Expressions shifted from tension to elation as a buzz filled the 85,000-capacity stand, while the indoor concourse resounded with cheers and groans.
“I heard it was the last race of the season, so I didn’t want to miss the opportunity,” said 25-year-old Qi Chu from Shenzhen.
“After watching the first race, I’m very excited. It’s my first time watching horse racing in Hong Kong, and in my life. I didn’t expect people here to be so enthusiastic about it.”
Qi was among plenty who had travelled specially, mixing with aficionados who congregated near betting booths or perched in rows with their betting sheets to plot their next wagers.
Wong, meanwhile, followed a strategy of betting on the least and most favoured horses.
Scarlett Li, 24, a product manager also from Shenzhen who spent two hours travelling to the racecourse, called it “a novel experience to see everyone holding a newspaper and everyone staring at the TV screen”.
“Horse racing does feel like a little extravaganza for Hong Kong locals,” Li said. “There were people of all ages. I didn’t expect to be able to see the racing so close, and near the finish. Everyone got excited and started screaming, and it was a great atmosphere.”
A downpour before race four prompted spectators to take cover before some re-emerged despite spells of light drizzle. It seemed to mimic racing’s variable nature.
“There’s something unique about horse racing,” said Wilson Chan, a regular racegoer and customer relationship manager at a local bank.
“Just like life, you may not run well in one section, but you may catch up later. It’s unpredictable. Sometimes you think you’re going to hit it but fall short, and sometimes it’s just the opposite.”
While some focused on betting, others, such as Wong, revelled in the atmosphere.
“Horse racing here is very unique and is one of the most successful things that can represent Hong Kong,” she said. “There’s nothing else like it in Asia.”