Festive spirit runs high at Hong Kong Reunification Raceday

The Hong Kong Jockey Club held a Reunification Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse on July 1 to celebrate the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

The event drew more than 27,000 spectators, including around 9,300 visitors from the Chinese mainland and overseas, a nearly 40 percent jump from the same period last year.

Horses compete in the Hong Kong Reunification Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse, Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Wu Yuyangyang)

A total of 11 twilight races were staged that day. Among the feature races, the Hong Kong Reunification Cup stood as a testament to the steady growth of Hong Kong's horse racing sector and the enduring legacy of the city's distinctive racing culture. The race was won by Ka Ying Attack.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup, established specifically to mark sports collaboration between Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) , was won by Straight To Glory.

"Horse racing tourism has been steadily gaining traction, establishing itself as one of the city's signature calling cards," said Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and vice-president of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, after attending the race day.

Visitors from across the country also felt the joy and the charm of Hong Kong at the spectacular event. Ms. Yang from Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, shared that this was both her first time watching horse racing and her first visit to Hong Kong.

"Being here on this special day makes it all the more meaningful," she remarked.

"My first impression is that the people of Hong Kong are very warm-hearted. We care for one another like a big family, which brings me a great sense of warmth," said Mr. Zhang, from Shanghai.

Interns Zhang Yujie and Han Yuxuan contributed to the video.