The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has reported a 3 per cent increase in racing wagering turnover to HK$138.85 billion (approx. €15.19 billion) for the 2024/25 Hong Kong racing season.
The return to wagering growth follows a 4.5 per cent decline in turnover in the 2023/24 season, with racing fans enjoying 88 race meetings over the course of the season, including seven summer series fixtures, comprising 847 Hong Kong races and 393 overseas simulcast races.
Hong Kong races attracted record commingling turnover of HK$31.76 billion in 2024/25, a 10 per cent increase on the previous season, with 26 countries and more than 70 partners now commingling on Hong Kong racing.
A notable highlight was the Chinese New Year Raceday in January, when commingling turnover surpassed HK$500 million for the first time, growing by 24 per cent to a record HK$510.4 million.
HKJC offered 393 simulcast races in the 2024/25 season, a 7 per cent increase on the 368 during in the previous 12 months, due to the government’s approval of additional simulcasts, with enhanced racing information being provided for overseas customers.
Overall, turnover on simulcasting (including World Pool commingling) for the season was up by 2 per cent at HK$13.11 billion. This season, the number of World Pool races increased from 258 to 296 including, for the first time, all 12 of HKJC’s Group 1 races, as well as top races from New Zealand. Commingling turnover into the World Pool (excluding Club races) rose by 8 per cent year-on-year.
Total racecourse attendance was over 1.7 million, including a record 195,786 Mainland tourists. This was a 110 per cent increase on the 93,000 Mainland tourists who visited last season.
“It’s been an amazing season, with outstanding performances by top horses that have truly captured the imagination of fans not just in Hong Kong but around the world,” said HKJC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. Since the Policy Address of HKSAR chief executive John Lee, we have been able to attract even more Mainland and overseas tourists, who have come to our racecourses in record numbers to experience our city’s signature sport for themselves.
“These achievements strengthen the position of Hong Kong racing as a world-class sport and entertainment experience. They have also made an important contribution to Hong Kong tourism as well as underlining Hong Kong’s vital role as a centre for East-West exchange.”
HKJC confirmed that it will begin hosting race meetings at Conghua Racecourse in China from October 2026, with the racecourse already providing state-of-the-art training and rehabilitation facilities.
“The contribution of Conghua Racecourse to horse training and care has been nothing short of remarkable,” continued Engelbrecht-Bresges. “But with the start of international-standard racing in October 2026, Conghua, and the Club, will enter a whole new era. Our aim is to make Conghua a truly iconic and must-go destination, a place not only to enjoy the best racing but also to be truly inspired about all forms of horse sports.
“There will be an experience centre featuring cutting-edge audio-visuals to engage visitors with an appreciation of the horse and there will be retail, dining and online experiences, all integrated with our racing. We want to make Conghua a truly memorable day out for everyone who visits.”