A COMPUTER crash at the Jockey Club caused widespread disruptions yesterday, with events at Happy Valley delayed and punters unable to bet at the track or from scores of off-course betting centres.
In the second technology breakdown to hit the club in just over a month, a series of computer systems collapsed nine minutes before the first race, leaving many punters unable to place last-minute bets. The start of Race Two was delayed by 45 minutes while the problem was fixed.
During the breakdown, punters at Happy Valley were unable to place bets; about half of the Jockey Club's 125 off-course betting centres were also hit.
Club chief executive Lawrence Wong said: 'The Club extends its apologies to all those affected by this afternoon's suspension and thanks the customers for their patience . . . '
Media communications manager Mark Tung Yin-kwun said the electronic shroff card system, used by regular gamblers to store bets, went down first. This had a knock-on effect, and counter betting at Happy Valley, all Hong Kong Island betting shops and several in Kowloon was suspended.
Gamblers at the track complained they had been unable to bet on the first event and were upset by the lengthy delay to the rest of the meeting.
Long queues were seen at a Wan Chai betting shop where the computer system was paralysed: 'How come the computer can break down so easily? I knew I would win but I now cannot make the bet,' one man said.
