Hong Kong’s 2024/25 racing season saw a strong rebound in wagering turnover, reaching HK$138.85bn (£13.2bn), up 3% from last year, reversing the previous season’s 4.5% decline.
Hong Kong’s international racing stature strengthened through expanded commingling, which reached a record turnover of HK$31.76bn (£3.02bn) – an increase of more than 10%, with participation from more than 70 partners across 26 countries.
The season included 88 race meetings, showcasing 847 local races alongside 393 overseas simulcasts. The HJKC attributed growth to improved jackpot structures, bigger race fields and increased tourism from mainland China and abroad.
Hong Kong Racing CEO, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, stated: “It’s been an amazing season, with outstanding performances by top horses that have truly captured the imagination of fans not just in Hong Kong but around the world.
“Since the Policy Address of HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, we have been able to attract even more Mainland and overseas tourists, who have come to our racecourses in record numbers to experience our city’s signature sport for themselves.”
The Policy Address Engelbrecht-Bresges is referring to is a key annual speech outlining the government’s strategic priorities, which this time highlighted horse racing as a key component in the country’s strategy to develop tourism centered on local experiences.
“These achievements strengthen the position of Hong Kong racing as a world-class sport and entertainment experience,” the CEO continued. “They have also made an important contribution to Hong Kong tourism as well as underlining Hong Kong’s vital role as a centre for East-West exchange.”
A further highlight was the Chinese New Year Raceday, where commingling turnover soared 23.7% to HK$510.4m (£48.6m), setting a new record. The government’s approval for additional simulcasts enabled fans to access 393 international races – a 7% increase.
Meanwhile, total simulcast turnover rose 2.3% to HK$13.11bn (£1.25bn), underpinned by the Club’s World Pool initiative, which expanded its races from 258 to 296, including all 12 of Hong Kong’s Group 1 contests.
Finally, attendance surpassed 1.7 million, with mainland tourist visits doubling to nearly 196,000.
HKJC praised Conghua Racecourse’s training and rehab facilities, lauding it as a key contributor this season. Around 440 horses trained there, with 219 horses from 19 stables securing 302 wins, up 17.7% and 24.3% from last season.
The club is now preparing to launch regular racing at Conghua in October 2026, with the grandstand reportedly almost complete. The return to form for its racing division comes amid an expansion into football and basketball betting by the HKJC, which has been seeking to diversify revenue streams and counter illegal sports betting.
Engelbrecht-Bresges added: “The contribution of Conghua Racecourse to horse training and care has been nothing short of remarkable. But with the start of international-standard racing in October 2026, Conghua and the Club will enter a whole new era.
“Our aim is to make Conghua a truly iconic and must-visit destination, a place not only to enjoy the best racing but also to be truly inspired about all forms of horse sports.
“There will be an experience centre featuring cutting-edge audio-visuals to engage visitors with an appreciation of the horse, and there will be retail, dining and online experiences, all integrated with our racing. We want to make Conghua a truly memorable day out for everyone who visits.”
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