biggest sporting week.
The “Sout Stand” resembled the famous South Stand at the Kai Tak Stadium, with costumed spectators singing along to Babba’s Dancing Queen.
For some, it was not only their first time to Hong Kong, it was their first experience of seeing horses galloping across the grass.
“A friend of mine who traveled to Hong Kong before recommended this place,” Gia, an American visiting the city for the first time, said. “It’s scary to see horses running so fast in front of me. But this is amazing.”
Among the other overseas visitors who filled the air was referee Simon Waite, who will be working this weekend and raced straight to the pitch after landing in Hong Kong a few hours earlier.
