Shoo-in for tourist gamble

Forget the Peak, forget Ocean Park. Now even shopping may come second on mainland tourists' 'to do' list. It seems the big draw is to head off to the races. And the Hong Kong Tourism Board is hot on their heels.

A survey conducted by the board found that 13 per cent of tourists were interested in Hong Kong horse racing. And with gambling on the sport still illegal on the mainland, it makes perfect sense to take the tourists to where the action is.

So the board has conjured up a new tour, the awkwardly titled 'Equine Delight Tour', which will give all visitors - not just Putonghua speakers - a behind-the-scenes look at the racetrack. We just hope the colourful flags and caps don't distract the horses.