WINNO'S HONG KONG NOTEBOOK (DECEMBER 3)

By Darren Winningham | Saturday, December 3, 2022

HRO’s Winno has arrived safely in Hong Kong and he is all set to provide another outstanding week of racing coverage of the Longines International Jockeys Challenge at Happy Valley on Wednesday and the big one, the Longines Hong Kong International Races, on Sunday.

Winno looks at the unusual outside influences that might be in play during the 2022 edition of this global event. Be sure to watch this space for on-going coverage of one of the biggest weeks on the world racing calendar.

Continued challenges in Hong Kong caused by COVID-19 remain. However, the government is slowly taking measures to open again to the rest of the world over the coming months.

On Sunday 20 November 2022, the Hong Kong Jockey Club marked a notable milestone with the opening of the gates to the public and members sections at the racecourse. Restrictions still are in place with patrons having to use their Vaccine Pass QR Code – much like the systems and mobile apps that were required to be used at the peak of the infections in Australia.

To enter the track, you must be vaccinated and comply under the Vaccine Pass to enter the racecourses. Mask wearing is required except when consuming food or drinks. Again, nothing extraordinary to what Australians had to abide by throughout the transitions we experienced.

The locals are very respectful ensuring the wearing of a mask in open areas, public transport and when moving around Hong Kong.
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Vaccination rates in Hong Kong have exponentially taken off with around 95% of people having at least 1 vaccine – 93% having a second vaccine and, with a third vaccine recommended, it is dramatically increasing each day with those vaccinated now around the 85% mark.
Infection rates are controlled with only 8000 cases per day being recorded.

The real issue is the limited flights that exist directly to Hong Kong from Australia. With flights very expensive this is still a deterrent for Australians to travel to Hong Kong to experience this prestigious racing carnival.

As flights come back online, QANTAS are forecast to commence flights from Sydney to Hong Kong in late January 2023, from Melbourne in late March 2023 with an unknown date for Brisbane. However, it is safe to suggest that come December 2023 we should all be able to get our mates together and head to Hong Kong for the 2023 Hong Kong Jockey Club Longines racing!