Longines International Races at Sha Tin Racecourse

Hong Kong International Races got the center stage yesterday at the Sha Tin Racecourse. It attracted about 80,000 viewers and established new records for attendance. International engagement in this horse racing event featured Hong Kong’s leading position in the world of horse racing while showing how this event boosts local tourism.

The day began with a performance by renowned Korean artist Rain, energizing the packed grandstands and engaging the crowd of racing enthusiasts. Sha Tin Racecourse welcomed 69,916 spectators, while Happy Valley Racecourse saw 10,775 attendees, marking the highest Longines Hong Kong International Races attendance since 2018. Notably, the horse racing event attracted over 6,500 visitors from mainland China, reflecting a 40% increase compared to last year.

Newly appointed Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui says that over 68,000 attendees the highlighting moment in the influx of international tourists. Visitors from Japan, Australia, Belgium, and the Middle East show the horse racing event’s global appeal as an enjoyable event of all time. Many attendees expressed their intention to return, further solidifying Hong Kong’s reputation as a premier horse racing destination.

The Hong Kong International Races was shown live in 29 countries, broadening its global reach. Betting turnover for the event reached an impressive HK1,716.3 million, with a commingling record of HK473.8 million, a 10% increase from the previous year. Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges the CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, commended the success of showcasing Hong Kong’s races internationally under the World Pool banner, noting the positive impact on the city’s racing product.

Andrew Harding the Executive Director of Racing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club emphasized the horse racing event’s role in connecting Hong Kong to a global audience, noting the diverse international presence at the races. “We saw today among the 80,000 attendees people from all over the world, which highlights the significance of this event in promoting Hong Kong globally,” he said.

Rosanna Law highlighted the strategic importance of the Hong Kong International Races in promoting Hong Kong’s tourism and cultural sectors. She emphasized the need for collaborative efforts across various sectors to improve visitor experiences and create innovative attractions to encourage longer stays and greater spending.

Regarding potential policy changes, Law addressed the possibility of relaxing age restrictions for racecourse entry to expand audience demographics. She also highlighted ongoing efforts to leverage the international racing forum to attract high-end tourists and strengthen Hong Kong’s status in the global horse racing community.

Local racing fans also contributed to the event’s lively atmosphere, with some bringing friends from as far as the United States and South Africa. Tourists, meanwhile, expressed enthusiasm about returning for Hong Kong’s unique night horse racing experiences. The Hong Kong International Races not only celebrated the sport but also reinforced its role in driving tourism and elevating Hong Kong’s global cultural appeal.