Hong Kong Racing by the Numbers through 12/15/19

by Dick Powell

255 races (one dead-heat)
65 favorites won – 28.8%
12.33 average field size
$18.68 average win price

The data shows that the races are pretty formful even with large field sizes. Sha Tin, with larger field sizes, (12.76) versus Happy Valley (11.62), has a higher percentage of winning favorites, 32.28% versus 23.71%. This is probably due to the longer homestretch at Sha Tin which gives most horses time to find their best stride.

Sha Tin has a turf course and an All Weather Track. They play remarkably similar.

Sha Tin: Starting gate holds 14

158 Sha Tin races
12.76 average field size
$18.42 average win price
32.28% average win percentage

125 Sha Tin Turf races
12.97 average field size
$15.75 average win price
31.71 favorite’s win percentage

33 Sha Tin All Weather Track races
12.03 average field size
$27.79 (aided by a 176/1 longshot on 10/06/19)
34.29% favorite’s win percentage

Happy Valley: Starting gate holds 12

97 races (all on turf)
11.62 average field size
$19.11 average win price
23.71% favorite’s win percentage

If you looking for the highest prices, Happy Valley provides the best chance with a very high average win price of $19.11 and a below-normal favorite’s win percentage of 23.71%.