Jockey Club banks on fine weather to halt attendance slide

TEN years ago a total of 71,134 racegoers at Sha Tin and Happy Valley watched the annual San Miguel Silver Tankard meeting and anxious Jockey Club officials will be eyeing the grandstands today at the 18th renewal of Hong Kong's oldest sponsored race.

Slumping racecourse attendance figures have alarmed the Jockey Club hierarchy but there are hopes that the decline could halt today if the weather stays fine.

Information secretary Wilson Cheng said: 'My own estimate, or guess if you like, is a crowd of around 45,000, which would be very good.

'I do think a lot will depend on the weather. It is not too cold and with the sun out, it is just about perfect for a day at the races.' The Jockey Club 'budget' for turnover at every meeting but do not put a figure on attendances.

'It is important to know what turnover to expect and that guide is given but we do not have anything for crowds. The catering department have their own assessments when it comes to preparing food,' said Cheng.

A year ago the San Miguel Silver Tankard race was run on January 14 and there were 43,898 at Sha Tin with another 11,074 using the cross-betting facilities at Happy Valley, making a grand total of 54,972 which was marginally up on the previous year. On January 15, 1995, there were 42,566 on course at Sha Tin for the popular sponsored meeting and a further 10,799 at Happy Valley, making the combined total slightly less than last year at 53,345.