HKJC cancels Sha Tin race meeting ahead of Tung Chee-hwa funeral
The decision will also affect the club’s retail betting network.
Hong Kong.- The Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced the cancellation of its September 20 Sha Tin race meeting as Hong Kong prepares for the funeral of its first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa. The club said the meeting would be cancelled as a mark of respect. HKJC also confirmed that all of its off-course betting branches will be closed on September 20.
Tung died on September 8 at the age of 89. He became Hong Kong’s first chief executive in 1997 following the handover of the territory from British to Chinese sovereignty. He was selected for a second term in 2002 but left office in 2005.
After his time as chief executive, Tung took on a senior role in China’s political advisory system, becoming vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Following Tung’s state funeral on Sunday, a public vigil will be held at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point from 3pm to 10pm on September 19, followed by a public memorial ceremony at 9am on September 20.
The HKJC has not confirmed a replacement date for the cancelled meeting.
