Handover Raceday wooed crowds

To celebrate the handover anniversary, the Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses are offering free admission today.

Droves of locals and tourists make their way to the tracks.

The "Hong Kong Reunification Raceday" at Sha Tin Racecourse features performances by renowned tenor Zhang Yingxi serving as the opening act as well as singers from "Midlife, Sing & Shine!".

With free public admission at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses, many visitors took the opportunity to visit and snap photos.

Kicking off at 4pm, a total of 11 races are held today with the spotlight on Race 5 -- the Hong Kong Reunification Cup.

Undeterred by the heat -- and cheering on were not just the locals but also tourists from the mainland and beyond.

Tourist from Sydney GEORGIE: "If I win big, I play big, if I don't.... But I saw in the train we were saying this person is going to the races that person is good because we could tell they they're too excited. they couldn't wait to get here to get out."

U.S. Tourist BRAD: "We're enjoying everything, especially the people -- very nice."

To celebrate the anniversary, selected set menus at racecourse restaurants were offered special discounts at 29%.