The Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced that it will implement a raft of measures to further enhance the owner value proposition as applications for the 2025 Horse Ballot opened on Monday 3 March.
To back the substantial investment made by Owners in supporting Hong Kong racing, the Club will freeze livery fees for a second consecutive year by again absorbing a considerable portion of training costs.
Further to this the Club will introduce in the 2025/26 Hong Kong racing season an extension to the current PP (Previously Raced Horse) Bonus scheme, whereby a horse with a rating higher than or equal to 70 at the time of import is eligible for a HK$1.5 million bonus when they record a first Class 3 win within their first two years of racing – enhancing eligibility for Owners to maximise returns with previously raced imports.
The extension to the initiative will be available to all horses currently racing in Hong Kong that received an import rating of 70 or higher. The two-year period of opportunity will commence from their date of import into Hong Kong.
In summary, the addition sees the PP Bonus Scheme encompass two categories of horses in Class 3 – the existing criteria of those with a rating of 63 or above at the time of import who first win before the age of five and those with a rating of 70 or above at the time of import who first win within a two-year window (meaning a four-year-old rated 70 or higher at the time of import is eligible to secure a bonus until they turn six).
Since the current format was introduced for the 2022/23 racing season, 115 horses have earned a Class 3 PP Bonus, totalling HK$149.5 million in returns for owners. Including the PPG (Privately Purchased Griffin) Bonus, ISG (International Sale Griffin) Bonus, Class 2 PP Bonus and Top-Up Bonuses, HK$221 million has been paid to owners due to wins by 177 horses.
Four PPs in Sunday’s 2 March HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup field have already collected a HK$1.5 million bonus for winning in Class 3.
The Sunshine & Moonlight Syndicate own Voyage Bubble (Pic – HKJC)
Additionally, with immediate effect there will be a new cap of seven (up from four) syndicates any one Member can join and a new cap of seven horses (up from five) Owners can own at any one time.
There has never a more rewarding time to be an Owner in Hong Kong with the current prize money (including bonuses) level at a record high of an estimated HK$1.73 billion across the 2024/25 racing season.
All races on the current calendar are at their highest levels. As well, the Club continues to boost the world-class training facilities at Sha Tin and Conghua.
Implemented last season to assist Owners exporting their horses after retirement from racing in Hong Kong, current payments of HK$50 000 from the Club will continue in addition to the HK$100 000 existing travel subsidy. The Club’s RESTART programme will also assist owners in handling the aftercare of their horses post-racing careers.
Basic monthly livery fees remain capped at HK$30 000. In addition to this during the first four months after the arrival of a new horse, basic monthly livery fees are reduced to HK$25 000. The sustained freeze on livery, first four months reduction, and export grant top-up will represent a HK$140 million investment made by the Club.
To complement the Club’s ongoing investment in state-of-the art training and racing facilities, the Club continues to provide world-class trainers and jockeys, incorporating a mix of world-best professionals drawn from around the globe and the development of outstanding local talent.
Support and services for Owners in sourcing high quality horses are also seen as key.
The Club is investing in a comprehensive international sales pathway programme to coordinate visits at public auctions and offer guidance in selecting and purchasing horses. Information on these initiatives will be disseminated over the coming months.
Mr Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “The investment that Owners make in sourcing high-quality horses from around the world to support Hong Kong’s horse racing is a vital pillar of the Club’s success, and it is essential that we continue to find means by which we can assist Owners and ensure that they have an excellent ownership experience.”
