The Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced a major donation and will hold its next race meeting behind closed doors as a mark of respect for the victims of a catastrophic public housing fire in the Tai Po district.
A Tragic Blaze and Its Immediate Aftermath
At least 75 people have died, with 76 injured and nearly 300 more reported missing after a huge fire engulfed seven blocks of the Wang Fuk Court complex on Wednesday. The residential tower where the fire originated was home to approximately 4,600 residents and had been undergoing renovation works for the past year.
Police authorities have confirmed the arrest of three individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the incident. Firefighters worked tirelessly for two days to fully extinguish the blaze.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Response
While racing proceeded at Happy Valley on the day of the fire, the Hong Kong Jockey Club conducted an urgent operational review. It subsequently decided that the upcoming Sunday fixture at Sha Tin racecourse would not be open to the public.
In a solemn statement, the Club expressed its profound sadness at the tragic loss of life and personal suffering. An initial donation of HK$100 million (£9.7 million) has been made through its Charities Trust to support the victims and the families of those who died.
Scaled-Back Race Meeting and Further Donations
The race meeting on Sunday will be conducted on a fully scaled-back basis. Attendance will be restricted to Owners, Stewards, Voting Members, and their invited guests, with no sponsors present.
As a mark of respect, a minute of silence will be observed, jockeys will wear black armbands, and all live music has been cancelled. Furthermore, all gross income from the race meeting, estimated at HK$70 million (£6.8 million), will be donated to support those affected. This brings the Club's total contribution to approximately HK$170 million (£16.5 million).
Broader Community Impact and Official Investigation
The fire's impact has resonated throughout Hong Kong, leading to the cancellation of other major events, including the MAMA Awards and the daily Symphony of Lights show.
Eric Chan, the Chief Secretary of the Hong Kong administration, has vowed a thorough criminal investigation to determine the cause of the fire and ensure accountability. The community now faces a long period of recovery and mourning in the wake of one of the city's most devastating residential fires.
