On the Year of the Horse Raceday, over 98,000 people gathered at Sha Tin Racecourse to Celebrate the New Year

The Year of the Horse Raceday held at Sha Tin Racecourse attracted over 98,000 people to celebrate the Chinese New Year, with Mainland and overseas visitors breaking previous records with over 20,000 attendees.

The Year of the Horse Raceday held at Sha Tin Racecourse attracted over 98,000 people to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Hong Kong Jockey Club stated that with the record-breaking attendance on the third day of the Chinese New Year, though the 2025/26 racing season was only halfway through, the cumulative attendance has already reached nearly 210,000 people, surpassing the total of 195,000 people for the entire previous season, reflecting the immense appeal of horse racing tourism. In terms of betting amount, the 11 races recorded over HKD $1.84 billion.

Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Hon Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (left); The Hon Martin Liao, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (right) at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Year of the Horse Raceday. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (right); and Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (left), at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Year of the Horse Raceday. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

The Hon Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (6th left, back row); The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (4th left, back row); The Hon Martin Liao, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (5th right, back row); Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (5th left, back row); Club Stewards; other officiating guests and Club jockeys at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Year of the Horse Raceday. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, was very satisfied with the successful start to the Year of the Horse Raceday. He said, "It's a perfect start, and we will continue our strong momentum in the new year. You will see more innovations and exciting facilities coming soon."

Though the 2025/26 racing season was only halfway through, the cumulative attendance has already reached nearly 210,000 people, surpassing the total of 195,000 people for the entire previous season, reflecting the immense appeal of horse racing tourism. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

At the beginning of the Year of the Horse, Sha Tin Racecourse was filled with a strong festive atmosphere, featuring special photo spots such as windmills and peach blossom, symbolizing success and prosperity.

Another highlight on the site was the unveiling of "Harmonious Horses" sculptures, each over three meters tall, created by the local renowned artist Mr. Simon Ma. The unveiling ceremony was officiated by Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr. Aaron Kwok, the local well-known singer and HKJC's Year of the Horse Ambassador, as well as Mr. Simon Ma.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (right), joins the Club’s Year of the Horse Ambassador Aaron Kwok (middle) and renowned artist Simon Ma (left) to officiate the unveiling ceremony. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Mr. Simon Ma stated that sculptures symbolized the integration of Hong Kong and the Mainland. The two horses appear to be running from afar, with their heads slightly raised, signifying high spirits and inspiring energy to move forward.

Mr. Aaron Kwok wished the residents good health, good fortune, and prosperity in the Year of the Horse. He even hummed a few lines from the HKJC's Year of the Horse theme song, stating that the line "Passionate but not easy, willing to keep going" was very important. Mr. Kwok stated that he hoped residents could participate in the various charity events and community activities organized by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. "We hope the spirit of dedication can be passed on to the next generation so they can continue to carry forward this ideal. I think such an aim can be realized via concerted efforts of both parents and children." Mr. Kwok said.

“Harmonious Horses” sculptures standing over three metres high and created by renowned artist Simon Ma at Sha Tin Racecourse. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

“Harmonious Horses” sculptures standing over three metres high and created by renowned artist Simon Ma at Sha Tin Racecourse. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

In Chinese culture, the horse represents perseverance, speed, and vitality, deeply resonating with Hong Kong's spirit, "I can do it". The Year of the Horse holds special significance for both Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Large numbers of residents and tourists visited the racecourse to experience the exhilarating energy and share in the auspicious New Year spirit.

Tora Northman, Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Tora Northman, a Swedish tourist, is on a month-long Asian tour and has specifically stayed in Hong Kong for two weeks to experience the Chinese New Year atmosphere. After attending the New Year Parade on February 17 and the fireworks display on February 18, she attended the Year of the Horse Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse on February 19. Tora said, "It's a unique and wonderful experience. Sweden doesn't have horse racing, so it's wonderful for me to personally visit the massive Sha Tin Racecourse and experience the passion of both the races and horse racing fans. As a tourist, it's truly unforgettable to celebrate the Chinese New Year together with the people of Hong Kong."

Andreas Brautlacht and Regina Brautlacht, Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

A German couple, Andreas Brautlacht and Regina Brautlacht, a businessman and a university professor respectively, arrived in Hong Kong on February 16 for a six-day trip. Having visited Hong Kong four times before, they first attended the horse racing events this year. They praised Sha Tin Racecourse's scale, saying it far surpasses that of racecourses in Germany. They said, "Sha Tin Racecourse has advanced digital horse racing facilities, such as the virtual riding experience equipment, which is very innovative. Our visit to the Racecourse would definitely be a great start to the Year of the Horse."

Mr. Wu (left), Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Mr. Wu, a tourist from Henan Province, visited Hong Kong for the first time with his family, especially aiming to experience the fireworks display on the second day of the Chinese New Year and the Raceday on the third day. During their four-day trip, besides watching fireworks and horse racing, they also shopped in Mong Kok and took a ride on the Star Ferry, spending over HKD $20,000. Mr. Wu praised the vibrant atmosphere at the Racecourse: "Watching the races live was incredibly exciting; the atmosphere was fantastic. Next time, when I'm in Hong Kong, I'll definitely revisit the Racecourse."

Mr. Chow, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Chow, a first-time visitor to the Racecourse, said that Sha Tin Racecourse should be a place with good fortune, and he hoped to change his luck for the Year of the Horse in this wonderful place.

Mr. Tse, Photo by Bastille Post

Mr. Tse, whose father was a former Jockey Club jockey, has had a deep connection with horses since childhood. He specifically visited the Racecourse on the third day of the Chinese New Year to achieve good luck. He also mentioned that he had watched the fireworks display sponsored by the Jockey Club on the night of the second day of the Chinese New Year, saying, "The Jockey Club spent over HKD $19 million to achieve a successful result! The fireworks were very beautiful."

The exciting horse racing on the third day of the Chinese New Year, Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

During the Chinese New Year holiday, the Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival held in Lam Tsuen of Tai Po was bustling with crowds. Many citizens and tourists experienced a series of New Year celebration activities at the festival and tossed wishing placards onto the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree, praying for a prosperous and peaceful new year.

The Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival held in Lam Tsuen of Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

The festival site featured several photo spots where visitors could capture beautiful New Year photos. Among them, the horse sculptures in the shapes of "Golden Horse" and "Galloping Horse" allowed visitors to experience the fun of "leading in the winner" and gain good fortune for the Year of the Horse.

The horse sculpture in the shape of "Golden Horse" allowed visitors to experience the fun of "leading in the winner" and gain good fortune for the Year of the Horse. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

The colorful New Year decorations on the site created a strong festive atmosphere, while the Lam Tsuen-themed float, which had attended the Chinese New Year Parade on the night of February 17, was also on display for visitors to take photos and relive the exciting moments of the parade.

The Lam Tsuen-themed float, which had attended the Chinese New Year Parade on the night of February 17, was also on display for visitors to take photos and relive the exciting moments of the parade. Photo by Bastille Post

Besides, a variety of New Year's goods stalls were set up on the site, offering visitors the fun of New Year's shopping. Meanwhile, the stalls selling delicacies and game booths also allowed visitors to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Well-Wishing Festival.

The huge Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree, Photo by Bastille Post

A variety of stalls were set up on the site, offering visitors the fun of the New Year's celebration. Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

Photo by Bastille Post

Aini, a Hong Kong resident from Indonesia, said she would come to Lam Tsuen every year to participate in the New Year blessing activities. She mentioned that, having worked and lived in Hong Kong for many years, she has built a deep affection for the city and loves its unique folk culture. For her, tossing wishing placards is a very interesting traditional custom. As for her new year wish this year, she hoped the people in Hong Kong could share joy and make everything go well.

Aini, Photo by Bastille Post

As for Niraj and his family from Nepal, it's their second time participating in the Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival, which, together with the previous experience, made him very happy. For him, starting the new year by tossing wishing placards onto the wishing tree is a unique Hong Kong cultural experience. The brightly colored oranges hanging on the branches not only made for a beautiful New Year's scene, but also symbolized good fortune. Looking forward to the coming year, he hoped for good health, peace, and prosperity for his family.

Niraj and his family, Photo by Bastille Post

David Byrne, a tourist from Ireland, said it was his first time experiencing the activities of the Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival. During the Chinese New Year period, he felt a strong festive atmosphere in Hong Kong by enjoying local New Year delicacies with family and friends, and participating in many unique folk celebrations, making him feel Hong Kong's strong commitment to traditional culture inheritance and the public's anticipation and enthusiasm for the New Year celebrations. Looking forward to the new year, he hoped his new baby would be born safe and healthy.

David Byrne and his family, Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Ni, a local resident, came from Mong Kok to Lam Tsuen to experience the unique tradition of tossing wishing placards. She said it was her first time participating in the Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival celebrations, and the lively festive atmosphere left a deep impression on her: "The atmosphere is great with so many people around." She also mentioned that her New Year's wish written on the wishing placard was "to have good health, smooth work, and everything go well in the new year."

Ms. Ni, Photo by Bastille Post

Ms. Yan, another local resident, said she was very joyful to come to Lam Tsuen on the third day of the Chinese New Year to experience the lively festive atmosphere. Seeing many people writing their New Year's wishes on wishing placards and throwing them onto the wishing tree as she did, she felt a strong sense of ritual for celebrating the Chinese New Year. She sincerely hoped that everyone's wishes would be fulfilled in the Year of the Horse.

Ms. Yan, Photo by Bastille Post