Jockey Club posts 12.5% turnover rise as Australian horses eye HKIR glory
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has recorded a 12.5 percent rise in total turnover to HK$24.8 billion after 13 of 88 local race meetings this season, according to CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges in his blog published on the Jockey Club website before Sunday's Sha Tin meeting. While local wagering dipped 1.4 percent amid a five percent drop in customer turnover, strong performance in overseas racing through simulcast and World Pool channels drove the overall growth. The surge in international betting activity comes as Australian horses set their sights on the upcoming Hong Kong International Races.
Key Points
- Total turnover reached HK$24.8 billion after 13 of 88 local meetings, up 12.5 percent year-on-year
- Local wagering fell 1.4 percent, with customer turnover declining five percent
- Commingling turnover rose five percent, partially compensating for weaker local customer activity
- Simulcast and World Pool turnover surged 61 percent to HK$7.9 billion
- Australian gallopers are targeting the Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin
Why It Matters
The strong growth in overseas racing turnover demonstrates Hong Kong's growing influence as a global hub for horse racing wagering through the World Pool platform. The robust international betting figures could strengthen the city's bid to attract top-class overseas horses to the prestigious Hong Kong International Races, reinforcing Sha Tin's reputation as a world-class racing destination.
The strong growth in overseas racing turnover demonstrates Hong Kong's growing influence as a global hub for horse racing wagering through the World Pool platform. The robust international betting figures could strengthen the city's bid to attract top-class overseas horses to the prestigious Hong Kong International Races, reinforcing Sha Tin's reputation as a world-class racing destination.