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Racing

"Hong Kong International Races: 80,691 Attendees, Record-Breaking Wins"

2024-12-08

A total of 69,916 racegoers made their way to Sha Tin, and an additional 10,775 flocked to Happy Valley. This remarkable influx brought the total number of attendees for the Longines Hong Kong International Races to a staggering 80,691, marking the highest attendance since 2018. The HKJC's chief executive officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, expressed his personal view, stating, "I personally think it was one of the best, if not the best, Longines Hong Kong International Races and an incredible week. Starting with the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship, it was an amazing success. Today, we hoped to create a highlight, and I personally think everything went to perfection."

Success on the Track and Beyond

When looking purely at the results, it was a tremendous success for Hong Kong horses. Locally trained horses swept three of the four HKIR races - Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup, Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, and Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile. British raider Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) landed the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase, becoming the first British horse to achieve victory at the 'Turf World Championships' since 2012. Engelbrecht-Bresges added, "When you look at the sporting performances, Romantic Warrior is the best 2000m horse in the world. It was an absolutely dominant performance; he showed that he is absolutely world-class, and to win this race (Longines Hong Kong Cup) for the third time is an incredible effort. He has now broken the world prize-money record of Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d’Oro) with total prize-money of HK$177 million (£17,849,886/€21,528,584/$22,753,164/A$35,611,075), which is an amazing achievement." It was also a very good win by Giavellotto. With Ka Ying Rising, he had tremendous competition from another Hong Kong horse [Victor The Winner (Aus) (Toronado {Ire})], which disrupted his rhythm, but he is an amazing sprinter. Voyage Bubble has shown how good he is, and the runner-up [Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn})] also put on a tremendous performance.The meeting was broadcast into 29 countries live, and in Hong Kong, the attendance figures were tremendous with an overall total of 80,000. There were also 6,511 visitors from the Mainland, a record - 40% more than last year.

Impressive Turnover and Global Impact

Turnover reached HK$1,716.3 million (£173,090,614/€208,754,294/$220,628,571/A$345,305,094), including a commingling record of HK$473.8 million (£47,783,215/€57,628,494/$60,906,494/A$95,324,566), an increase of 10% on last year's Longines HKIR. Engelbrecht-Bresges said, "Our strategy to bring the best races from Hong Kong and show them overseas is really proving a great success with our races today for the first time under the World Pool banner, which shows our racing product is extremely well received. Today is not about the turnover. Today is about the sport - it was a fantastic spectacle. The crescendo was the fireworks to close this wonderful meeting. We have one new racing fan in Sir Alex [Ferguson]. He was absolutely enthused about Hong Kong and what he saw, so he promised me to come back. This meeting attracts a global audience and global recognition, and this reflects positively on Hong Kong."We would like to thank all the owners, trainers, and jockeys who have brought their horses here because we can make this a global event only with their support. A tremendous team effort behind the scenes makes Hong Kong such a wonderful place to visit and connect to the world as a vibrant, world-class city.

The 2024 Formula 1 season has come to an end, marking the longest campaign yet with 24 grands prix including six sprint races. This intense competition led to Max Verstappen clinching his fourth consecutive world title, fending off the nearest challenger, Lando Norris of McLaren. Now, as we look ahead to 2025, F1 is set to hold the same number of rounds. The season will commence with testing in Bahrain on 26 February and conclude in Abu Dhabi on 7 December. Here is a comprehensive guide to the next F1 fix.

When is the Next F1 Race?

The next F1 race is set to take place on 16 March 2025. This marks the return of the Australian Grand Prix as the season opener for the first time since 2019. Pre-season testing will continue in Bahrain from 26 to 28 February. This means there are just two weeks between the end of testing and the first practice session in Melbourne at Albert Park Circuit on 14 March. It's an exciting time for F1 fans as they eagerly await the start of the new season.The Australian Grand Prix holds a special place in the F1 calendar. It has been a regular fixture since 1996, but was absent in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Now, it will once again kickstart the F1 season, setting the tone for the rest of the year.

What is the 2025 F1 Schedule?

The 2025 F1 campaign begins with pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. This will be the fifth consecutive year that F1 has held its pre-season test in the Middle Eastern country. However, Bahrain will not be the opening round next year for the first time since the COVID-hit 2020 campaign when it was in Austria.Australia will return as the season opener, bringing back the excitement of the first grand prix of the year. After the Australian Grand Prix, the Chinese Grand Prix will follow in the next weekend. These changes are due to Ramadan, as the Islamic tradition takes place from 1-30 March, ruling out the Middle East from hosting the opening grands prix.After China, there will be a two-week break before the Japanese Grand Prix. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will then host the season's fourth and fifth rounds in April. A trip to Miami follows, and Imola will kickstart the European leg of the season. Bar June's Canadian Grand Prix, the season will finish with Monza in September.Other changes include the sprint calendar. In 2024, China, Miami, Austria, Austin, Brazil, and Qatar all held sprint races. However, the Red Bull Ring is not on the 2025 calendar. Its spot will be taken by Spa-Francorchamps, which will host its second sprint race after also holding one in 2023 and won by Verstappen.The 2025 F1 calendar is filled with exciting races and events. Each round brings its own challenges and opportunities for the drivers and teams. From the iconic circuits of Melbourne and Monaco to the new venues in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas, there is something for every F1 fan to look forward to.The Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit will be the first test of the season, with drivers and teams eager to showcase their skills. The Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit will be another highlight, with its unique track and challenging corners.The Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit is known for its technical challenges and demanding layout. Bahrain will host two rounds, providing a familiar track for the drivers. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche Circuit will be a new addition to the calendar, adding a new flavor to the season.The Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome will bring the excitement of street racing to F1. Imola will kickstart the European leg of the season, with its historic track and passionate fans. The Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be another thrilling race, with its fast straights and tight corners.The Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is always a crowd favorite, with its challenging track and passionate Canadian fans. The Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring will be a home race for Max Verstappen, and he will be looking to defend his title.The British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit is a classic race that always attracts a large crowd. The Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps will be another challenging race, with its long straights and technical corners.The Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring will test the drivers' skills on a unique track. The Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort will be a return to a familiar track for many drivers. The Italian Grand Prix at Monza Circuit will be a highlight of the European leg, with its fast straights and tight corners.The Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku City Circuit will be a unique race, with its street circuit and challenging corners. The Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Circuit will be a night race, adding a new dimension to the F1 calendar.The United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas will be a popular event, with its fast track and large crowd. The Mexican Grand Prix at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will be another exciting race, with its challenging layout.The Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos Circuit will be a final showdown before the end of the season. The Las Vegas Grand Prix at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit will be a new addition to the calendar, bringing the excitement of Las Vegas to F1.The Qatar Grand Prix at Losail International Circuit will conclude the season on a high note. Each round of the 2025 F1 season promises to be a thrilling event, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the start of the new year.

Lando Norris stands on the pit wall, his hand extended in a gesture of camaraderie as he greets those around him. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton showcases his driving skills by performing doughnuts on the start-finish straight, a display that catches the attention of all. Hamilton's actions also include a pre-planned spot where he can celebrate his Mercedes goodbye, right behind the podium finishers. This setup has turned out quite neatly, especially considering that Hamilton finished in a remarkable fourth position. After the race, Hamilton spends a significant amount of time sitting beside his Mercedes car, lost in thought as he contemplates all the history associated with it. It seems that tears are also welling up in Lando Norris as he takes off his helmet, perhaps reflecting on the emotions of the moment. Each driver's actions and expressions tell a story of the intense competition and the deep connection they have with their respective teams and the sport.

The Pit Wall and Start-Finish Straight - A Glimpse into the Drivers' World

Lando Norris on the Pit Wall

Lando Norris, with his hand firmly in a handshake, represents the essence of teamwork and interaction on the pit wall. His presence there is a symbol of the support and coordination that goes on behind the scenes during a race. As he stands, he is aware of the importance of every moment and the role he plays in the overall performance of the team.

The pit wall is a hive of activity, with mechanics and strategists working together to ensure the smooth running of the race. Norris's participation on it adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation. He is constantly in communication with the team, receiving instructions and providing feedback, all while maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.

Lewis Hamilton on the Start-Finish Straight

Lewis Hamilton's doughnut display on the start-finish straight is a testament to his exceptional driving skills and confidence. It is a moment that showcases his ability to push the boundaries and leave a lasting impression. His pre-planned celebration spot behind the podium finishers adds an extra touch of significance to the occasion.

Hamilton's time on the start-finish straight is not just about showing off his driving prowess; it is also a moment of reflection. As he looks out at the track and the crowd, he is likely thinking about all the victories and achievements that have led him to this point. It is a moment of both celebration and remembrance.

Hamilton's Mercedes Goodbye

Finishing in fourth position, Hamilton's goodbye to his Mercedes car is a bittersweet moment. He has spent countless hours behind the wheel of that vehicle, creating history and achieving remarkable feats. The spot behind the podium finishers provides a fitting backdrop for his farewell, allowing him to soak in the atmosphere one last time.

Sitting beside his Mercedes car, Hamilton is likely reminiscing about the memories made and the challenges overcome. It is a time of introspection as he contemplates the next chapter in his racing career. His presence beside the car is a reminder of the bond he has with the machine and the team that has supported him throughout his journey.

Tears for Lando Norris

The sight of Lando Norris taking off his helmet with tears in his eyes is a poignant moment. Racing is a highly emotional sport, and the intensity of the competition can take a toll on the drivers. Norris's emotions likely stem from a combination of exhaustion, relief, and the realization of the significance of the moment.

Tears in racing can represent a wide range of emotions, from disappointment to joy. In Norris's case, it may be a mix of both. He has given his all on the track and has experienced the highs and lows of the sport. Taking off his helmet is a symbolic act, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.