Jing-Jin Derby is one of the most prestigious races in China and has been held every year since 1997. The event is known for its high stakes, excitement and tradition of attracting top riders from all over the country.

In this new year's update, we will look at some changes that have taken place in the past few years, as well as some potential developments in the future.

One significant change in Jing-Jin Derby was the introduction of new regulations in 2024. These new rules aimed to improve safety and fairness throughout the race, making it more competitive and fairer than ever before. One notable change was the elimination of the traditional horseback riding competition, which had been a staple of the event for many years. Instead, there were now two separate races - the "horse racing" section and the "jockey riding" section. This move was seen as necessary to ensure that the race could be run without any unnecessary distractions.

Another important development was the expansion of the race to include more international competitors. In 2025, there were 20 teams competing in the event, including several from Europe and North America. This increase in participation was seen as a positive sign for the sport, as it showed that the Chinese public were interested in supporting the sport and giving it a chance to compete on a global stage.

Despite these changes, there are still challenges to come. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop in attendances at the event in 2020, which affected the financial stability of the organizers. Additionally, the increased number of foreign teams also meant that the Chinese public may not always have access to the same level of coverage or experience as they would with domestic teams.

As for the future, it seems likely that Jing-Jin Derby will continue to attract top riders from all over the world, while also continuing to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances. With the right policies and resources, the sport should be able to continue to thrive in the years to come.