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

Young people are a vital force for societal progress. To enhance upward social mobility among youth, and in line with the goals set out in the Government’s Youth Development Blueprint, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust launched JC YUP in 2025 with a donation of over HK$440 million. The project’s innovative strategy provides targeted interventions at the three critical development junctures in young people’s transition from school to work. It supports young people in building a sense of pride, broadening their career horizons and laying a solid foundation for a positive career trajectory as they begin their working lives.

To highlight the proud moments of young people participating in the project, the “Say YUP! Proud Moment Showcase” was held today (17 July), bringing together students, school representatives and NGO partners to share their experiences, learning journeys from self-initiated challenges and achievements from the past year. Officiating at the opening ceremony were Edward Yau, JC YUP Advisory Committee Convenor; and Winnie Ying, Head of Charities (Education & Youth Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Edward Yau, JC YUP Advisory Committee Convenor (4th right), Winnie Ying, Head of Charities (Education & Youth Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (3rd left) and other guests officiate at the “Say YUP! Proud Moment Showcase” opening ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Winnie Ying noted that nurturing children and youth in families is one of the priority areas of the Club’s charities strategy, and the Club supports a wide array of youth activities and services in the community. Through JC YUP, the Club hopes to provide targeted interventions at three critical stages of youth development and identify effective evidence-based approaches that enable community resources to be deployed in a more targeted manner and achieve sustainable impact.

Winnie Ying, Head of Charities (Education & Youth Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, shared at the “Say YUP! Proud Moment Showcase” opening ceremony.

This ultimately helps young people establish positive development trajectories and creates greater opportunities for upward mobility over the long term. She added that she hopes the unique proud moments created by young people through the project become a driving force in their growth journey. Also at the event, Edward Yau shared his personal experiences to encourage young people to build the confidence to challenge themselves and explore life’s limitless possibilities.

JC YUP is one of the five youth development initiatives supported by the Club's Charities Trust under a HK$1.4 billion commitment announced in celebration of the Club's 140th anniversary last year. Collaborating with 25 partners, including schools, NGOs, universities and the business sector, the five-year JC YUP project adopts an adaptive intervention design to provide individualised and timely support according to each young person’s development needs and trajectory, as well as the rapidly changing environment.

Students from JC YUP participating schools perform at the “Say YUP! Proud Moment Showcase” opening ceremony.

The first stage of the project enables Form 1 students to create “Proud Moments” through self-initiated challenges, which build confidence and a sense of pride. The second stage of the project provides different types of workplace experience for young people to understand multiple pathways and various future job roles. The third stage of the project is a two-year “Professional Traineeship” programme for young people entering the workforce, creating a new progression pathway connecting school and theworkplace. JC YUP is expected to pilot in 50 secondary schools and benefit 30,000 students. For more details, please visit: https://www.jcyup.hk/en

Students from JC YUP participating schools and NGO partners share their experiences and learning outcomes from the past year.

In addition to donations, the Club’s Human Resources Department supported the project by organising a one-week career exploration and internship programme last month for five Form 4 students from JC YUP participating schools. Hosted by various divisions across the Club, the students gained first-hand exposure to a wide range of functions, workplace environments and career pathways.

Group photo.

Over the years, the Club has initiated and supported a wide range of programmes that empower young people to realise their potential and contribute as active citizens. In addition to CLAP@JC, which has uplifted the professional standards and service quality of career and life development education and services, 21C@JC, which has transformed youth service in the digital era, and JC LevelMind, which provides “Always On” mental wellbeing support services, the Club has supported the HKSAR Government’s annual youthfest@HK since its launch three years ago, which features a wide range of activities designed to bring young people together and to inspire them to realise a hopeful future. The Club has also supported the HKSAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme for over three consecutive years. The programme helps young people from underprivileged backgrounds broaden their horizons, strengthen their self-confidence and set goals for the future.

Five Form 4 students from JC YUP participating schools took part in a one-week career exploration and internship programme organised by the Club last month.

The Club’s support for JC YUP, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

Five Form 4 students from JC YUP participating schools took part in a one-week career exploration and internship programme organised by the Club last month.