Ownership Benefits Enhanced By HKJC

[Wandering Eyes]

A raft of measures to further enhance the owner value proposition as applications for the 2025 Horse Ballot open next Monday were announced by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) on Friday. Current prize-money, including bonuses, are at record highs at an estimated HK$1.73 billion (€213,999,329) across the 2024/25 racing season.

The HKJC will introduce in the 2025/26 Hong Kong racing season an extension to the current PP (Previously Raced Horse) Bonus scheme, whereby a horse with a rating higher than or equal to 70 at the time of import is eligible for a HK$1.5-million bonus when they record a first Class 3 win within their first two years of racing–enhancing eligibility for owners to maximise returns with previously raced imports. The extension to the initiative will be available to all horses currently racing in Hong Kong that received an import rating of 70 or higher. The two-year period of opportunity will commence from their date of import into Hong Kong.

Since the current format was introduced for the 2022/23 racing season, 115 horses have earned a Class 3 PP Bonus, totalling HK$149.5 million in returns for owners. Including the PPG (Privately Purchased Griffin) Bonus, ISG (International Sale Griffin) Bonus, Class 2 PP Bonus and Top-Up Bonuses, HK$221 million has been paid to owners due to wins by 177 horses.

Additionally, with immediate effect there will be a new cap of seven (up from four) syndicates any one member can join and a new cap of seven horses (up from five) owners can own at any one time.

Basic monthly livery fees remain capped at HK$30,000. In addition to this during the first four months after the arrival of a new horse, basic monthly livery fees are reduced to HK$25,000. The sustained freeze on livery, first four months reduction, and export grant top-up will represent a HK$140 million investment made by the Club.

Implemented during the 2023/2024 to assist owners exporting their horses after retirement from racing in Hong Kong, current payments of HK$50,000 from the HKJC will continue in addition to the HK$100,000 existing travel subsidy. The HKJC's RESTART programme will also assist owners in handling the aftercare of their horses post-racing careers.

The HKJC also continues to boost the world-class training facilities at Sha Tin and Conghua.

Key application dates are as follows for permits (120 PP & 340 PPG):

• Applications open on Monday, Mar. 3.
• Applications close on Monday, Apr. 14.
• Ballot announced on Thursday, June 5.

Andrew Harding, executive director, racing, HKJC, said, “The investment that owners make in sourcing high-quality horses from around the world to support Hong Kong's horse racing is a vital pillar of the Club's success, and it is essential that we continue to find means by which we can assist owners and ensure that they have an excellent ownership experience.”

For more information on the new enhancements, please visit the HKJC website.

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