Pensive Hong Kong trainers prepare to relive their riding days at Sha Tin yesterday. There may be a few aches and pains today but it was all smiles after the Jockey Club's season-opening gimmick of a race in which trainers switched roles to be jockeys. The idea proved hugely popular. A crowd of more than 38,000 people made sure of being at the course by 12.30pm to watch Derek Cruz beat John Moore and Me Tsui Yu-sak in the 800m dash up the straight and all participants said they would be back next year despite admitting that it was tougher than trackwork. It was just one highlight in a very successful opening day that saw a big crowd and betting increase over last year's first meeting. The riders were (from left): Ricky Yiu Poon-fie, Cruz, Moore, Tsui, Dennis Yip Chor-hong, Francis Lui Kin-wai and Michael Chang Chun-wai.
