Massive Horse Racing Turnover in Hong Kong as Decades Old Betting Records are Shattered
Published January 26, 2023 by Brett C
Sports betting enthusiasts celebrated as a new record was set for the highest-grossing betting turnover in Hong Kong in over 26 years. Jockey Silvestre de Souza, a three-time British flat champion, won the feature race and was highlighted in the Class 1 Chinese New Year Cup. John Size added his 1100th victory at Sha Tin on the day, and the next big race is the Sunday Stewards' Cup over a distance of 1600 m.
The Chinese celebrated lavishly at Sha Tin as race day officially kicked off. According to the numbers, the highest-grossing betting turnover was recorded in over 26 years (1997). An estimated 80,000 sports betting aficionados punted on the day, leading to approximate revenues of £214 million, the local equivalent of HK$2,060 million.
84,394 Fans in Attendance as Wagers Surpass £176.2 million
Attendance figures were extremely high at 84,394 adoring fans, the highest levels since the coronavirus pandemic restrictions were locked into place in 2020. Additionally, betting turnover was markedly higher than the £176.2 million in wagers and the Chinese New Year fixtures in 2022.
Jockey Silvestre De Souza – a three-time British flat champion – was again in the spotlight as they recorded a double victory on the day. He won the feature race and was highlighted in the class 1 Chinese New Year Cup with Mr Ascendancy. Australian riding champion, Hugh Bowman, was also in line for a doubles win, in addition to Karis Teetan, with Mauritian Magician.
Silvestre De Souza has Won 32 Times in the Current Term
At the time of writing, jockey Silvestre De Souza ranked #3 in the Hong Kong Jockey's championship race, racking up 32 victories in the current term. According to him,
He's a nice horse with a nice handicap; all the credit to the horse. He's come out in one, pushing horses with the top weight. He's an improving horse; he still got a bit to learn. I like the horse, and I think I will see the best of him later.
Hong Kong history was shared with John Size, who added his 1100th victory at Sha Tin on the day. It was all thanks to Zac Purton, who doubled with Baby Crystal to win the first Year of the Rabbit victory. This was recorded in the second section of class #4, Kung Hei Handicap running at 1200 m.
Jockey John Size Rapidly Closing in on John Moore's 1735 Wins
Overall, John Size has recorded an impressive 1443 wins total, and he's approximately 292 wins behind the leading jockey, John Moore, at 1735 victories. This record currently stands for the all-time winners' list in Hong Kong. Next on the agenda is a group #1 Battle Royale between Golden 60, Romantic Warrior, and California Spangle. This race begins in the Sunday Stewards' Cup over a distance of 1600 m.
About the Sha Tin Racecourse
Sha Tin Racecourse is in Hong Kong and is one of the world's premier horse racing tracks. It opened in 1978 and is the home of the Hong Kong Derby, one of the four major races in Hong Kong. The track is known for its impeccable facilities and impressive attendance numbers, with over 84,394 attendees on 24th January 2023, the highest number since the start of the pandemic.
The Sha Tin Racecourse has also been the venue for many significant events, such as the Chinese New Year Cup, the Hong Kong Mile and the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup.
