On July 1st, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) staged the "Hong Kong Reunification Raceday" at Sha Tin Racecourse, marking the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. The event drew 24,500 spectators, including approximately 6,000 mainland visitors, nearly a 30 % increase year-on-year, echoing the "horse racing will go on" scene.

On the event site, ten thrilling races took place, complemented by an array of celebration programs and interactive segments that created a lively and exuberant festive atmosphere. Attendees not only enjoyed the racing but also immersed themselves in the joy of the anniversary and Hong Kong's diverse culture. One spectator remarked that the event stood as a significant communal celebration of the return, underscoring horse racing's strong appeal as a distinct cultural emblem of Hong Kong and highlighting the city's unique charm and vitality under the "one country, two systems" policy.

Guests take a group photo after the award ceremony of the "Hong Kong Reunification Cup"

The day's highlights were the "Hong Kong Reunification Cup" and the "Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup." In Race 5, the Hong Kong Reunification Cup reaffirmed the enduring spirit of "horse racing will go on" since Hong Kong's return. Over the past 28 years, horse racing has evolved into a popular spectator sport and a key symbol of Hong Kong's cosmopolitan profile. Ultimately, "Light Years Charm," trained by David Eustace and ridden by Zac Purton, secured victory. In Race 7, the "Guangdong‑Hong Kong Cup" saw "We Are Hero," trained by Manfred Man Ka-leung and ridden by Ellis Wong Chi-wang, take the title.

Previously, the HKJC announced its strong support for the Hong Kong and Guangdong divisions of the 15th National Games, promoting sports events as a bridge to deepen exchanges and cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong, and to contribute to building a better society.

“香港共庆回归赛马日”活动举行，赛马文化绽放光彩

7月1日，香港赛马会于沙田马场举办“香港共庆回归赛马日”活动，共庆香港回归祖国28周年。当日吸引24500名观众到场，其中约6000名内地游客，较去年同期增长近三成，尽显香港“马照跑”的繁荣景象。

活动现场，沙田马场呈上十场精彩赛马赛事，同步推出多项庆祝节目与互动环节，营造出热烈欢腾的节日氛围。观众不仅饱览赛事，还深度体验回归庆典喜悦与香港多元文化魅力。有观众称赞，该活动是香港各界共庆回归的重要活动，彰显赛马作为香港独特文化符号的强大吸引力，也展现“一国两制”下香港的独特魅力与活力。

当日焦点赛事为“香港回归杯”和“粤港杯”。第五场“香港回归杯”见证香港自回归以来“马照跑”的延续，二十八年间，香港赛马已成为本地热门观赏运动与国际都会形象的重要标志，最终由游达荣训练、潘顿策骑的“光年魅力”夺冠。第七场“粤港杯”中，文家良训练、黄智弘策骑的“英雄豪杰”折桂。

早前，香港赛马会已宣布将积极支持第十五届全国运动会（十五运会）香港及广东赛区，以体育赛事为桥梁，深化粤港两地的交流与合作，助力建设更美好的社会。

文 | 记者 苏荇
图 | 香港赛马会
翻译 | 柯妃娟
审校 | 林佳岱