Shane Dyes Hong Kong, HONG KONG
Airing Date: Nov 3rd, 2003
It's fair to say that Hong Kong's most popular spectator sport is horse racing. Since the mid 1800s horse racing has been one of the few social activities that have united the diverse cultures of Hong Kong.
At Hong Kong's Happy Valley race track, punters spend up to $30 million on one average race. If you're keen to catch Happy Valley in full swing, Wednesday is the night to turn up. Night racing is huge in Hong Kong.
At the track you're likely to see legend jockey Shane Dye. This is Shane's fourth year in Hong Kong, but he etched his name into Australian horse racing history long before that. Shane, aged 36, was born in New Zealand but arrived in Sydney in 1985 and has since become the second most successful jockey ever to ride in Australia, behind Mick Dittman. Dye has also won of host of titles, including the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate, and four consecutive Golden Slippers.
Off the track, Shane loves the buzz of Hong Kong. It overloads the senses with its hustle and bustle, markets, harbour fumes, fishy odours and constant noise.
One of Shane's favourite spots is the bird market in Hong Kong's busiest neighbourhood, Mong Kok. The Chinese have long favoured birds as pets - in fact, visitors can often see the local men walking around airing their birds and feeding them with chopsticks. That's why a trip to the bustling bird market is always a colourful and fascinating experience.
Mong Kok is also home to the flower market. Exploring the colourful walkways, you'll find big bunches of blooms from Holland to Hawaii. There are also specialist shops and sidewalk stalls that display a multicoloured array of exotic blossoms and potted plants from all over the world.
When it comes to food Hong Kong offers it all, but Shane prefers the traditional fishing villages, where you can pick your own seafood then choose a restaurant to cook it up for you. Not only do you get to taste the freshest seafood around, you can dine in style while your own meal is being served.
The facts:
You can race your way to Hong Kong with Jet Set and Cathay Pacific. Return flights start from $1445 from the east coast and $1345 from the west.
Jetset
Tel: 13 63 83
For a room with a harbour view, head to the Harbour Plaza hotel. Prices start from $260 per double per night.
Harbour Plaza Hong Kong
Tel: 02 9929 2829
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