Year of the Horse Raceday 2026 will take place on February 19 at Sha Tin Racecourse, combining top-level racing with Chinese New Year cultural festivities.
Summary: Year of the Horse Raceday 2026 takes place on February 19 at Sha Tin Racecourse, featuring a full programme of races beginning at 12:30 pm alongside Chinese New Year performances, decorations and giveaways for visitors.
Hong Kong will celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Year of the Horse Raceday 2026 on February 19, a day that mixes high-speed horse racing with traditional festival activities at Sha Tin Racecourse. The event, held on the third day of the Lunar New Year, brings together locals, racing fans and tourists for sport and cultural celebration.
A High-Octane Day of Racing at Sha Tin
Racing is the focal point of the Raceday. Action on the track begins at 12:30 pm and builds to the feature Year of the Horse Cup, which is expected to draw top jockeys and horses from Hong Kong and overseas. Sha Tin Racecourse, noted for its modern facilities, is set to host more than 20,000 spectators, creating an energetic atmosphere as fans cheer the competitors.
- Date: February 19, 2026
- Venue: Sha Tin Racecourse
- Racing starts: 12:30 pm
- Feature race: Year of the Horse Cup
- Estimated attendance: over 20,000 spectators
Cultural Extravaganza Beyond the Races
Alongside the sport, the Raceday offers an array of Lunar New Year activities. The racecourse will be decorated to reflect the Horse zodiac theme, with traditional performances and family-friendly attractions intended to immerse visitors in local customs and festive cheer.
- Traditional lion dances and live music performances
- Photo opportunities with red lanterns, golden horse displays and other zodiac decorations
- Interactive activities and themed installations
- Lucky draws with horse-themed souvenirs and limited-edition MAK MAK merchandise
Visitor Information and Accessibility
Sha Tin Racecourse is well served by public transport, including the MTR, making it straightforward for both residents and tourists to attend. General admission is typically available via Octopus card, and attendees holding a valid travel pass or Octopus card may enter free of charge. For those seeking an elevated experience, reserved seating and VIP hospitality packages are offered.
- Transport: Accessible by MTR and local transit
- General admission: Octopus card / valid travel pass (free entry for eligible cardholders)
- Premium options: Reserved seating and VIP hospitality packages
Why the Raceday Matters for Hong Kong Tourism
Year of the Horse Raceday is a key attraction in Hong Kong's Chinese New Year calendar, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The event blends sport and culture, showcasing a side of the city that appeals to tourists seeking memorable festival experiences alongside world-class horse racing. It also supports local hospitality, retail and cultural sectors during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Looking Ahead
As Hong Kong continues to promote itself as a vibrant travel hub, events such as the Year of the Horse Raceday help reinforce the city’s reputation for combining modern attractions with rich cultural traditions. Organizers are likely to expand entertainment offerings and visitor services in coming years to meet growing demand.
What This Means for Travelers
For visitors planning a trip during the Lunar New Year, the Raceday offers an opportunity to combine high-quality horse racing with seasonal cultural experiences. So what? Attending provides a memorable way to mark the New Year, with easy transport access, free or low-cost general admission options for eligible cardholders, and the chance to enjoy both sporting spectacle and traditional festivities in a single outing.
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