Prize money for three of Hong Kong's premier Group 1 races – the Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) and Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) – will be increased for the 2024/25 racing season by a total of HK$10 million next season.
The 2025 FWD Champions Mile will rise from HK$22 million to HK$24 million, up 9.1%, while the Hong Kong Cup remains Hong Kong's most lucrative race with record prize money of HK$40 million – an 11.1% increase of HK$4 million.
The Hong Kong Mile has been boosted by HK$4 million to HK$36 million, a rise of 12.5%.
The increases add HK$8 million to 2024 Hong Kong International Races for a total Group 1 prize money purse of HK$126 million, while the three Group 1 races at 2025 FWD Champions Day will offer HK$74 million.
The growth in prize money means Hong Kong's 12 Group 1 races – all of which featured in the 2023 World's Top 100 Group 1 Races – will offer a record HK$265 million for the 2024/25 racing season.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director, Racing, Mr Andrew Harding, 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 Group 1 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.”