The Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced that from the 2026/27 season, additional bonus payments will be awarded to high-rated imported horses during their four-year-old season. The new Premier Series bonuses are designed for horses with an import rating of 70 or above competing in Class 3 and higher races over distances of 1400m and beyond, from the start of the season until the end of April.
Eligible horses can earn up to HK$1 million in top-up bonuses per race, with HK$500,000 for first place, HK$300,000 for second, and HK$200,000 for third. Horses that achieve two wins in qualifying races before 30 April will receive a maximum of HK$1 million under the Premier Series allocation.
These new bonuses are in addition to the existing Privately Purchased (PP) Bonus program, which provides HK$1.5 million for a first Class 3 win and another HK$1.5 million for a first Class 2 or above victory. With the Premier Series bonus included, the maximum potential bonus payout for owners rises to HK$4 million.
Andrew Harding, Executive Director of Racing at the Club, said, “The Club is committed to enhancing the ownership proposition and improving the quality of our world-class horse population. This initiative builds on the successful PP Bonus and recognises owners who make the outlay to secure high-rated imports.”
During the 2025/26 season, as of 16 March, the Club has awarded a total of HK$64.5 million in individual bonuses, including 38 PP Bonuses worth HK$61.5 million and three PPG (Privately Purchased Griffin) Bonuses worth HK$3 million.
Applications for the current Horse Ballot opened on 2 March, with 460 horse import permits available, including 120 PP permits and 340 PPG permits. Applications close at 5 pm on 14 April. Forms can be obtained at the Club’s headquarters on Sports Road, Happy Valley, or downloaded from the Club’s website. Online applications are open to sole applicants, registered partnerships, and registered syndicates.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.