HK Racing, Culture Leave Lasting Impression
Dec 16, 2013 9:09:52 GMT -5
Post by Evelyn on Dec 16, 2013 9:09:52 GMT -5
Has anyone ever been to HK tracks?
Buchdahl: Hong Kong Racing, Culture Leave Lasting Impression
by Alan Buchdahl
Paulick Report
Mix horse racing with a ready desire for travel and you’ve got a winning daily double. Racing truly is, for centuries, the internationally-celebrated sport. And that tradition is upheld in grand style in Hong Kong. Recently, I was fortunate to attend the Group One Longines Hong Kong International Races as both a lifelong racing fan and credentialed media for “Paulick Report”. I’d like to share with you a patchwork of memories from Hong Kong and Macau.
* Aaron Kwok is a global superstar and, best of all for racing, a Thoroughbred owner who brings knowledge and passion for the sport. That was clear in his comments at “adrenaline”, Happy Valley’s ultra stylish lounge, the night “Racing Touch” app was introduced. It was a Hollywood premiere-style event, with beautiful people, amazing atmosphere and crush of media. I was impressed by the number of bright racing representatives immediately available to personally answer any questions about this new mobile application.
* Your first vision of Happy Valley Racecourse is a rare “wow” moment, and those are motivating reasons to travel. My words certainly won’t do Happy Valley justice; pictures barely do. You simply have to see and experience this amazing venue in person. It was the night of Longines International Jockeys’ Championship, including Mike Smith and Gary Stevens. Australian rider Kerrin McEvoy finished on top of the event standings. Throughout the night, excellence, excitement and outstanding customer service prevailed.
* Stroll down a section of Lockhart Road in Hong Kong and a time machine sends you back to the 1960 film “The World of Suzie Wong”. I walked into one of the many neon-adorned establishments for a beer. At once, a half-dozen friendly, attractive women introduced themselves. Categorically, this never happens in L.A. But, I’m a cub reporter focused on business, who wisely decided it was best to leave other options left to the imagination.
* Views of Hong Kong are stunning. The Peak Tram affords a spectacular panorama, and Victoria Harbour reflecting the lights at night is unforgettable.
* Friday evening, The Hong Kong Jockey Club created an elegant and magical setting at their annual Gala Dinner. A fascinating mix of international attendees gathered at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with horse racing the common bond. An awards presentation was brilliantly produced, as representatives of such stars as Wise Dan and Treve accepted onstage.
* With its extremely high population density, Mong Kok has been described as the busiest district in the world. I wanted to have a look at the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden and Flower Market there. Leaving from the Ritz-Carlton (which has a great view of Hong Kong Island at “Ozone” bar on the 118th floor) was ordinary and a 20-minute ride into Mong Kok. Getting a return trip at rush hour was another story. As I wandered the streets long after sunset, thoughts of how to make a life in Mong Kok crossed my delirious mind. Luckily, a street vendor touted me on a hot corner to hail a cab. And when the driver delivered me to familiar territory, I doubled the fare; more generous than it sounds as rides are very reasonable. There at one of the world’s most recognized hotels, The Peninsula, I enjoyed a most satisfying drink at “The Bar”, to the sounds of a modern-day Nat King Cole on the piano.
* I was on the first bus Sunday morning from the Press Hotel to Sha Tin for “The Greatest Show on Turf”. Sha Tin is a grand state-of-the-art facility. I familiarized myself with the immensity of the property that week at morning training. Arriving race day before admission gates opened provided sealed confirmation that The Hong Kong Jockey Club is in the business of perfection. The stage was impeccably set from Grandstand to Members Area to Covered Parade Ring and, of course, the beautifully-manicured 30.5 metre-wide Turf Track
* Longines Hong Kong International Races are an event of global magnitude, and the atmosphere that afternoon was championship caliber in every respect. This was undeniable validation that Thoroughbred racing is enormously significant on the international sporting scene. Hong Kong favorite Dominant captured the Vase resolutely. Lord Kanaloa, pride of Japan, was the most impressive International Race winner in the Sprint and retires to stud stylishly. Glorious Days, bred in Australia, defeated an exceptional field in the Mile. And, the HK $22,000,000 Cup victory went to Akeed Mofeed, the locally-raced Derby champ.
* Before departing Hong Kong, I ventured to Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, accessible by way of a breathtaking 25-minute Cable Car ride. These, along with Kun Iam Ecumenical Center in Macau, were meaningful visits.
* It’s about an hour from Hong Kong to Macau on the high speed TurboJet. Approaching the Macau Ferry Terminal at night is a most surrealistic experience. Appearing out of the darkness are the neon lights and familiar Las Vegas names of the past and present … Sands, Wynn, and the MGM. Many others like StarWorld, Grand Lisboa, President and Mandarin Oriental grace the skies with their beckoning presence. Drive 15-minutes over the Macau-Taipa Bridge and you’re dazzled by the properties on the Cotai Strip. The Venetian is there, as if sent special delivery from Vegas. There’s the opulent Galaxy Hotel, Four Seasons and Crown Towers, as well. Construction is at a fever pitch, with heavy hitters lined up for a piece of the action. This is a gambling mecca unlike any other. And what that landscape will look like in coming years boggles the mind.
Thanks to Ray Paulick and Scott Jagow for the opportunity to be part of their team in Hong Kong.
Happy Valley's urban setting is stunning as the lights come on.
Hobg Kong's Sha Tin racecourse on International Races day
Buchdahl: Hong Kong Racing, Culture Leave Lasting Impression
by Alan Buchdahl
Paulick Report
Mix horse racing with a ready desire for travel and you’ve got a winning daily double. Racing truly is, for centuries, the internationally-celebrated sport. And that tradition is upheld in grand style in Hong Kong. Recently, I was fortunate to attend the Group One Longines Hong Kong International Races as both a lifelong racing fan and credentialed media for “Paulick Report”. I’d like to share with you a patchwork of memories from Hong Kong and Macau.
* Aaron Kwok is a global superstar and, best of all for racing, a Thoroughbred owner who brings knowledge and passion for the sport. That was clear in his comments at “adrenaline”, Happy Valley’s ultra stylish lounge, the night “Racing Touch” app was introduced. It was a Hollywood premiere-style event, with beautiful people, amazing atmosphere and crush of media. I was impressed by the number of bright racing representatives immediately available to personally answer any questions about this new mobile application.
* Your first vision of Happy Valley Racecourse is a rare “wow” moment, and those are motivating reasons to travel. My words certainly won’t do Happy Valley justice; pictures barely do. You simply have to see and experience this amazing venue in person. It was the night of Longines International Jockeys’ Championship, including Mike Smith and Gary Stevens. Australian rider Kerrin McEvoy finished on top of the event standings. Throughout the night, excellence, excitement and outstanding customer service prevailed.
* Stroll down a section of Lockhart Road in Hong Kong and a time machine sends you back to the 1960 film “The World of Suzie Wong”. I walked into one of the many neon-adorned establishments for a beer. At once, a half-dozen friendly, attractive women introduced themselves. Categorically, this never happens in L.A. But, I’m a cub reporter focused on business, who wisely decided it was best to leave other options left to the imagination.
* Views of Hong Kong are stunning. The Peak Tram affords a spectacular panorama, and Victoria Harbour reflecting the lights at night is unforgettable.
* Friday evening, The Hong Kong Jockey Club created an elegant and magical setting at their annual Gala Dinner. A fascinating mix of international attendees gathered at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with horse racing the common bond. An awards presentation was brilliantly produced, as representatives of such stars as Wise Dan and Treve accepted onstage.
* With its extremely high population density, Mong Kok has been described as the busiest district in the world. I wanted to have a look at the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden and Flower Market there. Leaving from the Ritz-Carlton (which has a great view of Hong Kong Island at “Ozone” bar on the 118th floor) was ordinary and a 20-minute ride into Mong Kok. Getting a return trip at rush hour was another story. As I wandered the streets long after sunset, thoughts of how to make a life in Mong Kok crossed my delirious mind. Luckily, a street vendor touted me on a hot corner to hail a cab. And when the driver delivered me to familiar territory, I doubled the fare; more generous than it sounds as rides are very reasonable. There at one of the world’s most recognized hotels, The Peninsula, I enjoyed a most satisfying drink at “The Bar”, to the sounds of a modern-day Nat King Cole on the piano.
* I was on the first bus Sunday morning from the Press Hotel to Sha Tin for “The Greatest Show on Turf”. Sha Tin is a grand state-of-the-art facility. I familiarized myself with the immensity of the property that week at morning training. Arriving race day before admission gates opened provided sealed confirmation that The Hong Kong Jockey Club is in the business of perfection. The stage was impeccably set from Grandstand to Members Area to Covered Parade Ring and, of course, the beautifully-manicured 30.5 metre-wide Turf Track
* Longines Hong Kong International Races are an event of global magnitude, and the atmosphere that afternoon was championship caliber in every respect. This was undeniable validation that Thoroughbred racing is enormously significant on the international sporting scene. Hong Kong favorite Dominant captured the Vase resolutely. Lord Kanaloa, pride of Japan, was the most impressive International Race winner in the Sprint and retires to stud stylishly. Glorious Days, bred in Australia, defeated an exceptional field in the Mile. And, the HK $22,000,000 Cup victory went to Akeed Mofeed, the locally-raced Derby champ.
* Before departing Hong Kong, I ventured to Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, accessible by way of a breathtaking 25-minute Cable Car ride. These, along with Kun Iam Ecumenical Center in Macau, were meaningful visits.
* It’s about an hour from Hong Kong to Macau on the high speed TurboJet. Approaching the Macau Ferry Terminal at night is a most surrealistic experience. Appearing out of the darkness are the neon lights and familiar Las Vegas names of the past and present … Sands, Wynn, and the MGM. Many others like StarWorld, Grand Lisboa, President and Mandarin Oriental grace the skies with their beckoning presence. Drive 15-minutes over the Macau-Taipa Bridge and you’re dazzled by the properties on the Cotai Strip. The Venetian is there, as if sent special delivery from Vegas. There’s the opulent Galaxy Hotel, Four Seasons and Crown Towers, as well. Construction is at a fever pitch, with heavy hitters lined up for a piece of the action. This is a gambling mecca unlike any other. And what that landscape will look like in coming years boggles the mind.
Thanks to Ray Paulick and Scott Jagow for the opportunity to be part of their team in Hong Kong.
Happy Valley's urban setting is stunning as the lights come on.
Hobg Kong's Sha Tin racecourse on International Races day