The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has confirmed that its inaugural race meeting at Conghua Racecourse in mainland China will take place on October 31st, 2026, marking what the Club describes as “the launch of world-class racing in mainland China,” according to Idol Horse.
HKJC Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges announced the confirmed date, stating that the launch program will likely feature five to six races. The initial plan to begin regular fixtures at Conghua in April 2026 was postponed to allow sufficient time for construction completion and to account for potential adverse weather conditions during summer.
The delay also enables the Club to align its planning with China’s five-year National Equine Industry Plan, expected to be released in March 2026. “The whole National Equine Industry Development Plan was from 2020 to 2025, so we expect there will be a new plan in March 2026,” Engelbrecht-Bresges explained. “That will outline the next five years and give us more information on policy direction.”
The first meeting will likely be limited to officials and invited guests, with the second meeting scheduled for late November 2026 serving as the broader public launch.
The HKJC will utilize its “Commingling” brand to provide betting services via simulcast in Hong Kong and jurisdictions worldwide that have agreements with the Club, though betting will not be available within mainland China, including for visitors from Hong Kong attending Conghua.
Located approximately 200 kilometers from Hong Kong, Conghua Racecourse spans 150 hectares and can accommodate over 660 active horses at current stable capacity. The world-class facility, originally designed as the equestrian venue for the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games, has become integral to Hong Kong racing operations. According to the Club’s annual report, 37 percent of runners last season utilized Conghua’s training facilities, including champions like Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble.
The journey from Sha Tin Racecourse to Conghua takes approximately three hours by car and four hours via specially-designed cross-boundary horse floats—travel times that align with standard international racing practices.
Additionally, HKJC has acquired land for an equine transfer center near Conghua, scheduled for completion in April 2027, which will facilitate horse imports into mainland China and potentially support development of a domestic breeding industry.
