Horse racing has a long history in Hong Kong, enjoying great popularity among locals. But does the pastime continue to carry the same amount of clout following Hong Kong's return to China? For many, it's seen as a barometer of whether the implementation of the One Country, Two Systems concept has been successful. Now 20 years after Hong Kong's return, is horse racing on the decline? Or, is the age old tradition still alive and kicking? Our reporter Ge Yunfei went the distance to find out.

 

Hong Kong, one of the world's most densely populated cities. Over 7.3 million people are living, working, and striving for a better life in this international metropolis. Among them, Wong Ka Chai, a minivan driver, who works at least 10 hours a day and six days a week. Today is special for Mr. Wong, because it's Wednesday. And that means it's horse racing night.

 

WONG KA CHAI HONG KONG JOCKEY FAN "Horse racing is so much fun. Hong Kongers are so stressed but we can get all that stress out at the horse races. Watching and shouting just makes you happy. The joy of winning can't be bought.

 

Speed, passion, and luck. There's a rush of adrenaline in the air at the Happy Valley Racecourse in the heart of Hong Kong island. Mr. Wong placed a 200 Hong Kong dollars bet on horse number 9. And it appears that lady luck is on his side today, as the horse earned him five times the bet.

 

WONG KA CHAI HONG KONG JOCKEY FAN "A few hundred bucks is enough to make you happy. After winning, I usually have dinner with my family. Betting on the horses won't make you rich. I just consider it as a small bonus."

 

GE YUNFEI HONG KONG As one of the most beloved sports in the city, horse racing has become a symbol of Hong Kong lifestyle.

 

It's not only about horse racing but it's also a cultural experience for tourists. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the CEO of Hong Kong Jockey Club, the city's wildly successful horse racing operator, said the sport is like the city's heartbeat.

 

WINFRIED ENGELBRECHT-BRESGES CEO OF HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB "Why is HK racing is so popular? Hong Kong racing reflects the lifestyle of Hong Kong, It's fast, it's competitive, it's resilient."

 

HKJC used to be called the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club before Great Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997. Horse racing is illegal on the Chinese mainland, and 20 years ago many people in Hong Kong feared that horse racing, under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, would change. But Winfried says the industry is more successful now than ever.

 

WINFRIED ENGELBRECHT-BRESGES CEO OF HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB "I came here on April 1st, 1998. Twenty years ago, Hong Kong racing was more regional in sporting quality. But now, we're one of the global leaders in the racing world."

 

For Mr. Wong who has been placing bets on horses for over 20 years, the thrill of going to the races is unchanged. And he said, he’ll continue this hobby for the next 20 years. Ge Yunfei, CGTN, Hong Kong.