HONG KONG: Horse racing in Hong Kong will take place behind closed doors on Sunday as a mark of respect following the deadly fire that killed at least 94 people in Tai Po this week.
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The Sha Tin race meeting will be conducted under sombre circumstances, with jockeys wearing black armbands and a minute’s silence observed to honour the victims of the Wang Fuk Court blaze, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced.
In a statement, the HKJC said it was “deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives” and acknowledged the injuries and personal losses suffered by families in the affected community.
The Minister visited the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Conghua Racecourse in Guangdong Province.
NZ is a major partner of the horse racing industry in both mainland China & the Hong Kong SAR – one of the largest suppliers of horses, trainers & vets.
— Winston Peters (@NewZealandMFA) November 27, 2025
As part of its relief efforts, the club confirmed that all gross income from the race meeting, estimated at around HK$70 million ($9 million), will be donated to support those impacted by the fire.
The blaze, Hong Kong’s deadliest since 1948, swept through eight high-rise apartment blocks and sparked investigations into safety procedures, including the use of bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh during renovations.
Several other sporting events across the city, including trail races and rugby matches, have been postponed or cancelled as the community continues to grieve, according to reports in the South China Morning Post.
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The move to hold races without spectators and donate proceeds highlights the city’s solidarity in the aftermath of one of its most devastating residential fires in decades.