Massive queues form for record $200m Year of the Horse Snowball

Hundreds lined up at Central’s Stanley Street betting branch from its opening time on Friday, drawn by the estimated HK$200 million top prize in tomorrow’s Mark Six Year of the Horse Snowball draw.

Crowds stretched from Stanley Street around to D’Aguilar Street and Wellington Street at the Hong Kong Jockey Club branch in Central as soon as it opened today. 

Staff used “end of queue” signs to manage the long queue of nearly 300 people hoping for the record jackpot.

A retiree surnamed Lau traveled from Fanling, attracted by the branch’s reputation for past big wins. 

He added more bets beyond his initial HK$300, dreaming of buying a car and flat if he wins, but prefers multiple winners sharing the fortune over one sole jackpot.

An office worker surnamed Kam queued during lunch for HK$100–200 worth, saying the real thrill is daydreaming about winning all day—planning family property, cars, and travel—rather than the actual prize. He would keep any win low-key.

A passer-by surnamed Chan spent HK$75 on a quick computer pick for good luck, citing past minor wins, including in the UK, and plans charity and family sharing if he hits the jackpot.

An early arrival surnamed Tam bought multiple tickets worth HK$190 in person instead of online, calling the branch lucky and buying for his family too.