Hong Kong - The Hong Kong Jockey Club issued an apology Tuesday after several people were injured in a stampede sparked by a give-away at the season's final meet on Monday. Two women and an elderly man received treatment at hospital after being knocked to the ground by race-goers trying to push their way to a souvenir counter to grab miniature jockey silks.
The club began handing out the gifts to betting account customers on a first-come, first-served basis shortly before the first race of special meet at Shatin to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong reverting to China's sovereignty on Monday.
It was forced to abandon the give-away when hundreds of people began pushing forward, knocking others to the ground and helping themselves to the gifts.
Jockey Club officials also immediately cancelled a second souvenir give-away.
Hong Kong people are known for their enthusiasm in queuing for give-aways and collectibles.
In April 2005, 28 people were injured in a stampede at the Shatin race course when the Jockey Club began handing out free caps.
In 1998, McDonald's outlets all over the former British colony faced mayhem with fights, queue-jumping and even arrests when thousands of people queued to receive Snoopy figurines.
