Hong Kong's international meeting at Sha Tin in December will feature three Group One races for the first time this year.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has successfully applied to the International Cataloguing Standards Committee to the have the Mile, Vase and QEII Cup each upgraded to top status, and the Sprint made a Group Three event.
Lawrence Wong, chief executive of the HKJC, said: "The ICSC's decision confirms Hong Kong's status as one of the most important international racing centres in the world.
"Our international races are now seen as some of the best in the world and that justifies our efforts in constantly improving the quality of racing in Hong Kong."
And ICSC chairman Louis Romanet said: "By upgrading these races, our committee is giving recognition to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for its remarkable efforts to promote and develop international racing at the highest level."
Safer Gambling UK has launched its annual awareness week to promote responsible gambling.
