The 2025/26 Hong Kong horse racing season opened at Sha Tin Racecourse today, attracting more than 43,000 visitors across the city’s two racecourses, including 7,000 from the mainland and overseas. Betting turnover reached HK$1.33 billion, about the same as last year.
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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Jockey Club chairman Martin Liao Cheung-kong officiated at the opening ceremony, which featured a lion dance before Lee struck the gong to signal the start of the new season.
The highlight race, the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup, was won by Horse of the Year Ka Ying Rising. Trained by David Hayes and ridden by Zac Purton, the sprinter notched his 13th straight victory in the 1,200-meter contest, clocking 1:07.63, close to his own course record.
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Fans Flock to Sha Tin for Season Opener
Horse racing enthusiasts traveled from near and far to attend the season opener. Shi, from Dongguan, praised Hong Kong’s “horse racing tourism” and the lively atmosphere at Sha Tin, placing bets worth several hundred Hong Kong dollars.
Qingyu, from Shenzhen, cosplayed a character from the anime Pretty Derby, calling horse racing energetic and spectator-friendly. She spent over an hour on makeup to take photos at the racecourse and said she would consider returning.
New Facility Launch Attracts Global Visitors
Visitors were also introduced to Champions Connection, a new grandstand facility offering interactive digital experiences.
In the a hall of fame with 3D digital displays of six legendary racehorses in virtual stables, Chongqing visitor Bi and her friend Zhang tried out 3D technology that recreated champion horse Golden Sixty in a virtual stable.
“The new space is very modern and spacious. The digital experience is something I’ve never seen before in the mainland,” Bi said.
The season opening also drew overseas tourists. Australian couple the Hamills said they planned their 10-day Hong Kong trip to watch Ka Ying Risingbefore his scheduled run in the Everest next month.
Having visited tracks in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, they said Sha Tin’s scale and atmosphere stood out: “The racing here is more spectacular than anywhere else. The excitement is world-class, and no other place can compare.”
Horses and Jockeys Earn Praise Despite Rain
A group of 40 alumni and students from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business also visited the racecourse during their Hong Kong trip.
Despite heavy rain and strong winds, with the No. 3 typhoon signal in effect early this morning and torrential downpours at Sha Tin around 11am, the event continued smoothly. Singaporean participant Long praised the racecourse’s contingency measures.
“It is quite commendable both for the jockeys and their horses to work seamlessly despite the weather,” Long said.
