2026 ARMA Asian Study Tour: Hong Kong, Conghua & Japan
The Australian Racecourse Managers Association (ARMA) is excited to announce plans for an international Study Tour in November–December 2026, exploring world-class racing and training facilities across Hong Kong, Conghua, and Japan.
This highly anticipated tour will be ARMA’s first since 2019, when a group of 24 participants visited Sha Tin, Happy Valley, and the newly constructed Conghua Training Complex. The 2019 tour, conducted with the support of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), provided an invaluable professional and cultural experience for racecourse managers and turf management professionals across Australia.
Following strong interest expressed at the 2025 ARMA AGM, plans are now underway for another unforgettable journey - this time returning to Conghua, which now hosts regular race meetings and features a completed public grandstand, before travelling to Japan to explore the renowned Japan Racing Association (JRA) racing and training centres.
Draft Itinerary and subject to change.
- Monday 23 November 2026 – Delegates arrive in Hong Kong
- Tuesday 24 November – Site inspections: Happy Valley & Sha Tin
- Wednesday 25 November – AM: Bees River Equestrian Centre; PM: Race meeting at Happy Valley
- Thursday 26 November – Travel to Conghua
- Friday 27 November – Full-day inspection of Conghua racing and training complex
- Saturday 28 November – Attend HKJC Race Meeting at Conghua
- Sunday 29 November – Travel to Japan
- Monday 30 November – Thursday 3 December – Japan study tour (JRA racing and training facilities, TBC)
- The tour will conclude in Japan on Thursday 3 December 2026.
Logistics and Cost
- Approximate cost: AUD $6,000 per delegate (subject to confirmation and currency exchange rate)
- Inclusions: race meeting entry, site visits, ground transport, selected meals, and accommodation.
- Exclusions: international flights (Australia–Hong Kong, China–Japan, Japan–Australia).
- Partners: delegate partners are welcome to attend race meetings at their own cost.
- Visas: ARMA and HKJC will assist in the process of acquiring appropriate Visas.
As in 2019, ARMA will work closely with the HKJC, with special thanks to Andrew Harding, John Ridley and Stephen Higgins, who have all confirmed their support and assistance in coordinating logistics and site access.
This promises to be a once-in-a-decade opportunity to experience the best in international racing operations, turf management, and facility design and to reconnect with colleagues and peers from across the globe.