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| Sumita Pawar |
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For the 2024/25 racing season, Hong Kong's prime Group One races, namely the Gr.1 FWD Champions Mile, Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Mile, and Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Cup, will witness a total increase of HK$10 million in their prize money. The Longines Hong Kong Cup will stay as the most lucrative race in Hong Kong with HK$40 million in prize money, reflecting an increase of HK$4 million, i.e., 11.1%. The Longines Hong Kong Mile's prize money has been elevated by HK$4 million, i.e., 12.5%, to HK$36 million, and the 2025 FWD Champions Mile will increase from HK$22 million to HK$24 million, which is a rise of 9.1%.
The total Group One prize money purse of the 2024 Longines Hong Kong International Races will increase by HK$8 million to HK$126 million, and the three Group One races at 2025 FWD Champions Day will offer HK$74 million. With this growth in prize money, all 12 Group One races in Hong Kong will offer a record HK$265 million for the 2024/25 racing season, all of which were featured in the 2023 Longines World's Top 100 Gr.1 Races.
Mr. Andrew Harding, the Executive Director, Racing, of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said, "Hong Kong's two international race days, the Longines Hong Kong International Races and FWD Champions Day, are among the elite meetings on the global stage."
“As such, The Club believes it is appropriate to provide strategic and targeted prize money increases to flagship races at our international race days.
“The FWD Champions Mile, Longines Hong Kong Mile and LONGINES Hong Kong Cup were all ranked in the top 20 of the Longines World’s Top 100 G1 Races last year, providing incredible competition and entertainment with the victories of Golden Sixty and Romantic Warrior against world-class opposition.
“The prize money increases demonstrate the Club’s commitment to adequately rewarding both the Hong Kong and international owners vying for success in three of our top races.”