HONG KONG -- The Hong Kong Jockey Club hosted the Chinese New Year event "Year of the Horse Raceday" at Sha Tin Racecourse on Thursday, where the festive atmosphere drew huge crowds.

Horse racing is one of Hong Kong's signature Chinese New Year events. Before the first race, a vibrant variety show was staged in the parade ring, featuring singing, lion dance, and jockeys lining up to greet the audience with festive wishes.

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At 12:30 pm local time, the races officially began, with a total of 11 races held throughout the day.

"Horse racing is so cool and so much fun. I really love it," said Tora, a tourist from Sweden, who had come to Hong Kong especially to experience Chinese New Year.

Alongside the races, Tora also enjoyed the festive parade and fireworks display during her stay. "I've never taken part in such a lively and spectacular New Year celebration back home. Chinese New Year is amazing!" she said.

In addition to the races, Sha Tin Racecourse was decorated with festive installations for visitors to enjoy. Highlights included two four-meter-tall horse sculptures, a giant windmill display, a peach blossom grove, and the Jockey Club's float from a grand Chinese New Year night parade held on Tuesday, all drawing crowds eager to take photos.

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"It's still a bit cold in the north, but Hong Kong's climate is already warm, and the city feels very welcoming," said Ms Jiang from Beijing, who described her visit to the racecourse as a refreshing way to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Ms Liang from Shunde, South China's Guangdong province, used the mainland's nine-day Chinese New Year holiday to visit Hong Kong. She said that she had been anticipating the raceday or a long time, and that spending it with friends while feeling the vibrancy of the city made the experience especially meaningful.

According to statistics, nearly 100,000 people attended Thursday's event, including more than 20,000 visitors from the mainland and overseas.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the event marked a spectacular highlight of the Year of the Horse, adding that the club will continue to introduce innovative facilities and diverse activities to further enhance horse racing as both a sporting and entertainment experience.