Hong Kong Racing Season Breaks Records with 3% Growth in Betting Turnover

By Jenny Ortiz-Bolivar | Translated by Siyu He | July 18, 2025

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has reported a strong rebound for the 2024/25 horse racing season, with total betting turnover reaching HK$138.85 billion (€15.2 billion), a 3.0% year-on-year increase. The club attributed the growth to enhanced prize money, an increase in race participants, and rising international engagement.

“This is an inspiring return to growth after last season’s 4.5% decline,” the HKJC stated. Domestic race turnover hit a record HK$31.76 billion (€3.5 billion), marking a 10.1% increase. A highlight was the Lunar New Year race day, which generated HK$510.4 million (€55.9 million) in co-mingled bets—up 23.7%.

HKJC also broadcast 393 overseas races, up 7% from the previous season, with related turnover increasing 2.3% to HK$13.11 billion (€1.4 billion). Looking ahead, the number of broadcast race days will rise to 53 in the 2025/26 season and 70 in 2026/27.

Global Wins and Star Horses

Hong Kong-trained horses achieved 11 Group 1 victories worldwide this season. “It was a breathtaking season,” said HKJC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. “Our top-class horses captured the hearts of fans both locally and globally.”

Among the standout performers were Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior, and Voyage Bubble.

• Ka Ying Rising became the world’s top-rated sprinter, claiming four Group 1 titles and setting two track records at Sha Tin. With a 12-race winning streak, he now ranks third in Hong Kong racing history.
• Romantic Warrior became the first Hong Kong horse to win Group 1 races in four jurisdictions—Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and Dubai—and was runner-up in the Saudi Cup and Dubai Turf. He is now the highest-earning horse globally.
• Voyage Bubble completed the local Triple Crown, winning the Steward’s Cup, the Hong Kong Gold Cup, and the Champions & Chater Cup—a feat last achieved by River Verdon in 1994.

Top Trainers and Jockeys Honored

Trainer John Size secured his 13th championship with 69 wins, while Zac Purton claimed his eighth jockey title with 138 wins, surpassing Douglas Whyte’s all-time Hong Kong win record with a total of 1,878.

Matthew Poon won the Tony Cruz Award as the season’s top local jockey.

Support for Owners and Stable Growth

The HKJC boosted its Owner Bonus Scheme and offered HK$140 million (€15.3 million) in stabling and transport subsidies to reward and encourage owner participation. The total horse population rose from 1,203 to 1,296, and Class 3 or above horses increased from 414 to 441. Syndicate ownership also expanded, with members allowed to join up to seven partnerships, up from four. Both Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble are owned by syndicates.

Prize Money Hits Record High

Total prize money reached HK$1.74 billion (€190.6 million). In 2025/26, HKJC will allocate HK$208 million (€22.8 million) to Group 1 races, including increases to:

• FWD QEII Cup: HK$30 million (€33 million)
• Chairman’s Sprint Prize: HK$24 million (€26 million)
• Longines Hong Kong Sprint: HK$28 million (€30 million)
• Hong Kong Vase: HK$26 million (€28 million)

Conghua Prepares for Racing Debut

The Conghua Racecourse trained an average of 440 horses this season and saw a 24.3% increase in winners, with 302 total wins. Engelbrecht-Bresges praised its contribution to training and horse care. HKJC plans to launch regular racing events at Conghua starting October 2026, positioning it as a world-class racing destination alongside Sha Tin and Happy Valley.

Racing Tourism and Fan Engagement Surge

This season drew over 1.7 million spectators, including a record 195,786 visitors from mainland China—more than double last year’s 93,000. Lunar New Year Race Day, the BMW Hong Kong Derby, and FWD Champions Day each attracted 9,000 tourists.

HKJC credited this surge to Chief Executive John Lee’s support and collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and China Travel Service.

Experience Enhancements and Tech Upgrades

The “Happy Wednesday” brand continued to thrive, with nine themed nights drawing 548,000 fans—a 3.9% increase. New experiences are planned for next season at Sha Tin and Happy Valley, alongside improvements to the WINS Priority Programme and the upgraded Classic 3-in-1 App, which now features enhanced analytics, live content, and racetrack navigation.

Global Reach Through World Pool and Simulcasts

The World Pool expanded to 296 races (up from 258), with co-mingled turnover rising 8.4%. HKJC plans to offer 70 race days and 55 simulcast events in 2026/27 to ensure competitiveness and provide a legal, attractive alternative to illegal betting.