Shanghai Historical House Association
On Sunday, May 17, Champagne will flow, fine food will be served and guests will gather to commemorate the 75th anniversary of one of old Shanghai’s grandest institutions: The Shanghai Race Club. Today the Shanghai Art Museum, The Race Club was where Shanghai society gathered to share the excitement of race day – and where legendary fortunes were won and lost. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the opening of this landmark building, Race Club fans will gather to enjoy a sumptuous free-flow Champagne brunch at Kathleen’s 5, on the rooftop of the former clubhouse. ”The Shanghai Race Club symbolized so much of what old Shanghai was about — people from all over the world coming together to gamble on the chance that they might strike it rich,” says Byron Constable, the Shanghai-based database marketer who conceived of the celebration. “Businessmen, politicians, gangsters, entertainers and the common folk all tried their luck at race meetings. Win or lose, they shared the excitement of race day, and we’ll recreate a bit of that glamour and excitement at this Champagne brunch.”
Danny Du — the eldest great-grandson of the legendary Du Yue Shen, also a big race fan — will unveil the “Official Shanghai Race Club Board Game,” created by Byron Constable. “The game recreates the thrill of a day at the Shanghai Racing Club,” says Constable, who will accept orders for a limited number of the games, which are sure to become collector’s items.