The 2025/26 Hong Kong racing season officially commenced today at Sha Tin Racecourse, with Chief Executive John Lee presiding over the traditional lion dance eye-dotting ceremony and striking the gong to mark the opening. He also presented the trophy to the owner of the winning horse in the Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive's Cup.
Lee noted the vibrant atmosphere at Sha Tin Racecourse, with cheers from racing fans echoing throughout the venue. Besides residents, he observed numerous visitors among the attendees. Last year's Policy Address proposed actively promoting specialty tourism products like equestrian tourism to enhance Hong Kong's appeal as a captivating destination. The "Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0" released by the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau late last year also highlighted the government's collaboration with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to further promote racing tourism, creating immersive sports tourism experiences for visitors. This initiative aims to attract tourists to participate in racing-related activities aligned with international race schedules, performances, and themed race days.
Lee added that last season saw a record-breaking number of mainland tourists, exceeding 195,000—more than double the previous season. Attendance figures for several major race days also reached new highs. He expressed anticipation for the continued collaboration between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Jockey Club to further promote racing tourism, encouraging the industry to design high-quality travel packages that include racing experiences. This effort aims to allow more high-value-added tourists to experience Hong Kong's longstanding racing culture.
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