Family-friendly horse racing may just be down the road

Michael Shum

The government will "thoroughly consider" whether it is necessary to lower the 18-and-above age limit at racecourses to allow for more "sightseeing" from the public and tourists, says Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung.

This came amid Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's proposal to promote horse-racing tourism in collaboration with the Hong Kong Jockey Club in his policy address on Wednesday.

A columnist for a Chinese newspaper yesterday cited sources as saying that authorities have been in contact with the HKJC to explore possibilities of cutting red tape to promote horse-racing tourism.

They are aiming to lower the age limit that bars anyone under 18 from entering Hong Kong's two racecourses in an attempt to bring in more families to visit the racetracks for sightseeing or to watch the races.

Yeung responded on a radio program, saying the administration is indeed discussing the matter with the club, while also expressing hope that the HKJC can fully use it to its advantage.

"There are many international horse-racing events - including Group One races - every year, which can attract a lot of foreign horses, horse owners and racing enthusiasts to visit Hong Kong, and not many places within the region can do so. The club has to fully make use of this advantage," Yeung said.

"But a balance has to be struck among many factors, including an age limit. Do we need one? I think we have to have a comprehensive consideration. Everything needs a limit, and we will impose one whenever there is a need to do so."

In response to The Standard, the HKJC said horse racing in Hong Kong has gained increasing popularity among tourists, who are drawn to Wednesday events at Happy Valley and the weekend races in Sha Tin.

Club figures show that it has collectively received 93,000 tourists at the two racecourses in the previous 2023-24 season, while the tourist numbers have already surpassed 27,000 in the first two months of the current season after it started in September.

For this season, the club will be hosting 88 local race days, including 12 Group One races. It has maintained ongoing communication with the government in actively promoting horse-racing tourism.

"With the aim of providing convenience to families and tourists to experience the sport in an orderly manner, the club is in discussion with authorities to explore ways to expand the current arrangements to allow owners and member guests to bring their family members under the age of 18 to the racecourses on a limited basis," the club said.

It added that it has been in strict adherence to the "responsible gambling policy" and has stringent underage access controls across all betting channels, while the real threat comes from illegal bookmakers who do not impose any age restrictions on gamblers.

"The club also notes that many racecourses overseas, such as Japan and Australia, allow underage admission. Tokyo Racecourse even blended in a horse-related education element," the club said.

"We will fully support and commence discussions with the relevant government departments including the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board as well as other industry stakeholders to take horse-racing tourism forward."

Michael Cox, a veteran international racing journalist and the editor of racing website Idolhorse.com, told The Standard that horse racing is not merely a medium for betting, but a sport that can be enjoyed without gambling.

With regard to allowing younger people on racecourses, Cox said Hong Kong is unique in its current restrictions.

"Every other major racing jurisdiction allows people under 18 on its racecourses. In Japan, the infield section of the racecourse is set aside as a children's playground, with food trucks, picnic areas and pony rides, making it a family-friendly tourist destination," he said.

"Officials in Singapore never welcomed families and children to the racecourse, which was cited as a key factor in the struggles that preceded racing's recent closure there."

Hong Kong racing is among the best-run jurisdictions in the world, Cox said. He added: "Horse racing in Hong Kong is an elite level sport, with jockeys that are professional athletes and role models and trainers are considered some of the best of all time. This is a sport that can be enjoyed on many levels and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

"Horse racing is much more than just gambling, it can contribute to society and provide entertainment.

"Hong Kong's two iconic racecourses deserve to be recognized as the world-famous tourist destinations they are."

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com