What do Classes 1–5 mean?

Horses are graded Class 1 to 5 by rating, Class 1 highest; runners in a handicap share a class. Group 1–3 races sit above these.

How do ratings change?

HKJC: new horses usually start at 52; in handicaps, 2nd–5th may rise by up to 5 points, 6th or lower gets no increase.

What does “85-60” on a card mean?

The rating band for that race; the HKJC may widen standard bands, e.g. a Class 3 open to 85-60.

Hong Kong race classes and ratings explained

Understand class, rating band and Group races on a race card to read race data with ease. From HKJC public material; unofficial.

Updated 2026-10-27

Standard rating bands

Class 1

—

Class 2

100–80

Class 3

80–60

Class 4

60–40

Class 5

40–0

Class 1 has no standard upper limit and is the top class.
Group 1–3 races and four-year-old races sit outside the class system.
A class race may be split into several sections.

Sources (checked 2026-10-26)：

https://www.hkjc.com/english/racinginfo/handicap_policy.asp

https://res.hkjc.com/campaigns/wp-content/uploads/sites/406/Racing101_Eng.pdf

https://racing.hkjc.com/zh-hk/local/information/entries

Race data on this site

We organise public race data for information only.

Race data Calendar

FAQ

What do Classes 1–5 mean?: Horses are graded Class 1 to 5 by rating, Class 1 highest; runners in a handicap share a class. Group 1–3 races sit above these.
How do ratings change?: HKJC: new horses usually start at 52; in handicaps, 2nd–5th may rise by up to 5 points, 6th or lower gets no increase.
What does “85-60” on a card mean?: The rating band for that race; the HKJC may widen standard bands, e.g. a Class 3 open to 85-60.

Unofficial information compiled by Xiaomage Sports. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting for The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Fixtures and venue terms follow the organiser’s same-day notices.