The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) staged the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Cup (27 April) at Sha Tin Racecourse, with Japanese horse Tastiera claiming victory. This international Group 1 race is not only a highlight of the global racing calendar but also carries profound historical significance, rooted in Hong Kong’s ties with the British monarchy. The Jockey Club’s former title, The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, adds further depth to this legacy. Below, we explore the race’s origins, the story behind the “Royal” designation, and the illustrious roll call of its champions.
Race Origins: Commemorating a Royal Visit
The Queen Elizabeth II Cup was first held in 1975, initially named the Queen Elizabeth Cup, to mark the inaugural visit of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to Hong Kong in May of that year. As a British colony at the time, Hong Kong used the event to pay tribute to the monarchy, underscoring the strong ties with Britain. The inaugural race took place at Happy Valley Racecourse over a 1575-metre sand handicap, with a modest prize fund of HK$50,000, drawing enthusiastic local support. The first winner was Lai Chi Luck.
The Royal Title: A Mark of Distinction
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s deep connection to the British monarchy is epitomised by its former “Royal” title. Founded in 1884 as the Hong Kong Jockey Club, it served as a racing and social hub for local elites and expatriates. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed a Royal Charter upon the organisation, renaming it The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. This honour recognised the Club’s significant contributions to Hong Kong society, including its charitable initiatives and sporting advancements, cementing its status as a cornerstone of colonial-era Hong Kong. The Royal Charter, a prestigious accolade from the British Crown, elevated the Club to one of Hong Kong’s most symbolic institutions.
With Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, the “Royal” title became politically and symbolically inappropriate. In 1996, the Jockey Club proactively relinquished the designation, reverting to the Hong Kong Jockey Club to align with Hong Kong’s new identity as a Special Administrative Region of China. Nevertheless, the Club preserved certain royal traditions, such as retaining the Queen Elizabeth II Cup name, as a nod to its heritage and to maintain continuity with the international racing community.
From Local Event to Global Group 1 Race
Since its inception in 1975, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup has undergone a remarkable evolution:
- Early Years: From 1975 to 1995, the race was a local affair, initially held at Happy Valley before moving to the newly built Sha Tin Racecourse in 1979. The distance, once 2200 metres, was standardised to 2000 metres in 1997, establishing it as a premier middle-distance event.
- International Expansion: In 1995, the race opened to international competitors, attracting top horses from the UAE, UK, France, Japan, and Australia. By 2001, it was elevated to Group 1 status, with prize money rising to HK$10 million, now standing at HK$28 million, placing it among the world’s elite races.
- Sponsorship Boost: Since 1999, Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has sponsored the event, enhancing its global prestige. Today, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup anchors the FWD Champions Day, alongside the Champions Mile and Chairman’s Sprint Prize, drawing the finest talent in global racing.
Cultural Significance and Global Impact
The Queen Elizabeth II Cup is more than a race; it is a testament to the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s ability to honour its historical roots while embracing a modern, international identity. Retaining the “Queen Elizabeth II” name post-1997 reflects respect for Hong Kong’s colonial past and underscores its status as a global racing hub. The Jockey Club’s former “Royal” title further enriches this narrative, positioning the race as a cultural icon in Hong Kong racing. Each year, the event draws tens of thousands of local and international fans, with global broadcasts showcasing Hong Kong’s racing prowess to the world.
Queen Elizabeth II Cup Winners (1975–2025)
Since its debut, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup has crowned numerous legendary horses. Below is the complete list of winners by year:
- 1975: Lai Chi Luck
- 1976: Flying Star
- 1977: Jade
- 1978: Quick Money
- 1979: Flying Horse
- 1980: Deluxe
- 1981: Silver King
- 1982: Silver King
- 1983: Dragon Sound
- 1984: Lucky Star
- 1985: Yau Chat
- 1986: Flying Prince
- 1987: Golden Star
- 1988: Golden Star
- 1989: Golden Star
- 1990: Quick Horse
- 1991: Everest
- 1992: Grand Slam
- 1993: Grand Slam
- 1994: Grand Slam
- 1995: Red Ruffian
- 1996: Dashing
- 1997: Overlord
- 1998: Oriental Express
- 1999: Jim and Tonic
- 2000: Industrial Pioneer
- 2001: Silvano
- 2002: Eishin Preston
- 2003: Eishin Preston
- 2004: River Dancer
- 2005: Vengeance of Rain
- 2006: Irridescence
- 2007: Vengeance of Rain
- 2008: Archipenko
- 2009: Presvis
- 2010: Vengeance of Rain
- 2011: Ambitious Dragon
- 2012: Rulership
- 2013: Military Attack
- 2014: Designs on Rome
- 2015: Blazing Speed
- 2016: Werther
- 2017: Neorealism
- 2018: Pakistan Star
- 2019: Win Bright
- 2020: Exultant
- 2021: Loves Only You
- 2022: Romantic Warrior
- 2023: Romantic Warrior
- 2024: Romantic Warrior
- 2025: Tastiera
Highlights:
- Romantic Warrior (2022–2024) achieved a historic three-peat, cementing its status as one of the race’s greatest champions and earning Hong Kong Horse of the Year honours.
- Vengeance of Rain (2005, 2007, 2010) also secured three titles, showcasing Hong Kong’s dominance.
- Eishin Preston (2002–2003) and Golden Star (1987–1989) claimed two and three consecutive wins, respectively, dominating the race’s early years.
- Japanese horses have excelled, winning seven times (2012, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2025), second only to Hong Kong’s tally.
2025 Race Highlights
Yesterday’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin saw Tastiera triumph in the absence of Hong Kong’s star Romantic Warrior, outpacing strong contenders from the UK, Ireland, and Australia to claim the HK$28 million purse. The victory further bolstered Japan’s reputation in the race and reaffirmed the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s ability to attract world-class competition. HKJC Chief Executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges remarked, “The Queen Elizabeth II Cup embodies Hong Kong racing’s storied history and royal heritage. We look forward to welcoming the world’s finest horses in years to come.”
Looking Ahead
As a flagship event of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup encapsulates the city’s colonial heritage, including the Club’s former “Royal” title, while showcasing the dynamism of modern Hong Kong racing. With global competition intensifying, the HKJC plans to enhance prize money and facilities to maintain Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s racing capital. For fans and the city’s cultural fabric alike, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup remains an enduring legend.
