When we read the press release at the end of this post, we were filled with a pride at a time in Hong Kong’s history when there’s nothing much to be proud about. Not really.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao)
For the past few years, Hong Kong has been under siege and pummeled when it comes to tourism by Singapore, still very much Swingabore in our eyes made up of robotic lah lah people and gawdawful television productions like The Apprentice Asia.
(Source: Star Mometer)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QNlm967wn8
Only the banana restaurants give the place some kinda edge, but the toothless Lion City is still perceived by many to be the land of milk and honey and magical panacea to cure the ills of Asia. Smoke and mirrors, baby.
(Source: Daily Mail)
Of course, for the fat cat expat on one of those obscene expat packages with the house, pool, domestic helpers and wife and kids at home, a Sarong Party Girl on the side and fawning locals kissing one’s sweet ass, Swingabore is like being on Mr Rourke’s Fantasy Island with Tatu.
(Source: Zap 2 It)
For Hong Kong, the HKJC and horse racing are two of the city’s key USPs- which many still fail to understand.
Horse racing is the Greatest Show In Town and often a Magical Mystery Tour even the Beatles would have been proud to call their own.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjW8Rv5bp7Q
It’s a show that’s constantly evolving through innovation and giving the rabid racing fan all manner of data to put them on the winning track.
(Source: Discover Hong Kong)
For the new racegoer who wouldn’t know or care about Douglas Whyte from Jack Black, the HKJC’s Happy Wednesday brand introduces them to a sport as part of the much bigger world of entertainment and with a Cool Factor attached to it.
(Source: HKJC)
(Source: The Place)
This also positions the HKJC as more than a racing club and more of a cool entertainment hub that features racing.
Without this Cool Factor it would be as ancient as Simon Cowell’s X Factor- and as uncool as the publicity-hungry Big Poohbar that is Simon Cowell.
(Source: Mirror)
For us, the beauty is that these different worlds have not collided like a bad HG Welles novel or Orson Welles’ War Of The Worlds.
(Source: DPRP)
Instead, it’s all part of a Time Machine and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World.
(Source: EN2215)
Because of horse racing and the enormous taxes the HKJC have to pay the government each year, the organization is part of the very fabric of Hong Kong life by contributing TO this life in so many way through the HKJC Charities.
At a time when the Hong Kong government is under siege by the media and public almost every day and are more vocal than ever about the Haves and the Have-Nots, the HKJC offers more than a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
(Source: Rosen Blum TV)
It might be a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but it’s something.
So, reading the press release below gave us a sense of pride- that there is something in Hong Kong that is truly world class and continues to be enhanced and fine-tuned.
Now, read on like Shaft and be a baaaad mutha- we know, we know: Shut yo mouth.
(Source: Matthew Pickle)
——————————————-
NEW SEASON IN HONG KONG OFFERS ENHANCED DIGITAL CONTENT AND ON-COURSE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE – HKJC
Hong Kong’s 2013/14 racing season commences on Sunday, 8 September with a Triple Trio jackpot of HK$46 million in the first week of racing. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is rolling out the latest innovative developments in its customer-led drive to create an enhanced entertainment experience for today’s dynamic race-goers.
During his annual pre-season press conference at Sha Tin Racecourse today, Tuesday 3 September, the Jockey Club’s Executive Director, Customer and Marketing, Mr Richard Cheung, revealed the three new digital and information offerings for the new season:
● A live webcast TV added to Betting Apps for selected customers
● An App acting as the 2nd Screen of the Club’s Chinese racing program which is a global first in the racing industry
● Increase in content on the Jockey Club website such as daily track work clips, plus more racing statistics for customers to study
● Besides the increased content, there will also be another full season of Happy Wednesday programs.
“We will forge ahead with our strategy to promote horseracing as an entertainment experience by investing in the latest enhanced digital and on-course offerings, which will continue to help position Hong Kong racing as a global leader in the sport of horse racing,” said Mr. Cheung.
“Last season the Club posted significant growth in attendance and turnover that can be attributed in large part to our successful delivery of a dynamic, modern racing experience in line with the aspirations of our energetic, tech-savvy clientele,” said Mr. Cheung, who highlighted the popular Happy Wednesday experience at Happy Valley Racecourse.
“Happy Wednesday has become a must-do in Hong Kong – the word is out that Happy Valley is the place to spend Wednesday night unwinding with friends in a vibrant and exciting environment,” he continued. “This is reflected in a 43% rise in attendance for race goers aged 35 and under at these venues.” The Club’s food and beverage business at Happy Wednesday Venues, including Beer Garden, Gallery and Adrenaline, increased by 65% in the past season.
“Given the overwhelmingly positive response from race-goers, this season we will again have a full Happy Wednesday program, including Oktoberfest and Music Rocks the Valley in the Beer Garden. We are also introducing new digital tools in our venues, the details of which will be announced during the season.” said Mr Cheung,
“It is also pleasing to see that our Sha Tin racecourse developments led to notable gains in attendance last season, too”
With various new venues also coming into service throughout the 2013/14 season, Mr Cheung invited all racing fans and public to enjoy the experience first-hand, starting with the season-opener at Sha Tin racecourse on Sunday, 8 September.
Comments