SPORT AND RECREATION
311
Horse racing is more popular than ever. The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club's new public stand was completed by the start of the 1961 season but there is still insufficient room to accommodate all those who wish to attend the meetings at Happy Valley. The latest major cash sweep run in conjunction with the Kwangtung Handicap set a new record when well over three million tickets were sold and the first prize amounted to over $14 million. HRH Princess Alexandra watched this local classic and after the race presented the Kwangtung Handicap cup to the winning owner.
The highlight of the 1961 cricket season was the Hong Kong XI's tour of Singapore and Malaya which took place in May. Although the Hong Kong players had been out of action for several weeks before the tour, they acquitted themselves well, losing only one of the four matches, the Interport versus Malaya. In Hong Kong, competition in the cricket league was keener than ever and the overall standard of play compared favourably with previous seasons.
Public squash rackets courts are maintained at Victoria Park. The Hong Kong Squash Rackets Association was established in the course of the year to encourage this sport, and there is now a thriving squash rackets league comprising service and civilian teams. Chinese sportsmen are being attracted to the game and when they have gained more experience they should make their mark in local squash circles.
Golf is extremely popular; there are long waiting lists to join local clubs and complaints of overcrowding-especially at the week-ends—are now as familiar in Hong Kong as they are on the courses around London. The Hong Kong Open Championship in February was won by the then reigning British Open Champion, Kel Nagle of Australia. Apart from a large Australian contingent, lead- ing professionals from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines also competed. The Far East Golf Circuit has now been completed by the inclusion of Japan and Malaya and players from England, America, Canada and South Africa are expected to take part in 1962. At Kuala Lumpur the Hong Kong team won the South East Asia Amateur Golf Team Championship.
Tennis does not appear to be making much progress, despite the fact that conditions favour the game and ample facilities are available. All the major Colony competitions were again won by a