WINNO'S HONG KONG NOTEBOOK - VIERI CHAN. THE MOST FAMOUS FAN OF RACING IN HONG KONG

By Darren Winningham | Tuesday, December 13, 2022

I was privileged to came back to Hong Kong, courtesy of the Hong Jockey Club, after a three-year hiatus.

One thing was for sure – I was here to do a job.

Speaking to people involved in Hong Kong racing – the jockeys, the trainers, the owners and of course the Hong Kong Jockey Club officials and the other media from around the world assembled to cover the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR).

I am in a wonderful position to speak to these participants in the sport – it is a humbling and wonderful experience to have access to people like Zac Purton, Vincent Ho, James McDonald, Ryan Moore, John Size and Danny Shum – all of whom are well respected and amazing in their fields.

But then you have the other participants in Hong Kong Racing. The track riders, the track workers, the staff who make the whole program and day work to schedule and seem less way.

Then you have who I must describe as a true legend of Hong Kong racing – Vieri Chan.

The man with the amazing artworks – who positions himself each week at the track where his passion for the sport and its participants always gets the attention of the jockeys, the trainers and all of those participating in the sport.

I got to Sha Tin on Sunday morning around 9.30am to take in the atmosphere – look at what was going on and to see how the HKJC prepared for such an important day on their racing calendar.

There were rehearsals for the presentations taking place – role playing of course in the main saddling enclosure – fine tuning of the amenities – watering of the track – rolling of the track – signage being checked to be in order – boxes (well hundreds of boxes) of caps delivered to the main entry gates for distribution to the attending public.

But amongst all this well executed preparedness was something I found – a box – loads of artworks and an empty space for where Vieri Chan – my Hong Kong friend would be standing.

The locals tell me he is over near the jockey scales. I wandered over to see him hard at work. Getting items signed – selfies with the jockeys. Not one jockey turned him down – all happy to come over – smile and say hello to Vieri – he is much loved.

I took some photos of the action – but stood back and admired the respect – the loving rapport he has with this racing community in Hong Kong.Then of course I had to prepare myself for the big day of HKIR.

I returned to the trackside to find Vieri set up along the walkway on the return to scale with his hand painted caricatures of who he would think would win the four Group 1 races on LONGINES HKIR.

Of course, he is smiling to see WINNO – welcoming me back to Hong Kong after three years away and introducing me to some of his local friends. I brought some caps from Australia to share with the locals – it is important to share our passion and love of racing where I can. I handed out caps – people took photos with me, and I am certain they are all now posted somewhere on social media.

But I had a gift for Vieri as well – but, as usual, he beat me to it. He presented WINNO with a hand painted framed picture of Golden Sixty the Hong Kong reigning champion. It was truly a humbling gift. I admire his works each week through his social media posts – each week something different – each week making me feel as if I was trackside with him and his friends and the Hong Kong racing fraternity.

I reciprocated with a white shirt and a white cap (matching) with Vieri’s name printed and the HRO logo on both. You see I feel he is as much part of the HRO team as I – except he is based in Hong Kong.

Chan’s passion for racing is fantastic.

He takes photos, he posts on social media, and he has the rapport of the entire Hong Kong racing community. This is a man who holds trust and is admired – this must be observed to fully appreciate his standing.

The respect for this man and the high esteem that he is held in at the track is highlighted by the fact that trainers and jockeys stop and autograph his creations as they return from the winning ceremony on the track. He does not harass them to do this – but they come, they stop, and they validate his work and no doubt bring a smile to his face and to those spectators that are in proximity of the exchange of good feelings.

Vieri managed to have caricatures for the winners in the Hong Kong Sprint – Wellington, the Hong Kong Mile – California Spangle (he did have a backup one of Golden Sixty) and of course one for the Hong Kong Cup winner – Romantic Warrior. Three out of four is not bad!

This is my tribute to Vieri Chan – his absolute passion for racing is something that I have never encountered in all my time around Australia and the world and the fact that he brings his talents and passion to the races for the betterment of all who encounter him is something that I thought must be acknowledged.

Such is the wonderful sport of racing. It brings the battler together with superstars and millionaires. I salute you Vieri Chan – you are an inspiration to the Horse Racing community in Hong Kong.

Of course, if you are an Australian 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!

Vieri, may you continue to do what you do and bring so much pleasure to the followers of the sport of racing.

I will be back more often now – as Hong Kong commences its gradual opening to the world. I hope to see Vieri and his friends as the opportunities arise.

It was wonderful to reignite our friendship and see Vieri in person – until we meet again (hopefully very soon) my friend – stay safe and continue what you do – it is amazing!

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