ELLIS WONG AND ACCENTUATING THE POSITIVE!

Always having strong links to Hong Kong and having done my part to enhance quite a few different things in the city, as a writer, I enjoy shining a light on those uplifting moments whether it be the successes of champion Hong Kong born swimmer Siobhan Haughey, the world famous HK Rugby Sevens or those achievements in horse racing that might travel under the radar or get lost in the bouillabaisse of bollocks that way too often raises their heads.

When writing about the politics in horse racing as the Racingbitch and knowing where the bodies were and still are buried, and introducing characters like The Plodder, Toffee Tongue, Wini Wanker, Pee Wee Undies, Herr Merroids and others of that ilk, it was something fun to do, mainly because it knocked the stuffing out of the well known corporate fat cats.

Every dog has his day, and these days, while focused on my multi media project about my imaginary friend Muzi finding Hope, Happiness and being Inspired, I always try to watch Hong Kong horse racing and write about what’s meaningful to me.

After acknowledging the amazing reversal of fortunes for jockey Jerry Chau, a few days ago, I wrote about the remarkable comeback to race riding of jockey Vincent Ho.

After a horrific fall earlier this year and suffering a serious head injury, Vincent fought off negativity, embraced positivity and is back riding some very important winners for his career in going forward.

There’s so much more to life than the bad news bears just as there is a big difference between surviving and living. 

On Wednesday night while channel surfing and trying desperately hard not to end up with the caterwauling from the Beer Garden, I happened to watch apprentice Ellis Wong graduate to the ranks of being a senior rider.

What I also saw was the almost paternal relationship with his trainer Caspar Fownes had me watching the story unfold- the happiness of Ellis, and the importance of his family and friends and support system being there.

Having known Caspar for very many years, I am sure that he was keeping his emotions in check. He wears his heart on his sleeve and it’s not difficult for me to know when Cas is moved. And why shouldn’t he have been moved watching his stable apprentice- just like Vincent Ho once was- graduate by winning on a galloper that he had trained?

Do I enjoy horse racing? Not as much as I did, mainly because life priorities have brought about changes and also because I see what’s going on in racing through very different eyes.

My emotional attachment is with Hong Kong and to see it change with the times with dignity. I don’t wish to see it kicked to the curb though I have questions about the ability of some decision makers to actually deliver what’s needed in the city in 2026.

As someone who arrived in Hong Kong when nine years old from Ceylon with his almost penniless parents and with none of us having ever even been in an elevator, though going through culture shock, I have much to be thankful for: This is the city that adopted my parents and me, and gave us the chance to see what was behind those doors of opportunity.

There’s an entire advertising campaign for Hong Kong in that last line.

As for Ellis Wong, a Hong Kong born Chinese, Wednesday night was a red letter day and it shone a bright light on Happy Valley racecourse and zoomed in on the happiness surrounding the young rider’s family and support system.

I only wish this type of Happiness could be bottled- and someone puts a muzzle on the “singer” at the Beer Garden.

This muzzle will bring about a different type of happiness to those who respect and love good music.