They're under starter's orders
AT least 50,000 race-lovers, starved of their favourite sport for months, are expected to crowd Sha Tin Racecourse for the opening day of the 1995-96 season today.
But for one race aficionado, the opening ceremony is a milestone. Jockey Club chief executive Major-General Guy Watkins expects to hand the reins to his successor by the end of the season.
'Sadly it will be my last, but I've had a wonderful nine years and I hope my successor will have a wonderful 10 years,' Mr Watkins said last night.
The weather forecast is hot and dry, and General Watkins said he expected 50,000 punters to turn out - but hoped the figure would creep up towards 55,000.
Big crowds bring big appetites, and one task of the chief executive is ensuring everyone is fed - from track-side chicken legs to haute cuisine in air-conditioned restaurants.
'One of the first things I will be doing tomorrow is going down to the kitchens,' said General Watkins. 'We've got to feed 50,000 people and we will be providing the full range.'
