Hong Kong’s 2024/25 horse racing season wrapped up in spectacular fashion at Happy Valley, marking the end of what has widely been regarded as one of the most memorable seasons in the city’s racing history. From world-class performances by elite horses to groundbreaking developments in racing tourism and infrastructure, the season demonstrated Hong Kong’s ever-growing influence on the global equestrian stage.
Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior, and Voyage Bubble headlined a brilliant year for Hong Kong-trained horses, each stamping their authority in Group 1 races worldwide. Between them, they secured 11 of the world’s top-level titles, reinforcing Hong Kong’s reputation for breeding and nurturing top-calibre talent. These champions didn’t just thrive at home—they dominated international turf, capturing imaginations from Dubai to Japan.
Romantic Warrior continued his globe-trotting streak with a record-setting win in the Jebel Hatta and near-misses in high-stakes races in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. Ka Ying Rising soared to sprinting stardom, clinching eight wins including three Group 1s and twice lowering the Sha Tin 1200m benchmark. Voyage Bubble carved his name in history as only the second Hong Kong Triple Crown winner in over three decades.
The star-studded season also featured milestone achievements by veteran trainer John Size, who clinched his 13th title, and Zac Purton, who extended his record-breaking streak to 1,878 wins while earning his eighth champion jockey crown. Homegrown rider Matthew Poon added to the local success story, claiming the Tony Cruz Award.
Off the track, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) rolled out initiatives to further promote ownership and training excellence. Incentives such as bonus payouts, enhanced subsidies, and relaxed syndicate limits attracted new owners and increased the active horse population to nearly 1,300 by season’s end. Notably, syndicate-owned stars like Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble underscored the success of shared ownership models.
Prize money reached unprecedented levels, with the 2025/26 season set to offer HK$208 million across Group 1 events. Enhanced rewards for key races on FWD Champions Day and the LONGINES International Races aim to attract elite international contenders and cement Hong Kong’s position as a global racing hub.
Integral to the season’s success was Conghua Racecourse, where cutting-edge facilities supported horse health and performance. Plans are well underway for Conghua to host its own races from October 2026, complementing Sha Tin and Happy Valley in forming a triad of elite racecourses within the Greater Bay Area.
Tourism also saw significant growth, with total attendance surpassing 1.7 million, driven by a doubling of Mainland Chinese visitors. Special racedays, thematic events like “Happy Wednesday,” and upgraded hospitality venues drew a mix of casual fans and high-end international tourists.
Technological enhancements ensured fans could enjoy a seamless racecourse experience. The upgraded HKJC app delivered personalised content, analytics, and navigation features, while the WINS Rewards programme provided more flexibility for dining and merchandise redemptions.
Turnover figures reflected a strong rebound, with overall racing turnover hitting HK$138.85 billion—a 3% rise from last year. Commingling, a hallmark of Hong Kong’s wagering model, soared to a new high of HK$31.76 billion, affirming Hong Kong’s position as a nexus of global betting activity. The number of simulcast races also expanded, with World Pool turnover posting an 8.4% increase, helping further internationalise the Hong Kong product.
As the city gears up for a new season, Hong Kong racing has firmly established itself as a leader in sport, entertainment, and tourism. With rising talent, deepening global connections, and state-of-the-art venues, the sport’s future in the city looks brighter than ever.
