The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced that the total betting amount for the 2024/25 racing season increased by 3% year-on-year, reaching HK$138.85 billion (approximately US$17.6 billion), reversing the previous year's decline of 4.5% and indicating that the industry has returned to a growth trajectory.
This season's growth was due to the increased cumulative bonuses brought by mixed and global pool strategies, expanded participation, and enhanced international involvement. The total amount of mixed bets set a record, reaching HK$31.76 billion, a 10.1% increase year-on-year, with major events such as the Lunar New Year Race Day also setting single-day records.
The enthusiasm for live viewing also significantly increased, with total attendance surpassing 1.7 million, including a 110% surge in domestic tourists. Events such as the BMW Hong Kong Derby and the FWD Champions Day each attracted about 9,000 visitors.
In terms of performance on the track, horses such as Jia Ying's New Star, Romantic Warrior, and Nautical Bubble collectively won 11 Group 1 championships, enhancing Hong Kong's international reputation in horse racing. Notably, Romantic Warrior became the first Hong Kong-bred horse to win Group 1 championships in four countries, and Nautical Bubble became the first Triple Crown winner in 31 years.
The CEO of the Jockey Club, Ying Jia Bai, stated that this season's top events and outstanding horse performances have attracted global attention and set attendance records at Hong Kong's racecourses. He emphasized that the appeal of this iconic Hong Kong sport is boosting the development of the tourism industry and strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international hub of exchange.
Looking ahead, the Jockey Club plans to increase the prize money for Group 1 races to HK$208 million in the 2025/26 season and intends to hold events at the Conghua Racecourse in October 2026, continuing to expand its influence in the Greater Bay Area.
