Bankers and maps

With wallets replenished and bulging we made our way to Happy Valley racecourse on Wednesday evening and managed to answer the question en-route "how many bankers does it take to read a map?".
Clearly we needed more bankers as we spiraled our way to the target pub called The Derby. A nice little boozer where Meister and Pete caught up on food with a local and traditional dish....a steak sandwich. Full marks to both for being so adventurous. Kiwi's negotiation skills once more came to the fore as he was haggling to pay the bill twice resulting in confusion across the whole of the pub including the local HK police. At least we managed to pay the correct sum in the end...we think although Kiwi continued to protest in his usual calm and collected manner (yeh right).
So on to the racecourse. For those that have not been, it's a stunning spectacle with a backdrop of towering Hong Kong. Hodge explained that he had not had a winner at HV in 3 previous visits which equated to 24 races which augered well for the evening. Meister and Kiwi made a B-line for a prime spot at the rails right next to the Heineken tent. Meister had a great view over the rails whilst Kiwi could only peer through them. Clive was holding the whip for the evening (we take it in turns) and joined the queue to purchase a couple of 2 litre jugs - the first of many. We watched in amusement as he tried to negotiate his exit route through the snaking maze of the queuing system.
Al joined us after the first race, tucked into the beer and proceeded to explain the complexities and as it turned out the uselessness of the form guides. By this time Kiwi's brain was mush (actually it has changed since touchdown on Saturday) and despite several attempts to explain the betting slips he still completed his as if it was a colouring by numbers exercise.
Clive was doing a fantastic job with the beer jugs keeping us well oiled and therefore he deserved the groups first winner. Gladly we persuaded him not to do a streak across the course. Erica would have been upset with the competition as the police don't wear helmets here.
The course started to become crowded with people vying for space around our spot. Despite the hustle and bustle we stood our ground to ensure we had a good view.....of the beer tent. Kiwi used his usual diplomacy by physically removing other peoples drinks from our table. When all hopes were fading of a further winner by the group, up came number 4 to surge home in race 7 of 8. What a great achievement (also the name of the horse). Well done Pete and well done .......Hodge! First winner from 31 attempts and Lons managed a 99 to 1 place after seeking devine intervention via a text home this time seeking a winning number as opposed to attention.
So homeward bound via local tram. Nodding dogs not allowed but no such restrictions on nodding Kiwi's which was just as well as he defied the laws of physics by sleeping standing up. This week we have experienced the wonders of levers and counter-levers with both Kiwi and Clive.
Back to the White Stag for pizzas and beer and a cup of tea for Kiwi. Despite this attempt at sobering up the landlord had to remove him from the store cupboard in order to point him towards the gents.
Off to see the lights from Kowloon later today god only knows what's in store.