Hong Kong's world-renowned horse racing tradition concluded its 2025 calendar in spectacular fashion yesterday at Sha Tin Racecourse, drawing international enthusiasts and local fans alike. The December 27 event marked the culmination of a year that saw record overseas participation, particularly from stables in Australia and Japan.
As dawn broke over the New Territories, stable staff prepared 84 horses for 10 races that would decide annual championship titles. The afternoon's highlight came during the Class 1 Cup, where Australian-bred gelding 'Southern Cross' edged out Japanese contender 'Sakura Blaze' by a nose in front of 35,000 spectators.
'This finale demonstrates Hong Kong's unique position as Asia's racing bridge between East and West,' said Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges during the trophy presentation. The event also showcased innovative tracking technologies being trialed for the 2026 season, including real-time biometric horse monitoring systems.
With racing contributing 1.2% to Hong Kong's GDP in 2025, analysts note growing interest from overseas investors in the region's equine industries. The season's conclusion sets the stage for January's International Races Week, already slated to feature competitors from 15 countries and regions.
