Introduction

The 2023 Longines Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin has marked a monumental day in the world of horse racing, welcoming an impressive 69,916 racegoers on site, while an additional 10,775 attended at Happy Valley. This brought the total attendance to a staggering 80,691, the highest figure since 2018, signaling a triumphant comeback for major sporting events post-pandemic.

CEO's Remarks

“I personally think it was one of the best, if not the best, Longines Hong Kong International Races ever,” remarked Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). “The week started off on a high note with the Longines International Jockeys' Championship, which was a tremendous success. Today, everything went perfectly, creating unforgettable highlights.”

Local Dominance

Among the key performances, local horses dominated the event, clinching three out of the four prestigious races. Romantic Warrior (Ire) snatched the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup, Ka Ying Rising (NZ) triumphed in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, and Voyage Bubble (Aus) emerged victorious in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile. The British challenger Giavellotto (Ire) made headlines by winning the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase, marking the first British win at the 'Turf World Championships' since 2012!

Record-Breaking Performance

Engelbrecht-Bresges praised Romantic Warrior as the best 2000m horse globally, highlighting his record-breaking performance and the milestone of surpassing Golden Sixty’s total prize-money record, reaching an astonishing HK$177 million (approximately $22.75 million USD).

Financial Overview

In addition to thrilling races, the event saw a remarkable financial turnout, with total betting turnover soaring to HK$1,716.3 million, including a record commingling amount of HK$473.8 million—indicating a 10% increase from last year’s figures. This success illustrates the growing international interest in Hong Kong’s racing scene.

Strategy and Success

“Our strategy of showcasing the best races from Hong Kong to the world is proving effective,” Engelbrecht-Bresges stated. “Today was not merely about turnover; it was about sporting excellence—a fantastic spectacle capped off with breathtaking fireworks.”

Global Audience

The event attracted a global audience, with 6,511 visitors from Mainland China setting a new record, up 40% from the previous year. Engelbrecht-Bresges extended gratitude to all owners, trainers, and jockeys whose participation made this international gathering possible, emphasizing Hong Kong’s position as an exciting and vibrant city ready to connect with the world.

Conclusion

As the lights dimmed on another unforgettable race day, even football legend Sir Alex Ferguson couldn’t resist the allure of Hong Kong racing, expressing his enthusiasm and promising to return for more. Racing fans and novices alike left with memories to cherish, solidifying this event’s reputation as a pivotal and spectacular fixture on the global racing calendar.