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Stephy Zhang

A very hot weather warning failed to deter experienced racing fans and first-time visitors from gathering on Sunday for their final opportunity to catch some action at Sha Tin Racecourse this season.
Influenced by the outer subsiding airflow of Typhoon Bavi, parts of Hong Kong experienced extreme heat, with temperatures at the venue hitting 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit).
Spanning 11 months, the day marked the penultimate fixture of the 2025-26 racing season.
Racing fan Ryan Wong Shun-him, who said he had been to half of the local races this season and frequently travels to Japan for racing, felt “compelled to attend”.
“I also came for the season opener last year,” he said. “So coming today gives a sense of completeness, which is why I felt I had to experience it.”

Not new to the sport, the 20-year-old student enjoys studying the distinct characteristics of each horse, admiring their running form, and placing occasional small bets.
Having been more than 40 times since September, he always wears a horse-themed T-shirt with a plush toy and merchandise charms of his favourite quadruped hanging from his bag.
“Today is just about enjoyment,” he said. “I don’t really care about winning or losing because I think if you truly love racing, you don’t focus much on the stakes. There is so much to study; betting just adds to the sense of participation.”
He said he believed the atmosphere had improved in recent years, and racing locally had overcome past negative public impressions associated with gambling and smoking.
“Champions like Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior have earned us a lot of credit,” he said. “So I think it’s a good thing, and many people enjoy watching the races now.”

Zhang Yanjing, a 27-year-old research assistant from Beijing, was experiencing racing for the first time. She said it had “completely exceeded my expectations”.
“The entire racing culture is incredibly well-developed,” Zhang added. “There are more people than I imagined, and everyone is highly engaged. I initially came just to check it out like a tourist spot and leave after a few races, but it is so immersive. Placing a bet makes it even more involving.”
Zhang booked her itinerary a week ago while planning a weekend trip to Hong Kong. She was unaware of the day’s significance at the time and noted that if she did not have to return to work next week, she would have also loved to experience the season finale at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
“It is relatively far from the city centre, but if there are races next time I visit, I will definitely go again,” Zhang said.
“I think coming to the racecourse is more fun and interesting than visiting typical online tourist hotspots. Given the high summer temperatures, this feels like a better experience than other outdoor activities.”
Valentina Gailer was also visiting Sha Tin Racecourse for the first time, and said she was “enjoying it a lot”.
The 19-year-old Australian, who has moved to the city to go to university, added the “vibes are great” and it was “very nice to see all the people coming”.
“The weather is also amazing. And we already saw two races; they were very interesting,” Gailer added. “We expect to see more races, have a lot of fun, and interact with some locals as well. That would be very nice.”
Alongside world-class racing, the venue featured special season-ending activities, music, and prizes, including a jockeys’ parade and a best-dressed award.


Hong Kong racing fans old and new brave heat to celebrate last Sha Tin meet of the season

Ethan Brown looks to remain unbeaten aboard Endued when signing off at Sha Tin on Sunday

Brett Crawford hoping PI Legend can transfer winning all-weather form to Sha Tin turf

Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior share Horse of the Year crown in unprecedented tie

Hong Kong racing

HKJC

Racing fans cheer on  their favourites at Sha Tin during the penultimate meet of the Hong Kong season. Photo: Sam Tsang

The final day of the 2025-26 racing season will be at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Photo: Sam Tsang

Zhang Yanjing, a 27-year-old research assistant from Beijing, was watching racing at Sha Tin for the first time. Photo: Stephy Zhang

Forza Toro fires in Spanish colours to claim ‘Eight To Glory’ race at Happy Valley

Jockeys watch on as Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (left) shoots for goal before the "Eight To Glory" race at Happy Valley. Photos: Kenneth Chan

Forza Toro winning the special “Eight To Glory” race on Forza Toro.

Ethan Brown celebrates after winning aboard Endued at Sha Tin. Photos: Kenneth Chan



Ethan Brown guides Endued to victory.

Titan Pegasus gallops on the Sha Tin dirt.

 Vivacious Win, ridden by Zac Purton, scores at Happy Valley.

Sport

Hong Kong

A very hot weather warning does little to deter first-time visitors or experienced punters from enjoying atmosphere


A very hot weather warning does little to deter first-time visitors or experienced punters from enjoying atmosphere.


Hong Kong racing fans old and new brave heat to celebrate last Sha Tin meet of the season

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}A very hot weather warning does little to deter first-time visitors or experienced punters from enjoying atmosphere

A very hot weather warning does little to deter first-time visitors or experienced punters from enjoying atmosphere