World-class races along with K-pop megastar RAIN, fireworks displays, international cuisines and race week packages

Two international horse races will take places this December, beckoning horse-racing lovers around the world! The races feature not only thrilling contests between the world's elite jockeys and champion horses, but also star-powered entertainment, global culinary delights and spectacular fireworks displays.

The LONGINES International Jockeys' Championship (IJC) and LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) will be held on Wednesday 10 December at Happy Valley Racecourse and Sunday 14 December at Sha Tin Racecourse respectively.

On 10 December, the LONGINES IJC will start at 4:45 pm. Twelve of the world's top jockeys – including James McDonald, who is currently topping the 2025 LONGINES World's Best Jockey rankings – will battle across four races. After race 3, a brilliant pyrotechnic display will add dazzling splendour. On top of the excitement, savour international flavours at the Beer Garden and enjoy high-octane song-and-dance spectacular by international pop group Now United.

For added comfort, enjoy the action from the Beer Garden’s prime balcony with “Now United Performance × Beer Garden Racing & Music Experience Package”. It includes a signed plush, unlimited beer, wine and snacks with table service all night long.

Meanwhile, the LONGINES HKIR on 14 December will be giving out complimentary International Races Cap to spectators upon entry. The race has received early entries for over 185 top horses from Japan, France, the UK, Ireland, Australia and beyond. Selected runners will compete in four Group 1 races – the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint and LONGINES Hong Kong Vase – for a record total prize pool of HK$130 million!

Once again, K-pop legend RAIN (Jung Ji-hoon) will perform at this year’s opening ceremony. In addition, producer-songwriter XTIE will take the stage throughout the afternoon at the performance area underneath Mezza One.

International gourmet food is available to satisfy every taste bud. Feast on baked French cheese potato escargot pie, Chinese fermented bean curd fried chicken burger, baked English Bedfordshire clanger, Japanese beef tendon konjac stew and sweet crepes. Don’t forget to test your racing knowledge at the Sha Tin Racecourse Delights quiz, which will be giving out Romantic Warrior 40cm Horse Plushes at 4:15 pm to the first 500 participants who submit the correct answers.

The races will conclude with a grand finale by international pop music group Now United, followed by an amazing pyrotechnic display that illuminates the skies.

For overseas horse-racing fans, a range of hospitality packages are available. The “Happy Valley Racecourse F&B and Guided Tour Package” and “Sha Tin Racecourse F&B and Guided Tour Package” include racecourse entry, food vouchers, expert-guided tours and a mini horse plush. Alternatively, the “International Races Week Tour Package” covers the LONGINES IJC on 10 December plus morning trackwork viewing and barrier draw insights on 11 December, culminating in the grand finale LONGINES HKIR on 14 December – ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the world of horse racing, including behind-the-scenes expertise.