Hong Kong International Races 2026: Dates, Sha Tin and Flying Private

The Hong Kong International Races 2026 dates run from the Jockeys' Championship on Wednesday, December 9, to race day on Sunday, December 13, 2026, at Sha Tin Racecourse, where the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) runs four Group 1 races on one card: the Hong Kong Vase, Sprint, Mile and Cup. The club's LONGINES HKIR event page lists the day starting at 11:10am, with the first race at 12:25pm.

• Wednesday, December 9: LONGINES International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley, first race 6:30pm
• Thursday, December 10: barrier draw for the four Group 1 races
• Friday, December 11: LONGINES HKIR Gala Dinner
• Sunday, December 13: LONGINES Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin, event starts 11:10am

Hong Kong International Races 2026 dates and schedule

The HKJC calls race day "the most important raceday of Hong Kong's season" and says the four races have become known as the "World Turf Championships." Its December 2026 fixture lists the Sha Tin day meeting on December 13 with four cup races at 1,200, 1,600, 2,000 and 2,400 metres. The week opens four days earlier with the International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley, where, according to the club, the rider with the most points across four races takes the title. That evening starts at 4:45pm.

The club notes that the start time is provisional and that the race card and arrangements may change, subject to its final announcement. Build some slack into your arrival plan rather than flying in on race morning.

Tickets and hospitality at Sha Tin

Rather than one ticket page, the HKIR event page lists bookable dining and hospitality venues at both racecourses through the HKJC online booking system. At Sha Tin these include Champion Circle on 3/F of Grandstand 1, Genso in Grandstand II and Pak Sing Restaurant on 5/F of Grandstand II. Prices and dress rules are set per venue, so check them at the booking stage. The Gala Dinner on December 11 is described as a gathering for "racing elites and VIP guests"; the page does not say how to attend, so ask the club or your host. The HKJC also notes that its betting services are intended for use in Hong Kong only.

When is the Hong Kong Derby?

The Hong Kong Derby is a separate race day and is not part of the December international meeting. Check the HKJC fixture list for its 2027 date and prize money before you plan a second trip around it.

Flying private into Hong Kong: HKBAC

Business aircraft use Hong Kong International Airport (HKG/VHHH) at Chek Lap Kok, where the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre (HKBAC) has operated as the FBO since 1998. HKBAC says it was the first FBO in Asia to bring customs, immigration and quarantine services into the same building.

Its HKG operating page sets out the steps for a visit: obtain a tentative runway slot, which can be requested up to 30 days before the flight; send a ground handling request to HKBAC within 24 hours of getting that slot; apply for a parking stand within the same 24 hours; and file the application for non-scheduled air services at least three working days before arrival or departure. HKBAC says every passenger and crew member needs a valid travel document and visa or entry permit, and states: "No Entry Visa can be granted upon arrival." These are standing rules, not race-week conditions, and we make no claim about slot or stand availability that weekend.

Sha Tin is in the New Territories, a road transfer away from the airport at Chek Lap Kok, so ask for a realistic transfer time on race morning. For the ground leg, see How to Plan Private Jet Airport Transfers Around FBO Operations, and for departure-airport choices in general, How to Choose a Private Jet Departure Airport Near a Major City.

What to confirm with your provider

• When will the operator request the tentative runway slot and parking stand, and what happens if neither is confirmed?
• Has the non-scheduled air services application been filed at least three working days ahead?
• Do all passengers hold the visa or entry permit they need before departure?
• How long is the transfer from HKBAC to Sha Tin on a Sunday morning, and who books the car?
• Will the aircraft stay at HKG from midweek if you also attend the Jockeys' Championship on December 9?
• What are the change and cancellation terms if the race card or your plans change?

Race week details are on the official LONGINES Hong Kong International Races page. See our Hong Kong page and compare private jet providers on PJReviews.com before you book.

Photo: WiNG, CC BY-SA 3.0, source.