The Hong Kong Jockey Club's 2026/2027 racing season officially got underway at Sha Tin Racecourse today (Sept. 6), drawing large crowds of fans. Chief Executive John Lee officiated the opening ceremony, while "Year of the Horse Ambassador" Aaron Kwok performed the new season's theme song "Chong Chong Chong" live for the first time.
The ceremony took place at the Parade Ring, where CE John Lee, accompanied by senior Club officials, struck a gong and performed the lion dance eye-dotting ritual to mark the start of the new season. Several jockeys also joined the event to offer their best wishes to racing fans across Hong Kong.
In a social media post, John Lee noted that alongside local fans, many overseas visitors had come to Hong Kong specifically to experience this annual highlight. He revealed that last season, Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses attracted over 400,000 Mainland and international visitors, double the previous season's figure. This not only underscores the global appeal of Hong Kong's unique racecourse experience, which blends top-tier racing, dining, and entertainment, but also reflects the initial success of the government's horse racing tourism push, first proposed in the 2024 Policy Address.
Lee added that horse racing is a distinctive cultural symbol of Hong Kong and a key driver of its mega-events economy. Moving forward, the government will continue working with various partners to host more large-scale events that draw visitors from near and far, allowing them to experience Hong Kong's unique character as a vibrant fusion of East and West and a premier international tourism destination.
The Club also rolled out several on-site perks today. Early arrivals before 3:30 p.m. received a limited-edition 2026/27 Racing Season Calendar, and a gong display was set up for fans to strike and welcome the new season. Those who completed designated registration and collected all stamps at Sha Tin also had the chance to redeem rewards on a first-come, first-served basis.
Related News:
Paul Chan: HK braces for holiday tourist surge
Deepline | New attraction: How HK's 'racecourse tourism' strategy pays off
Comment