VIERI CHAN – AS POPULAR AND TALENTED AS EVER

By Darren Winningham | Tuesday, December 12, 2023

You just know some things are as certain as the sun rising and setting. As December is renowned for Christmas and family joy. And then there is one other certainty in December – WINNO attending the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR).

Back in Hong Kong the first time for the LONGINES HKIR without any COVID pandemic restrictions, the people are happy, business is thriving and of course there is the Hong Kong Jockey Club designing and then executing a world class equine event on their two tracks – Happy Valley and Sha Tin.

You know I seem to get lucky each year and catch up with people who just give their time graciously to me when I’m asking questions, doing live blogs.

However, when you go to the tracks in Hong Kong there is one person that the riders, the trainers, and the owners stop and say hi to. The one and only Vieri Chan.

He holds a special spot in their hearts – they stop and take selfies – sign paintings and other items for him.

When Golden Sixty saluted in the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (Group 1) there were emotional scenes around the track. However, Francis Lui who is the trainer for Golden Sixty, despite being presented with trophies and a LONGINES watch, stopped where Vieri stands – signed the portrait of Golden Sixty and then posed for a photo – it was amazing to watch this unfold.

I suppose the final seal of approval was when the crowd is yelling, screaming, and chanting “J Mac, J Mac” after the Hong Kong Champion wins the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (Group 1). In amidst all this chaos is the HKJC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges casually strolling down the pathway prior to Romantic Warrior returning to scale.

He stops – he sees Vieri with his wonderful portrait of Romantic Warrior – he stops – grabs the portrait and poses for a photo in front of the massive crowd assembled at the track!

The ultimate approval of his wonderful work and his passion for the horse racing sport in Hong Kong.

I just stand by envious – that a man so talented has the approval and respect from the entire horse racing fraternity in Hong Kong.

As usual Vieri has a special gift for WINNO in 2023. As you all know I just love Beauty Generation – the previous Hong Kong champion. To my surprise Vieri painted me and framed a portrait of my favourite horse! In addition, he painted a bag with the superstar of Hong Kong from a few years ago – Able Friend – the artistic prowess is amazing! Thank you very much Vieri for the amazing gifts.

I reciprocated with a grey shirt with Vieri’s name printed and the HRO logo on it. You see I feel he is as part of the HRO team as I – except he is based in Hong Kong. I gave him an Australian Open tennis cap – maybe he will watch it on television. A small Waterford statue was my other gift for him.

Vieri managed to have caricatures for the winners in the Hong Kong Sprint (Lucky Sweynesse), the Hong Kong Mile (Golden Sixty) and of course one for the Hong Kong Cup winner (Romantic Warrior). Three out of four is not bad!

It was wonderful to catch up with Vieri again. I adore his artistry that is on his Facebook page each week from the track – if you truly like horse racing add him on your social medias – you will never be disappointed.

Of course, if you are an Australian and you go to the track you must take the opportunity to walk down and introduce yourself – he will be only too happy to shake your hand and grab a selfie or photo with you.

Tell him you’re a mate of WINNO – and he sent you!

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