The Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of its former Chairman Sir John Swaine, CBE, LLD, QC, SC, JP on 7 August.
A passionate horse racing enthusiast, Sir John was a Member of the Club for more than 50 years. He was elected to the Board of Stewards in 1984 and was Chairman of the Club from 1993 until 1996, a significant period of progress for the HKJC which included the redevelopment of Happy Valley Racecourse and the Jockey Club Headquarters building, as well as the advancement of Hong Kong's international races to the next level.
During his Chairmanship, the Club and its Charities Trust also funded a number of major community projects, including the rebuilding of Hong Kong Stadium, the redevelopment of Castle Peak Hospital, the establishment of the Jockey Club Institute of Radiotherapy and Oncology at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the creation of the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course and the building of a permanent campus for the Open Learning Institute (now Open University) of Hong Kong.
Sir John was an active horse owner himself, owning more than 20 horses in his own right from 1975 onwards and a further five as a syndicate member. One of his co-owned horses, Fleet Command, is still racing.
"Sir John was one of life's true gentlemen and was very widely respected by Club Members," commented current Club Chairman T. Brian Stevenson. "He will be greatly missed by everyone, and his commitment to the Club and the wider Hong Kong community as well as his passion for horse racing will long live on in our memories. Our sincere condolences go out to Lady Swaine and the family at this difficult time."
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.6 billion in 2011. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$15 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
