https://www.scmp.com/rss/522053/feed Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges is a highly influential figure in global horse racing, having served as Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club since 2007. He joined the Club in 1998, transforming it into a world-leading racing organisation and its Charities Trust into a top global donor. He also chairs the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities and the Asian Racing Federation, demonstrating his significant international leadership. Previously, he led Germany’s horse... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jay Rooney Jay Rooney All eyes will be on the next release of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2026 after Ka Ying Rising’s latest record-breaking success, with the champion sprinter’s rating expected to surge to at least 130. Sitting atop the rankings so far this year, Ka Ying Rising became Hong Kong’s highest-rated galloper in history with a figure of 128 last year and has maintained that mark in 2026. Since the last release of the WBRR, the David Hayes-trained superstar has produced another two... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351554/ka-ying-risings-rating-likely-surge-least-130-next-worlds-best-racehorse-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3351554/ka-ying-risings-rating-likely-surge-least-130-next-worlds-best-racehorse-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:00:20 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The record number of tourists who descended on Sha Tin on Sunday were treated to another dominant display from superstar Ka Ying Rising, music from a K-pop star and a race meeting Jockey Club chief Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges called one of the “best ever in Hong Kong”. On a day when the city’s elite proved more than a match for the rest, the 13,000 visitors who made the trip from mainland China watched the horse considered the best sprinter there is take an incredible 20th consecutive victory,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3351494/record-tourist-numbers-flock-one-best-race-meetings-ever-champions-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3351494/record-tourist-numbers-flock-one-best-race-meetings-ever-champions-day-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:37:27 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Docklands and Royal Champion were the first of the internationals set for FWD Champions Day to arrive in Hong Kong on the weekend, but there were two absentees from the travelling party after the withdrawals of Andreas Vesalius and Native Approach. Docklands and Royal Champion arrived from Britain on Saturday night, with Japan’s six representatives following soon after in the early hours of Sunday morning. Group One winners Masquerade Ball, Jantar Mantar and Satono Reve headline the Land Of The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350636/champions-day-raiders-arrive-hong-kong-caspar-fownes-reclaims-championship-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3350636/champions-day-raiders-arrive-hong-kong-caspar-fownes-reclaims-championship-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:45:45 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The much-anticipated Group One QEII Cup (2,000m) has been reduced to a field of nine after the withdrawals of Japan’s Museum Mile and a trio of locals on Monday. Connections of dual Group One winner Museum Mile confirmed to the Jockey Club on Monday that he won’t take his place. Reports in Japan on the weekend indicated connections had been told by the Jockey Club he was unlikely to pass a Hong Kong vet inspection, based on videos of his gait. Classic Cup (1,800m) winner Stormy Grove has also... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349875/japanese-star-museum-mile-and-trio-local-hopes-withdrawn-qeii-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349875/japanese-star-museum-mile-and-trio-local-hopes-withdrawn-qeii-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:00:16 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ka Ying Rising could race at Conghua in November as the Hong Kong Jockey Club considers a bold proposal to introduce the world’s best sprinter to fans across the border. HKJC boss Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m), the key lead-up race to December’s Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m), could be moved to Conghua for the mainland racecourse’s second meeting of the season. Regular racing at Conghua, a northern district of Guangzhou, will be launched later... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349853/ka-ying-rising-race-conghua-jockey-club-could-showcase-champion-sprinter-mainland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3349853/ka-ying-rising-race-conghua-jockey-club-could-showcase-champion-sprinter-mainland?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:09 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong Jockey Club spent more than a decade working to convince the city’s rugby community they should be allowed to play a part in sevens week – the two sides finally came together on Sunday for the start of eight days when athletes of all stripes will thunder across different types of turf. The men and women who will represent the city at Kai Tak Stadium formed the centrepiece of the event at Sha Tin Racecourse, and for several, including women’s debutant Haruka Uematsu, it will be their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349801/many-firsts-and-new-faces-rugby-racing-finally-share-stage-hong-kong-7s-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349801/many-firsts-and-new-faces-rugby-racing-finally-share-stage-hong-kong-7s-week?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:04:52 +0000 Olivia O'Sullivan Olivia O'Sullivan Hong Kong stars Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior have topped the latest edition of the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, the first time the city has occupied both spots. The David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising headlines the rankings, remaining Hong Kong’s highest-rated racehorse in history on a mark of 128, while the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained Romantic Warrior was close behind with a rating of 124. Third place in the list, which was released on Thursday, went to Japanese... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346486/ka-ying-rising-tops-longines-worlds-best-racehorse-rankings-final-derby-field-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3346486/ka-ying-rising-tops-longines-worlds-best-racehorse-rankings-final-derby-field-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Utilising new technology, engaging with younger fans and better promotion of racing are crucial to the future of the sport, according to Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and executive director of racing Andrew Harding. Speaking on the final day of the Asian Racing Conference in Riyadh, Engelbrecht-Bresges and Harding highlighted the key motivators in safeguarding the future of racing. “If there is one message that cuts across all our discussions, it is this: the future of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3343456/asian-racing-conference-new-technology-and-engaging-younger-fans-crucial-future-racing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3343456/asian-racing-conference-new-technology-and-engaging-younger-fans-crucial-future-racing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:30:09 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges has urged racing officials worldwide to work together to help the sport prosper and grow a new fan base. Speaking at the Asian Racing Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday, Engelbrecht-Bresges highlighted several challenges the industry was facing, including the threat of illegal betting on integrity. The conference’s three-day business programme started on Tuesday with the opening session ‘The Evolving Global Racing and Sporting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3343058/asian-racing-conference-jockey-club-boss-calls-worldwide-unity-help-sport-prosper?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3343058/asian-racing-conference-jockey-club-boss-calls-worldwide-unity-help-sport-prosper?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:30:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang It is that time of year when the stars of Hong Kong’s racecourses take centre stage, which makes now as good a time as any to take a look at a few names that stand out from the crowd. There are three equine icons that define racing in Hong Kong: the one who lifted our spirits, the one who is a local hero and the one who conquered global riches. More than just a horse Walking into Sha Tin Racecourse, visitors are greeted by a life-size bronze statue that makes the importance of one horse... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341537/year-horse-meet-3-equine-icons-who-changed-landscape-hong-kong-racing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341537/year-horse-meet-3-equine-icons-who-changed-landscape-hong-kong-racing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:34 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney A new Hong Kong record for consecutive wins, back-to-back Speed Series and The Everest (1,200m) victories, another Triple Crown victor and a fifth straight Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) success. In a sport as unpredictable as horse racing it can be dangerous looking too far into the future, but that is what could easily lie ahead in 2026 for the city’s two champion gallopers, Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior. The world’s best sprinter and highest-earning racehorse of all time kicked off... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341265/history-beckons-hong-kong-champions-ka-ying-rising-and-romantic-warrior-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341265/history-beckons-hong-kong-champions-ka-ying-rising-and-romantic-warrior-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:29:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Local fans filled Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday not just to place bets but to witness Ka Ying Rising match a record that had stood for more than 20 years. After several days of cold weather, the temperature in Hong Kong rose above 20 degrees Celsius in late January. Attention under the sun was focused on the day’s Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m), where Ka Ying Rising caught up with the long-standing 17-win streak record set by Silent Witness. Fans gathered at the rails after 3pm for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341175/chance-witness-ka-ying-rising-make-history-main-bet-local-fans-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341175/chance-witness-ka-ying-rising-make-history-main-bet-local-fans-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:00:10 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Hong Kong and Guangzhou’s horse industry cooperation will enter a critical phase when the first of regular race meetings is held at Conghua racecourse in October, with the Jockey Club aiming to showcase “world-class racing and entertainment” to the mainland. A key pillar of China’s five-year National Equine Industry Development Plan, Conghua – which is situated 150km north of the Hong Kong-China border – will host the first of what is believed to be four race meetings for the 2026-27 season on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341029/jockey-club-set-stage-world-class-racing-and-entertainment-conghua-october?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3341029/jockey-club-set-stage-world-class-racing-and-entertainment-conghua-october?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:36:34 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney Ka Ying Rising has been rated the equal second-highest galloper in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2025, with the champion sprinter becoming Hong Kong’s highest-rated racehorse in history on a mark of 128. Unbeaten from eight starts last year, the David Hayes-trained superstar was second only to French star Calandagan, who was rated 130 after an outstanding year highlighted by Group One victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2,400m), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340632/champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising-rated-equal-second-longines-worlds-best-racehorse-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3340632/champion-sprinter-ka-ying-rising-rated-equal-second-longines-worlds-best-racehorse-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:38:01 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma The coming Lunar New Year fireworks display in Hong Kong will feature the theme of galloping horses to welcome the Year of the Horse, with the Jockey Club sponsoring the event for the first time. Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said on Friday that the fireworks show, titled “Prosperity gallops across Hong Kong”, would be a part of a year-long campaign by the betting giant to celebrate the equine zodiac with a series of events from races to museum exhibitions. “For the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340201/galloping-horses-theme-hong-kongs-lunar-new-year-fireworks-display?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340201/galloping-horses-theme-hong-kongs-lunar-new-year-fireworks-display?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:48:37 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport An expanded Hong Kong 10s tournament and midweek racing at Happy Valley are among the changes being made to this year’s sevens week in the city, as the landmark tournament celebrates its 50th birthday in April. For the first time, a partnership between Hong Kong China Rugby, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Hong Kong Football Club will bring an element of cohesion to what is traditionally the biggest week in the city’s sporting calendar. Rugby and racing will work in tandem through the week, with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3340029/rugby-and-racing-join-forces-make-hong-kongs-sevens-week-bigger-and-better?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3340029/rugby-and-racing-join-forces-make-hong-kongs-sevens-week-bigger-and-better?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:20:45 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Enhancing the safety and well-being of thoroughbred racehorses was the key focus of the Jockey Club’s Equine Welfare Research Foundation’s inaugural international conference held in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Attracting 220 speakers and delegates from 25 countries, the event underscored a unified global effort to enhance the safety and welfare of thoroughbred racehorses through scientific innovation and collaboration. Themed “Applying Science to the Care of the Thoroughbred Racehorse”, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336904/safety-and-well-being-racehorses-key-focus-jockey-club-foundations-inaugural-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336904/safety-and-well-being-racehorses-key-focus-jockey-club-foundations-inaugural-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:16:18 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney He’s been inundated with messages from people around the world after helping save Sunday’s Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin, but Chris McMullen has deflected praise for his role in the incident. Images and video of the Jockey Club’s assistant starter stepping in to tackle a protester who ran onto the track as the Cup field turned for home went viral on social media, with McMullen drawing praise for his quick thinking. The Cup, won by champion galloper Romantic Warrior for a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336502/starter-deflects-praise-after-stopping-track-invader-while-jockey-club-boss-makes-rising-rating-case?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3336502/starter-deflects-praise-after-stopping-track-invader-while-jockey-club-boss-makes-rising-rating-case?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:11:46 +0000 Sam Agars,Stephy Zhang Sam Agars,Stephy Zhang A protester calling for a deeper investigation into the Tai Po fire almost cancelled Hong Kong’s richest horse race on Sunday, but even that could not stop Jockey Club boss Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges calling it one of the city’s “greatest days”. With a record number of tourists making the trip to Sha Tin, and two of the city’s stars cementing their places among the world’s greatest racehorses, not even a drop in turnover could dim the CEO’s delight at the climax of the Hong Kong International... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3336398/hkir-one-greatest-days-hong-kong-racing-despite-scary-incident-track-invader?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3336398/hkir-one-greatest-days-hong-kong-racing-despite-scary-incident-track-invader?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:09:58 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars The Jockey Club has donated HK$70.2 million to the victims of the Tai Po fire after a subdued afternoon of racing at Sha Tin on Sunday. A minute’s silence was observed before Sunday’s closed-door meeting, which was restricted to owners, stewards, voting members and their invited guests, and there was none of the colour and buzz of a normal Sha Tin meeting. “I want to express my deep condolences to all of those who have been affected by this tragic fire,” said Jockey Club chief executive Winfried... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334678/jockey-club-donates-hk702-million-fire-victims-after-subdued-sha-tin-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3334678/jockey-club-donates-hk702-million-fire-victims-after-subdued-sha-tin-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Nov 2025 11:55:50 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars The Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) lead-up meeting is in the bag and after the mouthwatering events of Sunday, we’re faced with the very real prospect that all four of December 14’s Group Ones could feature the defending champion. We know for certain that, all being equal, we will see at least two local superstars defending their respective crowns after Ka Ying Rising carried on his merry way with a commanding success in the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) and Romantic... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333947/ricky-yiu-mulls-voyage-bubble-distance-every-hkir-feature-could-boast-its-defending-champ?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3333947/ricky-yiu-mulls-voyage-bubble-distance-every-hkir-feature-could-boast-its-defending-champ?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:17:45 +0000 Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney Owen Goulding,Jay Rooney Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges estimated HK$160 million in turnover was lost in an “unacceptable” incident that saw race eight on Sha Tin’s Saturday card voided following a loose horse galloping the wrong way down the track. As the runners were dispatched for the Class Four Lukfook Jewellery CCool Collection Handicap (1,200m), Matthew Poon Ming-fai was dislodged from Dreaming Winner, with that runner turning around and galloping the wrong way around the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332940/jockey-club-boss-blames-negligence-unacceptable-incident-caused-voided-race-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332940/jockey-club-boss-blames-negligence-unacceptable-incident-caused-voided-race-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Nov 2025 13:02:15 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Hong Kong equestrian Annie Ho Yuen-yan finished seventh in the individual dressage event at the National Games on Wednesday in Shenzhen. Competing with her new horse, Lord Sandro K, Ho chose a Chinese-style musical accompaniment to earn a score of 66.935 points. Xinjiang’s Liu Tao clinched the title with 72.425 points, the only rider to score above 70. Shanghai’s Xu Mofei followed with 69.52 points, while Guangdong’s Gu Bing finished third with 69.045 points. Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3332535/national-games-hong-kong-equestrian-annie-ho-rides-lord-sandro-k-seventh-liu-tao-wins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3332535/national-games-hong-kong-equestrian-annie-ho-rides-lord-sandro-k-seventh-liu-tao-wins?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:00:09 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The world governing body for equestrian sport has concluded its general assembly in Hong Kong, with officials making several decisions expected to affect its future direction. Some 267 delegates from 73 national federations took part in the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) gathering, the first time it has taken place in the city in 27 years. Chief among those decisions was the announcement of the digital horse passport, which is expected to be implemented from next year and could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3332180/digital-horse-passport-significant-milestone-equestrian-sport-officials-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3332180/digital-horse-passport-significant-milestone-equestrian-sport-officials-say?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:05:07 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Appearances by ex-Miss Hong Kong contestant Samantha Ko Hoi-ling and singer Yan Ting headlined the festivities at the 21st edition of the city’s most glamorous lifestyle racing event – Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day. Punters swathed in pink descended on Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, with many flocking to the parade ring to watch singer Ting get the festivities under way shortly before the racing started. Sa Sa also forged a special collaboration with the Hong Kong Design Institute to present a dazzling... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332113/ex-miss-hong-kong-contestant-samantha-ko-among-guests-sa-sa-ladies-purse-day-goes-pink?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3332113/ex-miss-hong-kong-contestant-samantha-ko-among-guests-sa-sa-ladies-purse-day-goes-pink?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Nov 2025 13:45:03 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Some 27 years after it was last in the city, the Federation Equestre Internationale general assembly returned to Hong Kong on Wednesday, and kick-started several days of meetings with a gathering at Happy Valley Racecourse. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which is supporting the FEI’s trip, hosted a welcome reception ahead of the world governing body’s congress to discuss the direction, development and management of the sport. Ingmar De Vos, the FEI’s president, and Sabrina Ibanez, the general... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3331676/hong-kong-jockey-club-hosts-reception-equestrian-officials-general-assembly-returns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3331676/hong-kong-jockey-club-hosts-reception-equestrian-officials-general-assembly-returns?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:02:27 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Vincent Ho Chak-yiu started his Sunday by taking part in the torch relay for the upcoming National Games and ended it with a Happy Valley winner after saluting aboard Brave Star at the city circuit. Ho was one of nine torch-bearers from the Jockey Club, with chairman Martin Liao Cheung-kong and chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges also among the contingent, and the rider carried the flame through Tsim Sha Tsui. It was Ho’s first time taking part in the relay and an experience he will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331243/vincent-ho-carries-national-games-torch-saluting-happy-valley-its-my-honour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3331243/vincent-ho-carries-national-games-torch-saluting-happy-valley-its-my-honour?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Nov 2025 12:35:31 +0000 Edith Lin,Wynna Wong,Jiang Chuqin,Mike Chan Edith Lin,Wynna Wong,Jiang Chuqin,Mike Chan Hong Kong joined Macau and two Guangdong cities on Sunday in marking the run-up to the National Games with torch relays featuring top athletes, business leaders and community members, as a minister revealed that about a third of local event tickets had been sold. The relays started in the morning in Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, with acting chief executive Eric Chan Kwok-ki describing the local section as a “city parade” involving 50 torch-bearers passing landmarks and modern sports... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3331240/hong-kong-joins-sister-cities-taking-torch-national-games-relay-events?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3331240/hong-kong-joins-sister-cities-taking-torch-national-games-relay-events?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Nov 2025 11:45:07 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Team Ka Ying Rising is already plotting its Group One The Everest (1,200m) defence and after the scenes of Saturday afternoon, why wouldn’t they be? Ka Ying Rising fever took Sydney by storm, with a modern-day record 50,167 people flocking to Randwick, and the presence of the world’s best sprinter in the world’s richest turf race caught the imagination of the punters, with more than HK$83 million bet with the World Pool to set another high-water mark. That benefited both the Jockey Club and the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329727/will-aussies-send-top-sprinter-hkir-or-has-ka-ying-rising-scared-them?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3329727/will-aussies-send-top-sprinter-hkir-or-has-ka-ying-rising-scared-them?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Oct 2025 01:21:09 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Hong Kong’s Ka Ying Rising cemented his place as racing’s best sprinter with a dominant victory in the world’s richest turf race, The Everest, in Sydney on Saturday, a moment trainer David Hayes called “the biggest thrill in my life”. The 5-year-old star became the first overseas horse to claim the title, earning A$7 million (HK$35 million) in little more than the minute it took to cover the 1,200 metres at Royal Randwick. His 14th consecutive victory, but a first outside Hong Kong, took Ka Ying... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3329528/hong-kong-racing-chief-hails-ka-ying-risings-phenomenal-win-citys-world-leader-status?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3329528/hong-kong-racing-chief-hails-ka-ying-risings-phenomenal-win-citys-world-leader-status?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Oct 2025 12:10:53 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Hong Kong’s Group One club is a rather exclusive one, with only eight active local gallopers enjoying top-level success in the city. The club welcomed only two new inductees in season 2024-25 – Ka Ying Rising and Red Lion – and it’s difficult to see any more than a couple joining the ranks this campaign. Whether there are even that many probably depends as much on what the established brigade has left to offer and the quality of the raiders as it does on the ability of the current crop of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327696/my-wish-leads-pack-hopefuls-looking-join-hong-kongs-exclusive-group-one-club?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327696/my-wish-leads-pack-hopefuls-looking-join-hong-kongs-exclusive-group-one-club?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:11:32 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars A record number of tourists converged on Sha Tin for Wednesday’s National Day meeting, with Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges declaring the “initiative we have is going viral”. Of the 32,357 people on track, 13,097 travelled from outside Hong Kong and the overall crowd figure was the biggest on National Day since 2018. There were also a record number of mainland visitors in attendance, with 12,060 crossing the border to soak in the action. “The news of the day is the attendance,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3327553/jockey-club-boss-hails-amazing-figure-record-number-tourist-turn-out-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3327553/jockey-club-boss-hails-amazing-figure-record-number-tourist-turn-out-national-day?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:37:05 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Mark Newnham will turn to Alexis Badel to keep the seat warm for Luke Ferraris aboard My Wish in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) on October 19. While Ferraris has been in the saddle for all five of My Wish’s wins and all but one of his 12 starts, he won’t be able to make the weight for the galloper’s expected showdown with Voyage Bubble in the Sha Tin Trophy. With Voyage Bubble rated 134 and My Wish sitting on a mark of 114, the latter will carry just 115lb should they meet as planned. “He... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327546/tourists-converge-national-day-races-record-numbers-initiative-going-viral?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3327546/tourists-converge-national-day-races-record-numbers-initiative-going-viral?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:40:57 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding Sunday’s meeting at Sha Tin was abandoned after eight races due to “unprecedented rainfall”, while Wednesday’s Happy Valley card has been cancelled as Hong Kong continues to brace for Typhoon Ragasa. The Heir and Inno Super lost their footing on the bend between the 600m and 500m point in the Class Four Kowloon Bay Handicap (1,400m), leading to an inspection by a Jockey Club delegation and leading jockeys Zac Purton, Hugh Bowman and Alexis Badel. It was ultimately decided racing could not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326307/racing-abandoned-sha-tin-jockey-club-also-cancels-wednesdays-happy-valley-card?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3326307/racing-abandoned-sha-tin-jockey-club-also-cancels-wednesdays-happy-valley-card?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:59:09 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars They’ve had to settle for a dominant jockeys’ premiership winner for the past few seasons – and likely will in 2025-26 as well – but Hong Kong racing fans could be in for a midseason stoush for the ages if the stars align in the next couple of months. With The Standard reporting on Monday that Joao Moreira could be set for a return to Hong Kong as Caspar Fownes’ stable jockey and James McDonald believed to be one of a string of riders confirmed for winter stints in Hong Kong, eight-time champion... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325615/will-hong-kong-racing-fans-be-treated-zac-purton-v-joao-moreira-v-james-mcdonald?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325615/will-hong-kong-racing-fans-be-treated-zac-purton-v-joao-moreira-v-james-mcdonald?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:23:50 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars The dust is settling on a big opening week of the 2025-26 Hong Kong racing season and it seemed like as good a time as any to run through a few things to look out for this term. The return of the Warrior It’s now been over five months since Romantic Warrior raced and the clock is ticking if trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing wants to get the world’s highest-earning racehorse ready for a tilt at a fourth straight Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) victory in December. Last seen running a brave second in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325176/five-things-watch-during-2025-26-hong-kong-racing-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3325176/five-things-watch-during-2025-26-hong-kong-racing-season?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:07:37 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show is coming back for a second year, with some of the world’s best riders bringing their skills to the city in January. Alongside three days of top showjumping and the return of the popular Shetland Pony Grand National, a new dog agility display will take place at the AsiaWorld-Expo. And with the Year of the Horse starting soon after, organiser Clarion Events Asia plans to debut the Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Youth Challenge, allowing young... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3325065/worlds-best-riders-return-longines-hong-kong-international-horse-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3325065/worlds-best-riders-return-longines-hong-kong-international-horse-show?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:00:18 +0000 Sam Agars Sam Agars Heading into Sunday’s season-opening meeting at Sha Tin, most of the thinking around the next Hong Kong success abroad was focused on Ka Ying Rising and The Everest. Now, however, it’s certainly not out of the question that should the world’s best sprinter win the world’s richest race on turf next month, he’ll be the third Sha Tin-trained galloper to salute overseas in season 2025-26. Self Improvement’s shock success in the Group Three Korea Sprint (1,200m) at Seoul ensured the city has opened... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324765/after-self-improvement-surprise-can-lucky-sweynesse-shine-i-really-believed-they-had-no-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324765/after-self-improvement-surprise-can-lucky-sweynesse-shine-i-really-believed-they-had-no-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:22:28 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s new horse racing season, which begins on Sunday, comes at a time of transition and expansion for the sport. It needs to get off to a flying start. The Jockey Club, holding a monopoly on legal gambling in the city, has celebrated what CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges described as an “outstanding” financial year. There was a 5 per cent increase in turnover to more than HK$320 billion, with a record HK$28.8 billion paid in betting duty and profits tax. The club’s Charities Trust... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3324434/chasing-young-fans-jockey-club-must-never-forget-its-duty-them?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3324434/chasing-young-fans-jockey-club-must-never-forget-its-duty-them?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Sep 2025 22:45:08 +0000 Jay Rooney Jay Rooney The Hong Kong Jockey Club unveiled the latest phase of its HK$14 billion racecourse master plan on Tuesday, with two new facilities at Sha Tin designed to elevate racing as one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions. Hailed as a “game-changing racecourse arrival and customer experience at grandstand 2”, the new Champions Connection and Genso Eki facilities feature digital entertainment aimed at attracting the younger generation to the races and promoting Sha Tin as a “platinum race-going... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324083/hong-kong-jockey-club-unveils-two-game-changing-new-facilities-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3324083/hong-kong-jockey-club-unveils-two-game-changing-new-facilities-sha-tin?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:40:57 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball The Hong Kong Jockey Club said it had an “excellent performance” on and off the racecourse in the past financial year, highlighting a 5 per cent increase in turnover and record contribution in betting duty and profits tax at its annual general meeting on Friday. Despite a “challenging economic environment and the rising threat of illegal gambling”, the club reported wagering and lottery turnover of HK$320.3 billion for 2024-25, and a record HK$28.8 billion payment to the government. There was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3323701/hong-kong-jockey-club-chief-hails-outstanding-year-after-record-crowds-turnover-bump?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3323701/hong-kong-jockey-club-chief-hails-outstanding-year-after-record-crowds-turnover-bump?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:26:51 +0000 Owen Goulding Owen Goulding The Hong Kong Jockey Club has begun a long-term partnership with the Sports Bureau of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in Urumqi with the goal of modernising the region's equine industry. The partnership was announced on Tuesday, with the aim of leveraging the resources of both the Jockey Club and the Bureau to promote the upgrading of Xinjiang’s equine industry. Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges visited the site alongside Executive Director Andrew Harding and members... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3322064/jockey-club-enters-long-term-xinjiang-partnership-another-positive-mainland-move?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3322064/jockey-club-enters-long-term-xinjiang-partnership-another-positive-mainland-move?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 17:36:22 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Tens of thousands of punters packed into Hong Kong’s Happy Valley Racecourse to soak up the party atmosphere on the last day of the horse racing season on Wednesday, with many saying it was the busiest they had ever seen. A full house, estimated to be around 20,000 spectators, attended Happy Wednesday, which featured live bands, DJs and a fireworks display. Happy Wednesday is one of Hong Kong’s two horse racing events that run weekly throughout the season. The Happy Valley event is known to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3318491/about-20000-spectators-pack-happy-valley-soak-final-day-horse-racing-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3318491/about-20000-spectators-pack-happy-valley-soak-final-day-horse-racing-season?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:49:52 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced on Tuesday that it would provide “high-quality technical support” to the tune of 50 million yuan (US$6.9 million) for the equestrian events at the National Games later this year. This help would be in addition to the HK$450 million (US$57.3 million) the club planned provide as the sole partner sponsor for the Hong Kong competition region. There would also be support for the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the National Special Olympic Games in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316550/hong-kong-jockey-club-provide-high-quality-technical-support-national-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/racing/article/3316550/hong-kong-jockey-club-provide-high-quality-technical-support-national-games?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:30:07 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu The Hong Kong Jockey Club is contributing HK$450 million (US$57.7 million) to the city to support its co-hosting of the 15th National Games in November and two related events, marking the single largest donation for the competitions. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said on Thursday that the donation from the club and its charities trust would inject “powerful energy” into the city’s preparations for the events, referring to the National Games, the 12th National... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3315973/hong-kong-jockey-club-donates-hk450-million-support-national-games-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3315973/hong-kong-jockey-club-donates-hk450-million-support-national-games-city?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:53:55 +0000