Sha Tin Set for Racegoers to Return

Racegoers will be permitted at Sha Tin Sept. 20, as the Hong Kong Jockey Club received the green light from government for crowds to return.

With restrictions easing as the third wave of COVID-19 cases dissipates, fans can look forward to getting back on track for four meetings—ahead of schedule, with HKJC originally aiming for a mid-October return.

Racing has largely been conducted behind closed doors since the coronavirus pandemic first hit Hong Kong towards the end of January, but three meetings at Sha Tin (Sept. 20, 27, and Oct. 1) and one at Happy Valley (Sept. 23) will have some sort of spectator presence with groups of four allowed to make advanced table bookings.

The HKJC did not specify how many racegoers will be admitted, just that bookings for a limited number of places will be available for priority card holders and members of the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Temperature screening, the wearing of masks, and social distancing will be required.

"The guiding principle is that we cannot create a public health risk," HKJC chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges told the South China Morning Post earlier this month. "We have done a lot of work in the off-season to strengthen our protocols as much as we can. To mitigate any potential further risks, we have stepped up all the health measurements, the testing processes, and procedures."