WINNO'S HONG KONG NOTEBOOK (DECEMBER 4)

By Darren Winningham | Sunday, December 4, 2022

WINNO is in Hong Kong – safe and sound!

Taking it to the streets!

Last time I was here it was 2019 and back then owners, trainers from international destinations and tourists shuddered about coming to this wonderful city.

It was only natural with all the negative media and the coverage of the riots that some people decided to stay away. That was followed by two years of COVID19 where restrictions inhibited everyone travelling anywhere!

Now the world is slowly opening and living with this notorious virus has become “the norm.” Hong Kong is getting back to normal. Confidence with going out and moving around is growing, but with the added safety net of the automated QR Codes for people to check into venues. Mask wearing is required except when consuming food and drinks in venues. People respect the safety of all wearing masks and moving around in a respectful fashion.

The PCR testing at the airport on arrival was simple and efficient.

Completed within five minutes. Then an email and SMS around four hours later to say I was clear. There are some restrictions regarding going out to a bar or a restaurant for the first three days, however, you can move about unrestricted and still see so much!

The markets are still depleted with the locals supporting them for food and household items, however, the real money from tourists buying items is still lacking.

I visited my regular friends at the Temple Street markets and they suggest that revenue is still down dramatically from pre-protest and pre-pandemic levels. However, they remain stoic in that Hong Kong is slowly returning to the old days where international tourists flocked to this vibrant city – it never sleeps ... where there have been some tremendous additions to the subway systems and transport systems permitting you to get around Hong Kong even more seamless than before.

It is hoped that the restrictions will be relaxed further in the coming months. If you are looking for a holiday late April, you could venture to Hong Kong for the FWD Champions Day on 30 April 2023. WINNO will be here for sure – love to catch up with you all!

If you have never attended the LONGINES International races – and if you want a holiday or want to treat yourself to a wonderful experience, I suggest that you place the dates in your calendar for December 2023 and get along to one of the most prestigious and featured sporting events in the world.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club supports the locals, the members, and the tourists to ensure they have the safest and best racing experience that is possible at all their facilities.

They are truly a strong, well administered racing Club – probably the envy of Clubs around the world!

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