5BTC or 111% + 111 Free Spins!
New players only. Exclusive 111% Welcome Bonus + 111 Free Spins
A memorable chapter in the history of the city came to an end on Saturday, March 30, when the Macau Jockey Club (MJC) held its final horse races. There were around a thousand people there to witness this historic occasion, including residents of Hong Kong and tourists from mainland China.
The government declared early in the 2023–24 racing season that the MJC’s concession contract would be terminated. The announcement cited years of financial struggle that was made worse by the protracted COVID-19 epidemic and declining interest in the sport. The government reduced their losses when expectations of a comeback waned and total losses surpassed $2.5 billion.
Renowned trainer Geoff Allendorf reflected on the club’s glory days, lamenting the stark decline in horse numbers over the years. From a peak of 1,200 horses in the late 1990s to a mere 200 at present, the drastic reduction underscores the challenges faced by the once-vibrant establishment.
As the club shuttered its doors, racehorse owners grapple with the uncertain fate of their beloved animals. Despite subsidies for horse transportation, ongoing expenses loom large, adding to the financial strain. Moreover, the venue’s future remains in limbo, with the government yet to unveil plans for the land.
Many parties involved in the closure—including the late Stanley Ho’s fourth wife, Angela Leong—are left wondering about what lies next. The loss of their livelihoods has forced racehorse owners, jockeys, and stable employees to demand more generous compensation packages from the MJC.
289 horses stabled at the club must be removed by March 2025, per government regulations, and owners are urged to make arrangements for their horses’ transfer. One option is to give ownership to the MJC and have the club pay the related costs. Nonetheless, the majority of owners will probably decide to move their pets to other nations, such as the Chinese mainland.