The Hong Kong Jockey Club smashed all previous records on Sunday, recording the highest opening day turnover in its history with total betting reaching HK$1.44 billion (US$185 million) – 4.3% higher than the previous record set 12 months ago.
A year after just 362 people attended at Sha Tin due to COVID-19 restrictions, the crowds were back this time around with 16,356 at Sha Tin and 1,207 at Happy Valley for an overall attendance of 17,563.
Turnover of HK$1.44 billion exceeded the HK$1.38 billion (US$178 million) in turnover recorded 2019/2020 which had itself been 6.8% higher than the previous record set in the 2017/2018 season.
“I personally think it was the best start we could have hoped for,” said The HKJC CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.
“It was a wonderful atmosphere to have our customers back on track. They saw tremendous performances from the sporting side.
“On the business side, turnover is a record – the highest turnover for the start of the season – beating HK$1.376 billion last year. I personally think it is a tremendous start to the season.”
“I am very optimistic going forward. We could not have hoped for a better start from the sporting point of view and the business point of view.
“Going forward, I look forward to Hong Kong racing going from strength to strength.”
The impressive start to the season comes just days after The HKJC reported record turnover for the 2020/21 season, rising 27.9% year-on-year to HK$279.70 billion (US$36.0 billion) including a 12.5% rise in racing turnover to HK$136.1 billion (US$17.5 billion).
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