Looks like events other than the horses work ok in HK, though year on year both turnover and attendance were down.
Ex-Miss Hong Kong contestant Samantha Ko among guests as Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day goes pink
Singer Yan Ting kicks off fashion-themed activities that also included show featuring creations by Hong Kong Design Institute graduates
by SCMP Sport
on Sunday, November 9, 2025 9:45 PM
Appearances by ex-Miss Hong Kong contestant Samantha Ko Hoi-ling and singer Yan Ting headlined the festivities at the 21st edition of the city’s most glamorous lifestyle racing event – Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day.
Punters swathed in pink descended on Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, with many flocking to the parade ring to watch singer Ting get the festivities under way shortly before the racing started.
Sa Sa also forged a special collaboration with the Hong Kong Design Institute to present a dazzling fashion show during the opening performance. The showcase featured a stunning series of creations crafted by graduates of the institute’s Higher Diploma in Fashion Image Design programme.
“I personally think the atmosphere and the dressing style was special today,” Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO, said. “The fashion show was really good and we had a lot of positive feedback on it. I think that was something that was extremely well done.
“The quality of the attendance was different to what we had before and the new experience, Genso Eki, was full, so it was an extremely good atmosphere.”
Former Miss Hong Kong contestant Samantha Ko presented awards at the race day. Photo: Kenneth Chan
Racing fans were encouraged to dress up in their “most fashionable” pink outfits to compete for a “Best Dressed” contest, with Ko, who served as this year’s ambassador for the event, presenting awards to three winners.
Photo hotspots were set up at Champions Connection, with digital screens meant to showcase thoroughbred horses living in their natural habitat. There were also a number of themed kiosks showcasing Hong Kong treats such as egg waffles and teas.
And it would not have been a Sa Sa event without a beauty bazaar, complete with cosmetics, skincare products and perfumes on sale at discounted prices.
“The Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day is the most dazzling fashion event in Hong Kong’s horse-racing calendar and a highly sought-after experience for tourists,” Simon Kwok, chairman and CEO of Sa Sa International Holdings Limited, said.
“Sa Sa is committed to supporting this city’s most glamorous occasion, ensuring visitors leave with wonderful memories and enjoy a delightful experience, thereby contributing to the prosperity of the Hong Kong market.”
The Jockey Club said total turnover on the day was HK$1,508,403,572 (US$194 million), which was down 4.65 per cent.
A crowd of 39,271, which included around 6,000 tourists, passed through the gates, with that number down 2.42 per cent.