After over four decades, the horse racing track in Macao held its last races, marking the conclusion of the sport in the renowned city known for its expansive casinos.
In January, the city's government announced its decision to end its agreement with the Macao Jockey Club in April. The closure was prompted by the Macao Horse Race Company, who mentioned operational challenges as one of the reasons for their decision.
Over the weekend, a gathering of bettors assembled in the partially occupied bleachers and placed their last wagers. Several sightseers also explored the course.
As part of the termination agreement, the horse racing company committed to ensuring the transfer of owners' horses to different venues by March 2025 and to appropriately manage the company's staff in accordance with legal requirements, as stated by the government.
In the nearby city of Hong Kong, horse racing continues to be well-liked and financially successful. The jockey club organises a wide range of gambling events and is a significant contributor to numerous charitable endeavours in the city.