Junius Ho Says His Horse Won't Run Amid Unrest

Pro-government lawmaker Junius Ho said on Thursday that the horse he co-owns, Hong Kong Bet, won't run in any Jockey Club races until the social unrest in Hong Kong comes to an end.

Ho announced the decision in a statement, a day after the Jockey Club cancelled this week's races at Happy Valley over fears protesters would target the meeting. Hong Kong Bet had been due to run in the first race.

He said the two other co-owners of the horse had agreed that it should not run for the time being, to safeguard the rights of racegoers, and in the interests of animal rights.

The lawmaker said the cancellation of Wednesday night's meeting was regrettable and his horse was an innocent party in the controversy. He added that there is nothing wrong in loving China and Hong Kong.

Ho has drawn the wrath of anti-government protesters who suspect he backs the actions of a gang who attacked passengers at Yuen Long MTR Station on July 21.