They are astronomical figures that seem to come from another (racing) world: Hong Kong is also increasing the prize money for the International Races in December, the unofficial world championship for gallopers.
The Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) will be endowed with an unprecedented HK$118 million in 2023, which means the December event will continue to feature the world`s highest-paying Group 1 grass races over 1200m, 1600m and 2000m.
The Hong Kong Cup - the world`s highest-paying race - will increase by 5.9% to HK$36 million, the Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) by 8.3% to HK$26 million, the Hong Kong Mile (1600m) by 6.7% to HK$32 million and the Hong Kong Vase (2400m) by 9.1% to HK$24 million.
Three of last year`s G1 races at the HKIR - the Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Cup and Hong Kong Sprint - are among the top 100 G1 races in the 2022 LONGINES World Rankings, underlining their quality.
The glittering HKIR meeting underscores Hong Kong`s staggering prize money growth, with each of the city`s 12 Group 1 races being boosted by at least HK$1 million - a total of HK$20 million - as part of an overall prize money increase of 10%.
These enhancements will bring Hong Kong`s record prize money and incentive structure to an estimated HK$1.73 billion for the 2023/24 season.
In addition to the HKIR`s lucrative prize money, Hong Kong will also host the Queen`s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m), the highest paying Group 1 turf race over 1400m, worth HK$13 million. The Club has also increased the prize money for Group 2 and Group 3 races to HK$5.35 million and HK$4.2 million respectively - an increase of 7.0% and 7.7%.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, commented, "The Hong Kong International Races continues to be widely known as the `Turf World Championships` and the total prize money of HK$118 million on offer next season underlines the Club`s commitment to attracting and rewarding the world`s best horses and their connections. With increasing competition around the world, it is vital that Hong Kong`s two international racing days - the Hong Kong International Races and FWD Champions Day - continue to be the preferred destinations of owners, trainers and jockeys from around the world."
Continuing, EB says: "As we saw in December with the successful staging of the Hong Kong International Races 2022 and again with the wonderful FWD Champions Day, these prestigious international events allow us to showcase Hong Kong`s world-class racing on the global stage."
