Asia
LONGINES Hong Kong International Races prize money rises to £11.9 million
Prize money for the 2023 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) will be worth an unprecedented £11.9 million (HK$118 million) as the December showpiece meeting continues to host the world’s richest Group 1 turf races over six furlongs (1200m), a mile (1600m) and a mile and a quarter (2000m).
The G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) – the jurisdiction’s richest race – receives a 5.9% increase to £3.63 million (HK$36 million), the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) is boosted by 8.3% to £2.62 million (HK$26 million), the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) grows by 6.7% to £3.22 million (HK$32 million) and the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m / 1m4f) advances 9.1% to £2.42 million (HK$24 million).
LONGINES Hong Kong International Races | Distance
(metres) |
2022/23
(HK$) |
2023/24 (HK$) |
Increase
(HK$) |
% Increase |
Hong Kong Sprint | 1200 | $24M | $26M | $2M | 8.3% |
Hong Kong Mile | 1600 | $30M | $32M | $2M | 6.7% |
Hong Kong Cup | 2000 | $34M | $36M | $2M | 5.9% |
Hong Kong Vase | 2400 | $22M | $24M | $2M | 9.1% |
Underlining their elite quality, three of last year’s G1 LONGINES HKIR features – the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup and the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint – figured in the LONGINES World’s Top 100 G1 Races in 2022.
With the glittering LONGINES HKIR meeting highlighting Hong Kong’s stunning prize money growth, each of the city’s 12 Group 1 races will rise by a minimum of HK$1 million (£100,000) – a combined HK$20 million boost (£2 million) – as part of an overall prize money increase of 10%.
The enhancements cap Hong Kong’s record prize money and incentive structure of an estimated HK$1.73 billion (£174.5 million) across the 2023/24 season.
In addition to the lucrative purses on offer at LONGINES HKIR, Hong Kong will also stage the richest Group 1 turf race over 1400m with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) to carry HK$13 million (£1.31 million) in prize money, while the Club has also lifted Group 2 and Group 3 races to HK$5.35 million (£540,000) and HK$4.2 million (£423,000) – hikes of 7.0% and 7.7%, respectively.
Charlie Appleby has entered four in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m), the final G1 of the Hong Kong season on Sunday 28 May at Sha Tin Racecourse. Global Storm, Rebel’s Romance, Siskany and Yibir could line up in the £1.2 million (HK$12 million) contest over a mile and a half (2400m).
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “The LONGINES Hong Kong International Races continue to be widely recognised as the ‘Turf World Championships’ and the HK$118 million total prize money on offer next season also underscores the Club’s commitment to attracting and rewarding the world’s best horses and their connections.
“With growing competition around the world, it is crucial that Hong Kong’s two international race days – LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and FWD Champions Day – continue to be destinations of choice for owners, trainers and jockeys from around the world.
“As we saw in December with the successful staging of 2022 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and again with the latest wonderful FWD Champions Day meeting, these prestigious international meetings allow us to showcase Hong Kong’s world-class racing on the global stage.”
Including substantial increases to the PP and PPG bonus scheme, Hong Kong’s domestic racing prize money pool will rise by 8% alone next season – with an additional HK$94 million (£9.48 million) on offer – to HK$1.38 billion (£139 million).
“Before the 2022/23 season, we undertook a thorough review of our prize money and incentive structure and decided then to commit to continuous investments into the future, which has resulted once more in the significant prize money and additional incentives outlined over the past two weeks,” said Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
“Providing attractive incentives and increasing returns on investments for our Owners are central to these enhancements and we believe that these increases will provide additional support proportionate to their investments.”
As a result of these substantial prize money boosts for 2023/24, the Club has also approved an extension of the closing date for the 2023 Horse Ballot until 5pm Thursday, 11 May.
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Asia
Genting Singapore Appoints Lee Shi Ruh as its New President and COO

Genting Singapore chief financial officer (CFO) Lee Shi Ruh has been appointed president and chief operating officer (COO), filling a position that had been vacant for three years.
The role was last held by former president and COO Tan Hee Teck, who was promoted to chief executive officer in May 2022.
Lee has now stepped down as CFO, the group announced in a bourse filing on Friday (Aug 1). That role will be taken over by Ang Suat Ching, currently CFO of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Genting Singapore. Ang will retain her role at RWS.
These changes follow the retirement of Tan, who stepped down as CEO and chairman of RWS in May.
From Jun 1, Lim Kok Thay, executive chairman of the Genting Group, assumed the role of acting CEO, while Lee took on the position of CEO of RWS.
“These appointments reflect our commitment to leadership renewal as the group enters its next phase of growth,” said Lim.
He added that Lee “brings a proven track record of sound decision-making, strategic discipline, and a clear understanding of the group’s long-term priorities, which will be invaluable in her expanded role as president and COO”.
He also noted that Ang’s financial expertise will support the group’s long-term value creation.
The post Genting Singapore Appoints Lee Shi Ruh as its New President and COO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Aquisitions/Mergers
Donaco International Shareholders Approve Acquisition by On Nut Road Limited

Donaco International Limited (DNA), an ASX-listed company focused on leisure, entertainment and associated technology, announced that its shareholders have voted in favour of the proposed acquisition of 100% of the company’s shares by On Nut Road Limited (ONR) via a scheme of arrangement. Donaco International operates casino businesses in Southeast Asia.
The resolution to approve the Scheme was passed with significant support, with 98.11% of votes cast by Donaco shareholders in favour. Additionally, 77.50% of Donaco shareholders present and voting, either in person or by proxy, attorney, or corporate representative, also voted in favour of the Scheme. The voting results reflect strong shareholder backing for the proposed acquisition.
The Scheme remains subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of New South Wales at a hearing scheduled for Thursday, 7 August 2025. The Second Court Hearing will only occur if all of the remaining conditions precedent to the Scheme have been satisfied or waived. If the court approves the Scheme and all conditions are met, Donaco intends to lodge a copy of the court orders with ASIC on Friday, 8 August 2025, upon which the Scheme will become effective and DNA shares will be suspended from trading on the ASX. Pending final approvals, the implementation of the Scheme is expected to occur on Tuesday, 19 August 2025.
The post Donaco International Shareholders Approve Acquisition by On Nut Road Limited appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
GK8 Announces Football Legend Michael Owen as its New Brand Ambassador

GK8, Asia’s leading platform for interactive gaming and entertainment, has announced football legend Michael Owen as its new brand ambassador. With a reputation built on trust, security and a diverse range of gaming options, GK8 continues to expand its influence in the iGaming sector, and Owen’s partnership is set to bolster its position in the competitive industry.
Michael Owen, a former English football star known for his exceptional skills and quick pace on the field, brings his star power to the fast-growing brand. With years of success both on and off the pitch, Owen’s influence will help enhance GK8’s visibility across key international markets. The partnership marks a pivotal moment for the company, reflecting its ambition to continue expanding globally while maintaining its commitment to a high standard of user experience.
“It’s an honor to be working with such a dynamic and forward-thinking brand like GK8. Their dedication to creating a secure, engaging platform aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to connecting with fans and players in Southeast Asia, sharing in the excitement and entertainment that GK8 offers,” said Michael Owen.
Founded with a vision to bring top-tier gaming experiences to Asia, GK8 has rapidly grown into a major force in the interactive gaming industry. The platform is recognised for its advanced security measures, seamless user interface and wide selection of games, including sports, lotteries and multiplayer online options. GK8’s unique approach to customer service has helped them build a loyal global community, with users praising its responsive support team and fast transactions.
The post GK8 Announces Football Legend Michael Owen as its New Brand Ambassador appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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