This Sunday, 9th November, SHA TIN RACECOURSE transforms into a spectacle of pink, poise, and passion as SA SA LADIES’ PURSE DAY celebrates its 21st edition. Co-presented by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Sa Sa International Holdings Limited, the event isn’t just about racing—it’s about elegance meeting emotion, heritage meeting modern flair. From morning melodies to thundering hooves, the day unfolds as a vivid celebration of Hong Kong’s enduring love affair with racing.
Highlights of a Glamorous Day at Sha Tin
- The HK$4.2 million Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) stands proudly at the heart of it all—a race first run in 1846 and now a timeless symbol of prestige.
- Samantha Ko, this year’s ambassador, adds her signature warmth to the Parade Ring and the “Best Turned Out Horse”
- Yan Ting (YT) makes his Sha Tin debut with an uplifting live performance and a fashion showcase by HKDI graduates.
- Racegoers dressed in pink will be treated to prizes, smiles, and a rare touch of glamour, while early arrivals before 3:30pm at Sha Tin or Happy Valley can collect an elegant souvenir brooch.
- Beyond the track, the new Champions Connection venue promises a digital feast for the senses—with glowing art, a golden mechanical horse sculpture, and craft corners that celebrate racing as both art and sport.
With ten races lined up from 1:00pm to 5:50pm, each open to three-year-olds and upward on the Course C+3 track, Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day promises a journey through grit, grace, and gallop—a day that blends thrill with theatre and leaves a lingering shimmer long after the final roar.
Race 1: L’OREAL PARIS HANDICAP (13:00, 1600 meters)
The day opens with a lively Class 5 handicap for 3yo+ runners, setting the tone for an afternoon of passion and pace. CELESTIAL HARMONY, PERFECT PEACH and PANDA LEGEND may try to seize control early, while SMASHING EXPRESS, THE WAY WE WIN and SUPREME WINNER could wait for the stretch before launching a charge. On the Course C+3, every stride will count as the festival spirit takes flight. Prize Money: $875,000
Race 2: GRACE ONE HANDICAP (13:30, 1000 meters)
A Class 4 handicap follows, where improving contenders aim to build rhythm on the C+3 layout. GIANT BALLON, JUMBO BLESSING and RUN RUN SUNRISE might press for early advantage, but CIRRUS SPEED, KA YING WARRIOR and WINNING DIAMOND could turn momentum late in the straight. It’s a balanced, tactical affair that keeps the pulse steady before the competition deepens. Prize Money: $1,170,000
Race 3: KATE TOKYO HANDICAP (14:00, 1400 meters)
Another Class 5 handicap for 3yo+ steps in, bringing redemption for those searching for form. CIRCUIT VICTORY, SOMETHING JONAH and MY FLYING ANGEL may rely on experience, while YOU’REMYEVERYTHING, THE CONCENTRATION and TEAM HAPPY look ready to surprise if tempo favours them. Expect a tight finish as the crowd’s energy builds with every gallop. Prize Money: $875,000
Race 4: LA ESTEPHE HANDICAP (14:30, 1600 meters)
Midway through the early card, the Class 4 handicap offers room for ambition. FLYING KNIGHT, FIGHTING MACHINE and THE AUSPICIOUS should find comfort in the course’s forgiving turns, while AUDACIOUS PURSUIT, VOLCANIC SPARK and TURF PHOENIX could surge with strength late. It’s a race for the persistent—the kind that quietly shapes future champions. Prize Money: $1,170,000
Race 5: CANMAKE TOKYO HANDICAP (15:00, 1200 meters)
The bar rises with a Class 3 handicap, where seasoned runners clash with up-and-coming talent. LIFELINE EXPRESS, CIRCUIT GRAND SLAM and MATTERS MOST could dictate from the front, yet BIGTIME GENERATION, CALIFORNIA BLUES and ETERNAL RICHNESS may wait for the right break on the C+3 track. The competition sharpens here, and precision becomes everything. Prize Money: $1,860,000
Race 6: SUISSE PROGRAMME HANDICAP (15:35, 1200 meters)
Energy heightens in this Class 4 handicap, a race that tests both stamina and strategy. JUBILANT WINNER, INCREDIBLE MOMENT and CALIFORNIA BLITZ might prefer to stay handy early, while GREAT SPIRIT, VIGOR ELLEEGANT and AWESOME TREASURE could thrive on a late surge. Every second on the Course C+3 will decide who finds the perfect rhythm. Prize Money: $1,170,000
Race 7: THE SA SA LADIES’ PURSE (HANDICAP) (16:05, 1800 meters)
All eyes turn to the Group 3 feature, Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap, steeped in 178 years of history. This is more than a race—it’s a tradition, a tribute to elegance, and the heartbeat of the day. CHANCHENG GLORY, HAPPY TOGETHER and MOMENTS IN TIME will look to write their names in Sha Tin folklore, while MASSIVE SOVEREIGN, BUNDLE AWARD and CALIFORNIATOTALITY bring fresh promise to challenge the veterans. The stands will roar as heritage and horsepower unite in perfect harmony. Prize Money: $4,200,000
Race 8: ELIZABETH ARDEN HANDICAP (16:40, 1400 meters)
After the feature, the Class 4 handicap rekindles tempo and tension. MOUNT EVEREST, KYRUS TREASURE and STRATHPEFFER could carry forward their form, though EXCEL WONGCHOY, BETTER AND BETTER and POSITIVE SMILE might close strongly if given room to run. The competition remains fierce, proving that the Sa Sa spirit doesn’t fade after the highlight. Prize Money: $1,170,000
Race 9: NEOGENCE HANDICAP (17:15, 1400 meters)
The penultimate event, a Class 3 handicap, delivers a tactical battle where focus and finesse rule. JUNEAU PRIDE, THE BOOM BOX and LUCY IN THE SKY could control the early fractions, while COLOURFUL GAN, REAL GENTLEMAN and THRIVING BROTHERS may strike from behind in the dying strides. On this late-stage C+3 turf, every decision can make or break victory. Prize Money: $1,860,000
Race 10: SANTA MONICA HANDICAP (17:50, 1400 meters)
The day concludes with the Class 2 handicap, a fitting finale for 3yo+ gallopers looking to end the festival in glory. BEAUTY CRESCENT, YOUNG CHAMPION and MID WINTER WIND will seek to dominate from the front, but VICTOR THE WINNER, LIGHT YEARS CHARM and DROMBEG BANNER could turn the tables with a powerful late kick. As the sun dips behind the grandstand, the cheers will echo—a closing note to a day that shimmered with style and spirit. Prize Money: $2,840,000
As night settles over Sha Tin, the echoes of cheers and hoofbeats fade, but the glow of Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day remains. The day’s charm—its colour, music, and racing brilliance—leaves a warmth that lingers beyond the final race. More than a sporting event, it’s a celebration of elegance, emotion, and the enduring spirit of Hong Kong racing. As the lights dim and the pink hues fade, one truth stands clear: Sha Tin’s sparkle will return next year, just as dazzling as ever.
Read the full story and more Hong Kong racing updates on RaceBuzz.
