Should horse owners' children be allowed on racecourses?
I support the continuation of the arrangement by the Jockey Club to allow horse owners' children at races.
The city has a rich history of horse racing dating back to 1841. Its sporting recognition and achievement are evidenced by the International Olympic Committee's decision to name Hong Kong as a venue for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events this year. Paralympic dressage rider Nelson Yip Siu-hong is an excellent example of a Hong Kong success story in equestrian sports. Those who take part in racing and other equestrian sports clearly enjoy the spirit of striving for excellence and co-operation between animals and humans.
There is no evidence that participation in horse racing will automatically lead to gambling. And, horse riding is recognised as a beneficial therapy for the disabled. For decades, the Riding for Disabled Association has been teaching the disabled to ride horses to the best of their ability. More than 18,000 students have benefited from such experiences, which no other sporting activity can offer.
Horse racing is simply another form of equestrian sport and its betting aspects should be considered separately. The misconception that racing is a form of gambling will hinder the development of local equestrian sports. I must stress that the purpose of the club's arrangements is to help children appreciate the positive aspects of horse racing. This is borne out by the fact that no under-age access to betting facilities has so far been reported. It is equally important to note that no laws or regulations are being violated. In fact, such arrangements are common practice in Britain, the US, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. There is no compelling reason why children in the city should be treated differently.
Some owners tell me they simply want to introduce their children to the family horse-racing tradition. Many parents and children who are interested in riding have offered to work as helpers.
