On September 8, the Macau Jockey Club (MJC) announced that its 2023-24 season has been approved by the local government. That’s good news for the industry and its fans, following speculation that the facility would be forced to close before the month is out.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, the club’s website has confirmed that the season will begin September 29 and continue through August 2024. Night races will resume in January.
The MJC was taken to task for failing to satisfactorily upgrade facilities, a condition of the 24-year concession extension it was granted in early 2018, reports Inside Asian Gaming.
Sources recently told the Asian Racing Report that local lawmakers were demanding that MJC Chairwoman Angela Leong “show cause” for the shortfall. The MJC countered that it has renovated a hydrotherapy pool and also improved stables, as well as completing some improvements to parts of the main racing building and track and upgrading computer systems.
The MJC recently reported losses of MOP$2.1 billion (US$260 million) through 2022 and a decline in racing revenue to MOP$39 million (US$4.8 million), down US$1 million from 2021. Though the Macau Horse Racing Co. has posted losses every year since 2005, management said it wants to make the MJC a “must-visit tourism and entertainment landmark for both tourists and local residents.”
Meanwhile, the Singapore Turf Club will host its final race meet in October 2024, and its 296 acres of land will be repurposed.
