The 27-year wait for racing to return to mainland China goes on after October raceday 'postponed to a later date'

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Racing in mainland China will not begin next month as planned after the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) said competitive action at Conghua had been “postponed to a later date”.

While horses have been stabled and trained at Conghua, and barrier trials and an exhibition raceday have taken place at the course in Guangdong province since it was established by the HKJC in 2018, no competitive racing under rules has happened in China since 1999.

A fixture at the venue, which will be the third track operated by the HKJC alongside Sha Tin and Happy Valley when it opens, had been slated for October 31, but will not go ahead as planned following the “latest risk assessment from the relevant mainland departments”.

Announcing the postponement as part of its annual financial results published on Wednesday, the HKJC added: “Following discussions between both parties, it was agreed we will continue to work closely together to devise appropriate mitigation measures. As such, the originally scheduled October event will be postponed to a later date.”

The HKJC reported record wagering and lottery turnover of HK$331.7 billion (£31.35bn/€36.45bn) for the 12 months ended June 30, 2026, with HK$39.3bn “contributed to the community” through taxes and charitable donations during the year.

Turnover for World Pool, the HKJC-led international commingling tote venture, increased by 23 per cent year-on-year, with the HKJC stating it is “transforming Hong Kong into a global centre for wagering on the world’s top races”.

However, the HKJC warned of the continuing rise and threat of illegal black market operators.

The HKJC warned of the ever-growing threat of black market betting despite record betting turnover in 2025-26Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

“Enabled by digital platforms, cryptocurrency and social media promotion, the illegal gambling market has expanded hugely,” said the HKJC.

It added that high taxation – betting duty is “up to 75 per cent” on racing and 50 per cent gross margin on football – and a limited range of licensed betting products meant "in tackling the illegal market, Hong Kong has two fundamental disadvantages".

Assessing the HKJC’s performance in 2025-26, chairman Martin Liao highlighted the exploits of Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior and record levels of tourists attending its racecourses as signs of “the strength of the club’s racing and its enduring commitment to its purpose: the betterment of our society”. 

He added: “Above all, despite a very difficult environment, including the ever-expanding threat of illegal gambling, the club maintained its strong support for the community and for the charities that depend upon us.”

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