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

The Hong Kong Jockey Club was honoured to be the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Open, which concluded on Oct 25 at the Hong Kong Golf Club’s (HKGC) Fanling Golf Course. The four-day tournament attracted tens of thousands of spectators from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and overseas. This was the first time the Club has supported this M-Mark event as its Official Community Partner.

Club Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Raymond Tam presented The Hong Kong Jockey Club Cup to the tournament’s Low Hong Kong Amateur Player, Markus Lam, and joined HKSAR Government Financial Secretary Paul Chan; HKSAR Government Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law and other guests to witness the presentation ceremony.

Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government (4th left); Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government (4th right); Raymond Tam, Club Executive Director of Corporate Affairs (2nd right); Bryant Lu, Captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club (3rd left) and other guests with the tournament winner, John Carlin (centre) at the presentation ceremony.

As Official Community Partner, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has donated HK$32 million through its Charities Trust to The Hong Kong Golf Club Charitable Foundation Limited to launch the Jockey Club Community Golf Programme. The two-year programme aims to bring golf into the community, nurture young local talent and extend the tournament’s positive impact beyond the course. More than 25,000 schoolchildren, teenagers and members of underprivileged communities are expected to benefit each year.

As part of the programme, the Club has worked closely with HKGC, to launch a series of community engagement initiatives, including school-based activities, experiential golf-learning opportunities, inter-secondary school competitions, golf clinics for young people of different abilities, and complimentary tickets for people from underprivileged communities. Ahead of the tournament, elite international golfers visited a primary school to inspire students’ interest in the sport, while HKGC professional coaches conducted golf clinics to promote inclusion and participation in golf.

During the tournament, the Jockey Club Fan Village provided a vibrant experience for visitors of all ages. The Club’s booth in the village added further colour to the event, with a putting challenge providing opportunities to experience the fun of golf firsthand. Members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team also participated, creating balloon figures and bringing joy to spectators.

Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government (3rd right); Polly Chong, Commissioner for Sports of the HKSAR Government (2nd right), Raymond Tam, Club Executive Director of Corporate Affairs (2nd left); Andy Kwok, former Captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club (1st left) and other guests posed for a photo in front of JC booth.

In addition, visiting golfers were invited to experience Hong Kong’s signature attractions, including the Happy Wednesday races at Happy Valley Racecourse. These experiences helped promote horse racing tourism and showcase Hong Kong’s unique appeal to a global audience.

The Club’s support for the tournament and the programme reflects its long-standing commitment to advancing sports development in Hong Kong. It also aligns with the objectives of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the HKSAR by promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism and developing sports as an industry.

Sport is one of the key impact programmes of the Club’s Charities Trust. Over the years, the Club has helped advance sports at all levels, strengthening sports sector capabilities to facilitate greater access, deeper engagement and longer lasting impact. In 2025/26, the Club’s Charities Trust supported eight “M” Mark events as Official Community Partner through dedicated community engagement programmes, reaching over 91,000 beneficiaries.

Elite international golfers visited a primary school to interact with students and inspire interest in golf through the Jockey Club Community Golf Programme.

The Club’s support for sports events and programmes, like all of its charity and community initiatives, is made possible by its unique value creation model, through which the Club generates sustainable economic and social value for the community through tax contributions, charitable donations and employment opportunities.