In an unprecedented string of events, three racehorses died within six days in Hong Kong, sparking an uncanny wave of speculation. The horses, named “Light of Civilization,” “Everyone’s Joy,” and “Master Grade” have sparked discussions about their demise. Among these three, two dropped dead unexpectedly, while the other died from a broken leg. Could these events have an unanticipated foreboding significance?
Fateful year of 1997
The year 1997 marked the handover of Hong Kong’s sovereignty from Britain to the People’s Republic of China. Deng Xiaoping had pledged to the people of Hong Kong the concept of “one country, two systems,” asserting that it would remain unchanged for 50 years. The city was to be governed by its own people, with a high degree of autonomy. Even so, during this time, a racehorse named “Smooth 97” tragically broke its leg during a race and had to be euthanized on the spot.
Reportedly, “Smooth 97” won its first race on June 11, 1997, just before the handover, and another after the transition on September 6, 1997. Its back-to-back victories were touted by the media as a sign of a successful transition of Hong Kong’s sovereignty, a positive omen. However, just 15 days later, on September 24, 1997, “Smooth 97” performed poorly, finishing last, and collapsed after the race. It was found to have broken its leg and was subsequently euthanized.
Other horses around the time of the handover, such as “Basic Law,” “Express,” “Five-Star Arch,” “Red Star General,” and “Red Star Warrior,” had no notable achievements and some were retired early. Some were even said to have been put down. Given the significance Hong Kong people attach to symbolism, could all of this be a message from fate?
Ominous incidents beyond the racetrack
‘A Better Tomorrow’ for Hong Kong float
On the first day of the Lunar New Year in 1997, during the last parade organized by the British colonial government in Tsim Sha Tsui, a float named “Hong Kong, A Better Tomorrow” sent by pro-Communist groups lost control and crashed into pedestrians, resulting in the death of a British tourist and injury to 31 others. Some citizens remarked that out of all the floats that day, it was the one symbolizing Hong Kong’s future that met with an accident.
The ‘Handover Tripod’ incident
Prior to the handover in 1997, Hong Kong ordered a 3-ton, 10-foot tall “Handover Tripod” from the mainland. The tripod, engraved with over 1,100 characters of the “Basic Law” was an emblem of a prosperous Hong Kong after the handover. However, while it was being taken away after its welcoming ceremony on June 16, 1997, the rope broke due to excess weight, causing the tripod to fall from a height of nearly 10 feet, which broke one of its legs.
These incidents eerily foreshadowed the city’s tragic fate after it fell into the hands of the Communist Party. Since 1997, Hong Kong has experienced a financial crisis, SARS, anti-national education protests, the Umbrella Movement, and anti-extradition bill protests. Ultimately, the introduction of the National Security Law snuffed out the city’s remaining freedoms.
Recent racing tragedies stir public emotion
This year, there were further equine fatalities in Hong Kong, with three incidents occurring within six days — a frequency that is truly shocking. First, on July 1, a horse named “Light of Civilization” dropped dead at the Sha Tin Racecourse during the “Hong Kong Reunification Race Day.” The club later reported the horse had suffered a fatal heart attack.
On July 6, two more accidents occurred at the Happy Valley night races: “Everyone’s Joy” fell due to a broken leg during the third race and was later euthanized. In the seventh race, “Master Grade” succumbed to a heart attack after crossing the finish line.
In response to these unusual and tragic incidents, the Hong Kong Jockey Club announced that it would conduct a thorough internal investigation and seek assistance from international veterinary experts.
The deaths of three horses within six days sent shivers down the spines of many, prompting questions about the future fate of Hong Kong.
Deciphering the horse portents
The phrase “The sky is silent, but shows its intentions through signs” resonates with many netizens in Hong Kong. They interpret the death of “Light of Civilization” as a symbol of the extinction of universal values and world civilization in Hong Kong on the day of its return.
The demise of “Everyone’s Joy” is seen as foretelling the end of happiness in Hong Kong, with the city transforming from a cosmopolitan metropolis into a “Police City” or “National Security Capital.”
Lastly, the death of “Master Grade” is interpreted as an omen of Hong Kong’s international standing taking a nose-dive, with the world financial center painstakingly built by Hong Kong’s people over a hundred years, disintegrating into ashes.
However, Hong Kong netizens remain hopeful, asserting that after this dark period, a new dawn will eventually arrive for Hong Kong.
Translated by Cecilia
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