The Hong Kong Derby 2025, sponsored by BMW, is set to take place at Sha Tin Racecourse on March 23, 2025. This prestigious race, exclusive to four-year-old Thoroughbreds, stands as a pivotal moment in Hong Kong racing, offering a prize purse of HK$26 million. As the final leg of the Hong Kong Four-Year-Old Classic Series, following the Hong Kong Classic Mile and the Hong Kong Classic Cup, the Derby has long been a stepping stone for future champions.
Established in 1884, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is amongst the most esteemed horse racing clubs in the world. It received royal recognition from Queen Elizabeth II in 1960, becoming The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, before reclaiming its original name in 1996 after the end of British rule. The HKJC organizes world-class races at its two premier venues, Sha Tin Racecourse and Happy Valley Racecourse, with Sha Tin hosting international Group 1 races, including the Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Sprint, Hong Kong Vase, and the Chairman’s Sprint Prize.
As a member of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), the HKJC attracts top-tier international horses, jockeys, and trainers. It is also at the forefront of racing technology and veterinary research, continuously advancing the sport.
The Hong Kong Derby has produced some of the finest winners in the sport over the past decade. The roll of honor includes MASSIVE SOVEREIGN (jockey Z Purton, trainer C H Yip), VOYAGE BUBBLE (jockey A Badel, trainer P F Yiu), ROMANTIC WARRIOR (jockey K Teetan, trainer C S Shum), SKY DARCI (jockey J Moreira, trainer C Fownes), GOLDEN SIXTY (jockey C Y Ho, trainer K W Lui), FURORE (jockey H Bowman, trainer F C Lor), PING HAI STAR (jockey R Moore, trainer J Size), RAPPER DRAGON (jockey J Moreira, trainer J Moore), WERTHER (jockey H Bowman, trainer J Moore), and LUGER (jockey Z Purton, trainer J Size).
Hong Kong racing has seen some of the greatest jockeys and trainers leave their mark on the sport. Leading jockeys since 1971 include Tony Cruz, Gerald Mosse, Douglas Whyte, Hugh Bowman, Derek T C Cheng, Felix Coetzee, Pat Eddery, Mick Kinane, Eric Legrix, Gary Moore, Joao Moreira, Philippe Paquet, and Zac Purton. Some of the most successful trainers in Hong Kong history include John Moore, Brian Kan, Ivan Allan, John Size, Patrick Biancone, John Brown, Derek T C Cheng, Chu Po-ming, Tony Cruz, Caspar Fownes, Tony Millard, George Moore, and George Sofronoff.
This year’s Derby will welcome an elite group of international jockeys who will be seen partnering with some of the most promising contenders. PACKING ANGEL will be ridden by Joao Moreira and trained by K W Lui, MICKLEY will have Ryan Moore in the saddle under the guidance of trainer John Size, NOISY BOY will be piloted by Christophe Soumillon for trainer C H Yip, and CAP FERRAT will be partnered by Craig Williams, also trained by K W Lui.
Adding to the excitement of race day, Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen will be present as an ambassador, while popular singer Leo Ku will deliver a live musical performance. Spectators can look forward to an unforgettable experience with delicious food and engaging activities, making the Derby not just a test of elite equine talent but also a grand celebration of sport and entertainment.
