About the race
The Hong Kong Jockey Club stages the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup over 2000m on turf at Sha Tin on the second Sunday in December, as part of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. It is open to three-year-olds and upwards, including overseas entries, and the 2026 running on 13 December carries HK$40 million, which the club describes as Hong Kong’s richest race. The race began in January 1988 as the Hong Kong Invitation Cup over 1800m. In 1999 it was renamed the Hong Kong Cup, extended to 2000m and became the first Hong Kong race designated an international Group 1.
The 2025 running on 14 December was won by Romantic Warrior, ridden by James McDonald and trained by Danny Shum, with Bellagio Opera second and Quisisana third. HKJC past results show it was his fourth consecutive win in the race, after 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The 2025 running
| Date | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 December 2025 | Romantic Warrior | James McDonald | Danny Shum | Peter Lau Pak Fai |
From the official result.
Recognition and facts
- Part of
- LONGINES Hong Kong International Races
- Race day
- Second Sunday in December
- Prize fund in 2025
- HK$40,000,000
- Winner's share (2026)
- HK$22,400,000
- Free entries close (2026)
- 2 November 2026
Questions readers ask
When is the Hong Kong Cup run?
On the second Sunday in December at Sha Tin. The next running is on Sunday 13 December 2026.
What is the prize fund of the Hong Kong Cup?
HK$40,000,000 for the 13 December 2026 running, as published by The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The 2025 race was also run for HK$40,000,000.
Who won the Hong Kong Cup in 2025?
Romantic Warrior, ridden by James McDonald and trained by Danny Shum, won on 14 December 2025.
Sources
The rank and rating are from the IFHA's LONGINES World's Top 100 Group/Grade 1 Races 2025, published 21 January 2026, which ranks races by the ratings of their first four finishers. Other facts are from the pages listed below.
- IFHA: LONGINES World's Top 100 Group/Grade 1 Races 2025 (published 21 January 2026)
- Racing Info: LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, LONGINES Hong Kong International Races 2025 (HKJC)
- International Racing Overview & Entries, 2026/2027 Group 1 races (HKJC)
- Hong Kong Pattern Book 2026/2027 (HKJC)
- Official result: Sha Tin, 14 December 2025, Race 8 (HKJC)
- 2025 LONGINES HKIR Media Guide (HKJC)