National Day Race Day Draws Nearly 30,000 to Sha Tin, HK$1.6 Billion in Bets
SingTao · 6 SOURCESabout 21 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The 2026 National Day Race Day took place at Sha Tin Racecourse on October 1, drawing nearly 30,000 attendees including over 9,300 tourists during the Mid-Autumn and National Day Golden Week holiday period. Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki attended the opening ceremony at the parade ring, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Deputy Commissioner Hua You also officiated. The event featured performances by internationally renowned Chinese tenors Dai Yuqiang, Mo Hualun, and Wei Song, who led the national anthem sing-along, alongside traditional Zhongfan acrobatics by the Cangzhou Troupe. The Grade 3 National Day Cup saw King of Colors triumph under jockey Zac Purton, while free admission and various dining discounts attracted both local enthusiasts and visitors to experience Hong Kong's unique racing culture.
Key Points
- Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and Deputy Commissioner Hua You officiated the noon opening ceremony at the Sha Tin Racecourse parade ring, with the Three Tenors of China leading the entire venue in singing the national anthem
- Nearly 30,000 people attended, including over 9,300 tourists visiting during the Golden Week holiday, with total betting reaching HK$1.6 billion across 11 races
- Beijing tourist Ms. Li described the National Day atmosphere as comparable to Tiananmen Square, noting the racecourse was filled with national and regional flags
- The Grade 3 National Day Cup was won by King of Colors (trained by Matthew Chew, ridden by Zac Purton), with Chan presenting the trophy to owner Yan Weishan
- Free admission to both Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses, 77% discounts on designated food and beverages, and 770 special prizes were offered to celebrate the 77th anniversary
Why It Matters
The National Day Race Day generated significant economic activity during Golden Week when authorities estimate approximately 1.29 million mainland visitors will enter Hong Kong, providing crucial support for the tourism, hospitality, and racing industries during a critical period . The event successfully blended patriotic celebrations with Hong Kong's signature racing culture, offering free admission and dining discounts that encouraged both residents and tourists to celebrate in style while showcasing the city's unique attractions as a destination for quality entertainment.
The National Day Race Day generated significant economic activity during Golden Week when authorities estimate approximately 1.29 million mainland visitors will enter Hong Kong, providing crucial support for the tourism, hospitality, and racing industries during a critical period . The event successfully blended patriotic celebrations with Hong Kong's signature racing culture, offering free admission and dining discounts that encouraged both residents and tourists to celebrate in style while showcasing the city's unique attractions as a destination for quality entertainment.