Seven-time champion jockey Basil Marcus and five-time leading trainer Brian Kan Ping-chee share a laugh as they meet the fans at the Jockey Club's Kwun Tong off-course betting centre yesterday. The pair signed autographs, gave interviews and cracked the odd joke during the packed lunchtime meeting. Marcus' fans asked repeatedly why he was not training in Hong Kong, to which the champ replied that he had to consolidate his career in South Africa first. Marcus trained 52 winners last season in South Africa. Kan, who retired in 2003, congratulated the new generation of club management for being 'more down to earth' than their predecessors and allowing everyday racing fans the chance to meet their idols.