Final Horse Race Marks the End of a 40-Year Tradition in Macau

In the Asian gambling capital of Macau, a storied tradition has reached its final furlong. This past Saturday, March 30, the last horse racing tournament unfolded, closing the chapter on over four decades of equestrian history within these glittering city limits.

Earlier this year, in January, the Macau government announced the termination of its contract with the Macau Jockey Club by April. The decision, it turns out, was at the club’s own behest.

One of the reasons behind this farewell was financial woes.

The club’s operational losses surged past a staggering $311 million, exacerbated by the relentless impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

An indirect confirmation of the serious challenges faced by the jockey club is the fact that the final tournament attracted only sparsely filled stands. Those who attended were able to place their bets on horses for the last time.

The fine print of the contract termination obliges the horse race owners to relocate their equine companions to new pastures by March 2025. Meanwhile, they must settle affairs with their staff.

Across the water, in another Chinese island city, Hong Kong, a different narrative unfolds. The jockey club there thrives, its business buoyant, and horse racing remains a cherished pastime.