Hong Kong Season Closes With 5.8% Increase On The Previous Season
World class sport and incredible global growth underpinned a memorable 2017/18 racing season in Hong Kong, which concluded 15 July, with overall turnover of HK$124.2 billion, representing a 5.8% increase on the previous season.
A crowd of 31,903 turned out at Sha Tin for this afternoon’s season finale and enjoyed the exciting conclusion to a fascinating battle for the champion jockey title. Zac Purton sealed the premiership with his win on Rise High in the Class 1 Sha Tin Mile Trophy Handicap (1600m), holding off defending champion Joao Moreira, who rode a treble.
Much of the growth across the season was due to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s strategic positioning as a global commingling hub. The total amount wagered with commingling partners reached HK$16.5 billion; a massive increase of 154.8% on last season’s HK$6.5 billion.
Also noted was the increase in simulcast turnover, with Hong Kong bettors wagering HK$3.94 billion on races from abroad, an increase of 12% on the previous season.
The CEO noted that there had been many spectacular moments during the 2017/18 season, with Beauty Generation taking honours as Hong Kong’s Horse of the Year in an open season.
He also highlighted the calibre of Hong Kong’s horsemen, particularly champion trainer John Size, who won a 10th championship this season, and jockeys Purton and Moreira.
The CEO also expressed his satisfaction at the Hong Kong system producing such local talent as jockey Derek Leung, winner of the Tony Cruz Award for the second consecutive year, and trainer Frankie Lor, runner-up in the championship in his freshman season.
Looking ahead, Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges is excited for the opportunities afforded by the opening of Conghua Training Centre. The integration of CTC into the Hong Kong system occurred last Thursday (12 July), when the first in-training horses arrived at the site on the Chinese Mainland.
Mr. Engelbrecht-Bresges thanked the Club’s Owners, Members, race fans, the racing media and the Club’s staff for their continued support.
Credit: Press Releas - HKJC.com