2023-07-24 08:01:47
[Sports News]By entering the racecourse or watching the live broadcast of the race, the public can feel the excitement and speed of horse racing, but they may not have many opportunities to understand the operation behind it. In order to let the public know more regarding horse racing, the Hong Kong Jockey Club set up a special booth at the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo this year. There are grip strength, balance tests and riding simulators for the public to try out. The model of the famous horse Golden Gun 60 is also on display. Apprentice jockey Wong Chi-hung even appeared to share his struggle story, so that the public can understand the journey of becoming a local jockey!
Citizens can obtain free “Horse Racing Classroom” brochures at the booth to learn a little bit regarding horses. In the handgrip and balance tests in the booth, there is also a leaderboard and the data of the apprentice jockeys Chung Yi-li and Huang Zhihong, so that the public can indirectly challenge the apprentice jockeys. The most popular among the public is the simulated riding device. A simulated competition allows citizens to become jockeys, as if they were at the racecourse. Disabled badminton player Chen Haoyuan also participated in the trial, and even competed with apprentice jockey Huang Zhihong on the spot to experience horse racing. Another highlight of the booth was the Golden Gun 60 model. Many citizens seized the opportunity to “check in” with this famous horse.
Para badminton player Chan Ho-yuen (right) competes with apprentice jockey Wong Chi-hung through a riding simulator.The two also took a photo with the Golden Gun Sixty model
During the exhibition period, the Jockey Club also held a number of sharing sessions on “The Road to Jockey Racing Talents”. Project Manager of the Racing Talent Training Center, Sam Yeh, shared the life and training of the “Apprentice Jockey School” and “Jockey Racing Talent School”, so that the public can understand the daily training and learning schedule of racing trainees, and how to become a part of Hong Kong’s horse racing industry step by step, including apprentice jockeys, horse riders and various stable staff. The 22-year-old trainee jockey Huang Zhihong (Ellis) also shared his struggle experience and his journey along the way.
Ellis, who used to be a member of the Taekwondo Hong Kong Junior Team, decided to seek another challenge following completing his goal of participating in the World Junior Championships, and finally chose horse racing as a sport to develop. After training in the “Apprentice Jockey School” and studying in Australia, he returned to Hong Kong this year to become an apprentice jockey. He pointed out that taekwondo and horse racing are different in nature, and he enjoys the challenge with the spirit of a sportsman: “Training in both sports is hard, but as long as you like and devote yourself to it, you will not focus on hard work, but enjoy daily learning and progress.” Learning to get along with horses is what Ellis enjoys most: “Each horse has different characteristics. Getting along with each other is a profound knowledge, and it is also very challenging. I am still learning. When you can ride well and let a horse perform at its level, you will feel a sense of success.”
Sports has always been “one minute on the stage, ten years off the stage”. It usually takes 7 years to apply for an apprentice jockey to graduate from an apprentice jockey and become a full-fledged jockey. Ellis, who is still struggling, said that he can make progress all the way thanks to the comprehensive curriculum of the “Apprentice Jockey School”. Sam Sir explained that the school team provides support in different areas: “The trainees will experience ups and downs during the training process. We need our support and encouragement, and provide solutions to problems. Mentors, nutritionists, etc., and even when students face psychological difficulties, we will arrange psychologists to talk to them.” He said that the school team cooperates with each other and hopes to be a role model for students, so that they understand that horse racing and stables require teamwork and mutual trust.
Sam Sir, project manager of the Horse Racing Talent Training Center.
Sam Sir also pointed out that the attitude of trainees is more important than having sports experience: “The most important traits are optimism and self-confidence. We will build the confidence of trainees through daily training, so that they can face adversity with perseverance and face challenges with an optimistic and positive attitude to improve themselves.” Ellis believes that the support of his family is also very important: “When I was training abroad, there was a period of time when I didn’t have many opportunities to ride. It was my low point. This is a stage that every athlete must go through. A simple encouragement from my family at that time made me feel supported and started once more.” Witnessing Ellis winning the first race in Hong Kong has also become one of his unforgettable experiences on the road of sports.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club booth is located at booth C02 in Hall 5C. The public is welcome to come and learn more regarding horse racing.
Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo – Hong Kong Jockey Club Booth
Date: July 19-25, 2023
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
Address: 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Booth: Booth C02, Exhibition Hall 5C
Tickets:
Adult ticket: HK$30
Child ticket: HK$10 (applicable to primary school students/children with a height of 1.2 meters or below)
– The exhibition will stop selling tickets and entering the venue 45 minutes before the daily closing time
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