After more than 40 years, Macao's horse racing track hosted its final races on Saturday, marking the end of the sport in the city known for its bustling casinos. The decision to terminate the contract with the Macao Jockey Club was made in January by the city's government at the request of the Macao Horse Race Company, citing operational challenges as a key reason for the closure.
On the last race day, spectators gathered in the stands, placing their final bets as some tourists also visited the track. A student from mainland China expressed her interest in experiencing the unique atmosphere of horse racing in Macao, which is not available in mainland China.
One Macao resident, visiting the race course for the first and last time, lamented the end of the gambling and entertainment activities associated with the sport.
In recent years, horse racing in Macao has faced economic difficulties and struggled to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Macau Jockey Club reported operating losses exceeding $311 million, further highlighting the challenges faced by the industry.
As part of the termination agreement, the horse racing firm committed to arranging transportation for owners' horses to other locations by March 2025 and ensuring compliance with employment laws for its staff, as stated by the government.
Contrastingly, in neighboring Hong Kong, horse racing remains a popular and profitable activity. The city's jockey club continues to operate various gambling activities and plays a significant role as a major contributor to charitable initiatives.
