Every Post a winner at the centenary races
The South China Morning Post celebrated its centenary last night - and more than 18,000 people joined the party at a special Happy Valley race meeting.
Hong Kong's enthusiastic punters joined captains of local industry, political leaders and celebrities to toast the winners.
Dashing Champion was just that as he took out the feature $1million South China Morning Post Centenary Cup (Handicap).
And while every race had its winners and losers, the night was about much more.
For the Post's racing editor, Murray Bell, horse racing transcends the mere punt.
'Racing is one of the world's great entertainments, something enjoyed by people from all walks of life, from kings and queens to cleaners and truck drivers,' he said.
'It's a real melting pot. Everyone is equal in the quest for a winner ... it's a very egalitarian place, a racecourse.'
The Post race meeting was the biggest public event held by the paper to celebrate its centenary year. And in racing-mad Hong Kong, what better way to throw a party?
While the leading lights of Hong Kong's business and political circles sipped on champagne and socialised, down on the field, punters were getting down to the serious business of betting.
Win or lose, last night's event was about being part of the Happy Valley experience, something quintessentially Hong Kong.
'It's the best and the cheapest fun you can have here,' said Klee Harker, an avid Australian fan.
