Cheers at the races as Hong Kong celebrates National Day
To mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Hong Kong Jockey Club held a National Day Raceday on Oct. 1, bringing world-class racing and vibrant cultural performances to visitors celebrating the holiday.
The National Day Raceday kicks off at Hong Kong's Sha Tin Racecourse, Oct. 1, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Wu Yuyangyang)
Renowned as China's Three Tenors, Dai Yuqiang, Warren Mok and Wei Song made their first-ever joint appearance at Sha Tin, performing a selection of classic songs and leading the singing of the national anthem.
They said performing on National Day was especially meaningful. Their songs, they said, reflected both the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures and Hong Kong's distinctive appeal as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
China's Three Tenors, Dai Yuqiang, Warren Mok and Wei Song, make their first-ever joint appearance at Sha Tin Racecourse, Oct. 1, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Wu Yuyangyang)
The Cangzhou Acrobatic Troupe also performed Zhongfan, an acrobatic act listed as national intangible cultural heritage, showcasing the artistic charm of Chinese culture.
Performers present Zhongfan, a national intangible cultural heritage acrobatic act, at Sha Tin Racecourse, Oct. 1, 2026. (People's Daily Online/Wu Yuyangyang)
On the day, Sha Tin Racecourse was decked out in "China Red," with the stands packed and an electric atmosphere throughout. Eleven races were held, and Colourful King stormed to victory in the day's feature race, the National Day Cup (Race 3).
Crowds flock to Sha Tin Racecourse on National Day, Oct. 1, 2026. (Photo provided by the Hong Kong Jockey Club)
The event drew nearly 30,000 spectators, including more than 9,300 tourists from the Chinese mainland and overseas.
In its newly released first Five-Year Plan, the Hong Kong SAR Government proposed deepening the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism and further promoting horse-racing tourism.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wang Yuqing)
