Causeway Bay Polo; Happy Valley Race

INTRODUCTION

1918-02-26 the Racecourse great fire followed by the damaging 1922-01-22 — 1922-03-08 Seamen’s strike, though the latter was hurriedly settled after 56 days, both with aftermaths to be rebuilt.
The pleasurable highlight of that year was the visit to Hong Kong of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, afterwards Edward VIII and then Duke of Windsor.
He was on his way to Japan in H.M.S. Renown, as part of his world tour.
Prince of Wales arrived in Central, riding the eight coolies-sedan chair with banners bearing his heraldic badge on two sides.

BACKGROUND

The 1st horsey event was scheduled on the 1st day of his Royal Visit – Causeway Bay
1922-04-06
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, had a dashing display of horsemanship on a China pony.
Opposite to the Victoria Park, the Polo Ground was located at the Central Library after being built on the Navy Ball Field.
He played two games of three chukkas each and scored two good goals.
H R H thoroughly enjoyed the game, he told the players, it being the best performance he had since he left India.

RECORDS

The 2nd horsey event was scheduled on the 2nd day of his Royal Visit – Happy Valley
1922-04-07
In Honor of the Prince of Wales, a special Gymkhana was held by the HKJC.
The proceeds of the races were devoted to the proposed War Memorial Nursing Home.
Big crowds were lined up through the enclosure.
The Prince arrived at 4.25 p.m. accompanied by H.E. the Governor Stubbs.
They motored right into the enclosure to the accompaniment of loud cheering.
He was met by Sir Paul Chater and Sir William Rees Davies and other stewards of HKJC.
He was there to see Race 4 “The Prince of Wales Stakes” with 16 entries, the start of which was held back for him.
Another event was Race 6 the “Renown Plate” with 17 entries, for the Prince’s ship, H.M.S. Renown.

HIGHLIGHTS

Result of the two special races at the Meeting in Honor of the Prince of Wales:
1922-04-07_4 The Prince of Wales Stakes won by SPECKLED MOUSE, owner Henry Humphreys, jockey G H Gibson.
1922-04-07_6 Renown Plate won by RIALTO STAR, owner Birkett, jockey Mr Doyle.

The Prince watched the race from the Governor‘s stand but afterwards the Prince honored Sir Paul Chater by a visit to his stand and private box.
As he appeared at the railing of his special stand he was again given an ovation.
His Royal Highness was a little embarrassed by a loyal and enthusiastic group of naval ratings.
They kept in close attendance upon him and cheered him every time he emerged from the Governor’s box.

SUMMARY

The equine programmes were deeply enjoyed by His Royal Highness, an all around sportsman.
In the evening, the Prince was lavishly entertained by the Chinese community at the Tai Ping Theatre with a banquet and drama.
He was in company with Governor Stubbs, Hon Chow Shou-son, Ho Tung and Ho Kam-tong.
1922-04-18, Prince Edward, Prince of Wales attended the welcome ceremony in Tokyo, Japan.

REFERENCE

1301, the tradition of investing the heir-apparent of the monarch with the title of “Prince of Wales” is usually considered to have begun.

Uncle of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince of Wales, afterwards Edward VIII was renowned by his legacy of abdication. He became Duke of Windsor, after his younger Brother, GEORGE VI ascended the throne.

A coolie (alternatively spelled cooli, cooly, quli, koelie, köle), was a term for a locally sourced unskilled laborer and also used as a racial slur.
The Chinese word 苦力 (pinyin: kǔlì) literally means “bitterly hard (use of) strength”, occasionally translated as “bitter labour”, in the Mandarin pronunciation.

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