Core Points - The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is launching new facilities and a WeChat mini-program to enhance the experience for visitors and promote "race tourism" as the new horse racing season begins on September 7, 2025/2026 [1][7]. Group 1: New Facilities - Two new facilities, "Lianhui" and "Tianma Station," are being introduced at the Sha Tin Racecourse, incorporating innovative technology to attract a new generation of horse racing fans and tourists from mainland China and abroad [3][4]. - "Lianhui" connects the MTR Racecourse Station to the Sha Tin Racecourse grandstand, improving entry experience for visitors. It features digital displays showcasing horses in seasonal environments and interactive 3D technology recreating scenes with six classic racehorses [3][4]. - "Tianma Station" offers an immersive digital horse racing experience, including areas for simulating riding classic racehorses and taking themed photos [4]. Group 2: Investment and Development Plans - The HKJC has invested over HKD 10 billion in a multi-year development plan to systematically upgrade the facilities at Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourses. An additional HKD 4 billion is planned for further renovations [4]. - The goal is to transform the racecourses into attractive tourist destinations for both locals and visitors, providing a top-tier horse racing experience [4]. Group 3: WeChat Mini-Program - To complement the new racing season, the HKJC will launch a WeChat mini-program named "Hong Kong Racecourse" on September 11, providing visitors with itinerary suggestions, race schedules, and dining information [7].

Core Insights - The Hong Kong Jockey Club's CEO, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, stated that horse racing has become an essential experience for visitors to Hong Kong, anticipating an increase in tourism due to the upcoming racing season [1] Group 1: Visitor Statistics - Last year, approximately 196,000 mainland tourists were attracted to Hong Kong through horse racing events [1] - The company expects a growth of 20% to 30% in tourist numbers next year due to new investments in facilities and experiences for visitors [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is enhancing the horse racing experience by introducing new facilities "Lianhui" and "Tianma Yi" for the 2025/2026 racing season, aiming to attract both local and international visitors, especially the younger generation [1][2]. Group 1: New Facilities - "Lianhui" will serve as a hub connecting the MTR station to the new grandstand, providing an immersive entry experience for visitors [3]. - "Tianma Yi" is a four-story digital racing center that combines sports, entertainment, and dining, redefining the horse racing experience in Hong Kong [5][6]. - Both facilities utilize advanced digital technology to enhance visitor engagement and interest in horse racing [2][5]. Group 2: Investment and Development - The HKJC has invested over HKD 10 billion in a multi-year development plan to revitalize the Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses, with an additional HKD 4 billion planned for further upgrades [2]. - The goal is to transform the racecourses into world-class sports and entertainment centers, appealing to both local residents and tourists [2]. Group 3: Visitor Engagement - The new facilities are designed to attract a younger audience, with interactive and digital experiences that promote a deeper understanding of horse racing [2][5]. - The HKJC reported over 1.7 million attendees last season, including more than 195,000 from mainland China, indicating a growing interest in horse racing among younger demographics [2]. Group 4: Upcoming Projects - The renovation of Pengfu Park is set to be completed by January 2026, with new facilities aimed at educating the public about horse culture [2]. - A new WeChat mini-program named "Hong Kong Racecourse" will be launched on September 11 to assist visitors in planning their trips and accessing information about the racecourse [7][8].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news highlights the implementation of the "Horse Face Intelligent Recognition" system by Guangzhou Customs, which significantly enhances the efficiency and safety of cross-border horse transportation between Hong Kong and mainland China [1][2] - The system allows for rapid identity verification of horses, achieving an accuracy rate of up to 99% and reducing manpower costs by approximately 30% [1] - Since the regular cross-border transportation of horses began in August 2018, Guangzhou Customs has overseen the safe and smooth transit of over 40,000 horses, with the frequency of horse transport at Conghua Racecourse increasing from once a week to three times a week [2] Group 2 - The total transportation time for incoming horses has been reduced from 7 hours to about 4.5 hours, with a 28.6% year-on-year increase in the number of horses monitored by Guangzhou Customs in the first seven months of this year [2] - The "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Plan" emphasizes the development of the horse racing industry and related sectors, promoting cooperation in inspection and quarantine for horses and related products [2] - Guangzhou Customs is committed to enhancing regulatory efficiency and service levels in the Greater Bay Area, aiming to establish a world-class horse industry economic circle [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news highlights the implementation of the "Horse Face Intelligent Recognition" system by Guangzhou Customs, which enhances the efficiency and safety of cross-border horse transportation between Hong Kong and mainland China [1][2] - The system allows for rapid identity verification of horses, achieving an accuracy rate of up to 99% and reducing manpower costs by approximately 30% [1] - Since the normalization of cross-border horse transportation in August 2018, Guangzhou Customs has supervised over 40,000 horse trips, increasing the frequency of horse movements at Conghua Racecourse from once a week to three times a week [2] Group 2 - The transportation time for entering horses has been reduced from 7 hours to about 4.5 hours, with a 28.6% year-on-year increase in the number of horses supervised in the first seven months of this year [2] - The "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Plan" emphasizes the development of the horse industry and related sectors, promoting cooperation in inspection and quarantine for horses and related products [2] - Guangzhou Customs is committed to enhancing regulatory efficiency and service levels in the Greater Bay Area, aiming to create a world-class horse industry economic circle [2]

Core Insights - The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Conghua Racecourse has successfully facilitated over 40,000 horse crossings between Hong Kong and the mainland since the regular transportation of horses began in August 2018 [1][2] Group 1: Transportation and Operations - The Conghua Racecourse has been operational for 7 years, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club utilizing advanced technology for horse identification, including a "smart facial recognition" system for real-time verification [2] - On August 28, 2023, 16 racehorses were transported from Hong Kong to the Conghua Racecourse, showcasing the efficiency of the customs process [2] Group 2: Future Developments - The Conghua Racecourse plans to host regular international standard thoroughbred racing events by the second half of 2026, marking a significant milestone for the development of China's horse industry [2] - The local customs authority aims to expedite the construction of the second phase of the Conghua Racecourse and the Guangzhou International Racehorse Development Center, contributing to the establishment of a world-class horse industry economic zone in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [2]

Core Viewpoint - The UK horse racing industry is facing a severe crisis due to the Treasury's proposal to increase the online betting tax rate from 15% to 21%, which could significantly impact the industry's survival and development [1][3]. Group 1: Economic Impact - The horse racing industry is the second largest sport in the UK, contributing significantly to local economies and employment [3]. - Research indicates that the proposed tax increase could lead to a loss of £66 million in the first year and a total of £330 million over the next five years for the UK horse racing industry [5]. - The tax rate adjustment could threaten thousands of jobs, with specific regions like Yorkshire projected to lose 342 jobs [8]. Group 2: Industry Response - The horse racing community has united to protest against the tax policy change, with the British Horseracing Authority launching a petition to "Abolish the Horse Racing Tax" that has garnered support from industry figures and the public [7]. - The horse racing industry supports a complex ecosystem, affecting various sectors from trainers to feed suppliers, and the tax increase could disrupt this supply chain [8]. Group 3: Cultural and Economic Significance - Horse racing is not only a sporting event but also a cultural and economic symbol, with local courts, pubs, hotels, and restaurants benefiting directly from the industry [10]. - The potential decline of the horse racing industry due to tax adjustments could have a significant negative impact on the economies of many towns and villages [10]. Group 4: Ongoing Debate - The British Horseracing Authority is seeking more support to persuade the government to reconsider the potential losses from the tax policy implementation [10]. - There is ongoing debate among parliament members, with some supporting the tax increase for fiscal reasons, while industry insiders warn of the devastating impact on the horse racing sector and the socio-economic system built over the years [10].

Core Viewpoint - Guangzhou is actively developing a comprehensive sports consumption and event economy, focusing on emerging sports such as esports, ice sports, equestrian, water sports, and low-altitude sports, aiming to create a "sports + business + tourism + culture + entertainment + exhibition" consumption scenario [1][2]. Group 1: Sports Development and Events - The 15th National Games will be held in Guangzhou from November 9 to November 21, with events distributed across 19 cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macau [1][2]. - The State Sports General Administration reported that venue renovations for the National Games are complete, with over half of the 68 test events successfully conducted, indicating a vibrant atmosphere leading up to the games [1][2]. Group 2: Equestrian and Racing Initiatives - The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Conghua Racecourse is the largest and most advanced thoroughbred training center in mainland China, capable of accommodating over 1,100 racehorses [2][6]. - The racecourse, originally built for the 2010 Asian Games, was officially opened in August 2018 and aims to host regular international horse racing events by 2026 [6][8]. Group 3: Sports Consumption and Economic Integration - Guangzhou plans to promote sports consumption through various initiatives, including the establishment of sports consumption seasons and night sports activities, linking sports events with nighttime economy [8][9]. - The city aims to develop outdoor sports destinations and introduce international events like the Volvo Ocean Race, while also fostering local sports enterprises [8][9]. Group 4: Infrastructure and Future Plans - The Guangzhou Conghua International Circuit, set to open in March 2024, will be the only internationally certified small car racing track in China, aiming to become a hub for motorsport in the Greater Bay Area [9][12]. - The circuit will also focus on creating a sports park atmosphere and hopes to integrate racing into the National Games in the future [12][13]. Group 5: Long-term Goals and Standards - By 2035, Guangzhou aims to standardize public sports services, increase per capita sports facility area to 3.4 square meters, and ensure that over 45% of the population engages in regular physical activity [17]. - The sports industry is expected to contribute 2.4% to the GDP, with a focus on developing competitive sports clubs and enhancing the management of football and other sports [17].

Core Insights - The Hong Kong Jockey Club reported a record number of mainland Chinese spectators during the 2024/2025 racing season, with attendance exceeding 200,000, representing a year-on-year increase of over 100% [1] Attendance Statistics - Total attendance for the racing season surpassed 1.7 million, with nearly 200,000 attendees from mainland China, up from 93,000 in the previous season, marking an increase of approximately 110% [1] - Major race days, including the Chinese New Year race day, Hong Kong Derby day, and Champions Day, each attracted over 9,000 mainland spectators [1]

Core Insights - The 2024/2025 Hong Kong racing season concluded successfully, with record attendance and significant achievements by local horses [1][2][3] Attendance and Tourism Impact - Total attendance for the season exceeded 1.7 million, with mainland visitors reaching a record high of 195,786, a 110% increase from the previous season [1] - The Happy Wednesday brand attracted approximately 548,000 attendees, marking a 3.9% growth [1] - The Hong Kong Jockey Club aims to implement more measures to attract tourists in the next season, including new entry experiences at Sha Tin Racecourse [1][3] Racing Achievements - Hong Kong horses won eleven top-tier races during the season, with eight races making it to the 2024 Longines Global Top 100 rankings [2] - Twelve Hong Kong horses received international ratings of 115 or above, with "嘉应高升" and "浪漫勇士" both achieving a score of 126, ranking them fourth globally [2] Horse Performance Highlights - "嘉应高升" became the third horse in history to achieve eight wins in a single season, breaking multiple records [4] - "浪漫勇士" won prestigious races in Dubai and became the first Hong Kong horse to win top-tier races in four different regions [4] - "遨游气泡" achieved a historic triple crown, becoming only the second horse in Hong Kong history to do so [5] Trainer and Jockey Achievements - Trainer John Size won his 13th championship with 69 wins, while jockey Zac Purton secured his eighth title with 138 wins [6] - Purton also broke the previous record for total wins by a jockey in Hong Kong, increasing it to 1,878 [6] Economic Contributions and Future Plans - The Hong Kong Jockey Club is focused on enhancing the economic and social benefits of horse racing, with initiatives to increase horse ownership and reduce training costs [6][7] - The number of racehorses in Hong Kong rose from 1,203 to 1,296, with a notable increase in higher-class horses [6] - The Jockey Club plans to host regular international events at the Conghua Racecourse starting in October 2026, aiming to enhance the region's tourism appeal [7][8]