The 2025 Longines Hong Kong International Races drew record crowds to Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, with 13,300 visitors attending in a single day, the highest figure ever recorded for the event.   One of Hong Kong’s most popular sports, horse racing remains a defining cultural symbol of the city, while also highlighting its experience and professionalism in hosting world-class international sporting events.   Horse racing tourism has surged this year as Hong Kong steps up efforts to attract global audiences. Just three months into the 2025–2026 racing season, total visitor numbers have already exceeded 110,000, underlining the sport’s growing international appeal.   The race day featured 10 contests, including four flagship races offering a combined prize pool of 16.7 million U.S. dollars.   “I used to watch horse racing on television, but being here in person is a completely different feeling,” said a visitor from the Chinese mainland.   Source: China Central Television