The Hong Kong Jockey Club tonight (31 January) added some appropriately equine glamour to this year's International Chinese New Year Night Parade, with its float featuring an LED-illuminated revolving lantern that displayed animated versions of Chinese painter Xu Beihong’s famous horse paintings. The vivid recreations of the galloping horses symbolised a propitious Year of the Horse for Hong Kong people and the Club.
To celebrate the Year of the Horse, the Club assembled a talented local team to provide the creative elements of the float. Among them was John Szeto Kin, the youngest local member of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and a former recipient of the HKJC Scholarship, who created a delightful new interpretation on the erhu of the William Tell Overture, a piece long associated with horses. The accompanying troupe of 22 dancers, dressed in special jockey-style costumes created by renowned local fashion designer Dorian Ho, added to the festive atmosphere of the parade, while at the same time showcasing the skills and originality of local performing talent.
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 Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 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. 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.
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Photos 1, 2 and 3
The Hong Kong Jockey Club tonight participated in the International Chinese New Year Night Parade for the 19th consecutive year. In line with its theme a£į?New Year off to a galloping starta£į?, the HKJC float this year features a magnificent golden horse in full gallop and an LED-illuminated revolving lantern displaying animated versions of Xu Beihonga£į?s famous paintings Shuang Jun (Two Horses) and Da Ben Ma (Large Galloping Horse). These powerful symbols augur a propitious Year of the Horse for the Club, which will continue to strive for the betterment of Hong Kong by channelling local gaming demand into community benefits.
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The Club is the first organisation in Hong Kong to use a revolving lantern display of this type in an outdoor setting. The lifelike images and jubilant performances were designed to shower the crowd with auspicious blessings.
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The Club distributed 3,800 a£į?good-luck horse pinsa£į? to spectators lining the route through Tsim Sha Tsui.
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Demonstrating the Cluba£į?s long-standing commitment to youth development, members of the performing troupe were drawn from two long-term trusted partners of the Club that have a strong reputation for nurturing young talent a£į”§ the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Project Dance Studio run by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups.
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2012/13 Champion Apprentice Jockey Dicky Lui (right) and 12th National Games silver medallist in the individual equestrian jumping competition, Jacqueline Lai (left), wave New Year greetings to the crowds.
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