Taking a short break from his busy training schedule in Europe, Hong Kong Jockey Club Equestrian Team member Kenneth Cheng wasted no time in getting back into action today (20 Feb) at the AsiaWorld-Expo arena, where he went through a series of warm-up jumps to prepare for taking on the world top riders in the Longines Hong Kong Masters, which starts tomorrow.
Cheng has been receiving training in Belgium since the Club selected him once again as a member of the HKJC Equestrian Team last August. This is the second year running that he has been invited to represent Hong Kong in the Masters, a top-level event that will see more than 20 of the world's leading riders and some 60 top jumping horses compete for total prize money of US$1 million. Cheng will compete on Jockey Club Caballo, an experienced grand prix horse purchased for him by the Club's Charities Trust.
After today’s first training session, Cheng said he was thrilled to have another opportunity to participate in this event, the highest-ranked equestrian competition staged in Asia. “I would like to thank the Club for its continued sponsorship and support,” Cheng said. “It's thanks to having the use of Jockey Club Caballo that I'm able to ride in the Hong Kong Masters, which will give me the chance to test my skills against some outstanding international riders, and help me prepare better for the Asian Games this coming September.”
The three-day Longines Hong Kong Masters is a CSI 5* event, one of the highest-standard jumping competitions recognised by the International Equestrian Federation. To assist its smooth hosting in Hong Kong, the Club is providing a number of professional services, including veterinary support, horse transportation and stables management. In addition, the Club is sponsoring the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy, one of the highlight competitions of the event.
The Club has long been dedicated to promoting equestrian sport in Hong Kong and raising the standards of local riders. Last August, it announced a further substantial commitment to extend its support for another 3½ years. New sponsorship elements and professional equestrian expertise from overseas have also been added to enhance the standards of the Hong Kong equestrian teams and local development of the sport. The HKJC Equestrian Team and Junior Equestrian Team were established in late 2008, following Hong Kong's successful staging of the equestrian events of the Beijing Olympics, which featured a Hong Kong representative team for the first time.
These commitments have already paid off handsomely. During the past five years, Club-sponsored riders have achieved a number of historic results for Hong Kong including individual gold and bronze medals and a team bronze at the Jinan 2009 National Games; a silver medal at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympics; a team bronze at the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games; and an individual silver medal at the Shenyang 2013 National Games.
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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Hong Konga£á?s Kenneth Cheng, a member of the HKJC Equestrian Team, thanks the Club for its continued sponsorship and support that has given him the chance to test his skills against some outstanding international riders in the Hong Kong Masters.
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The three-day Hong Kong Masters will start tomorrow. To assist its smooth hosting in Hong Kong, the Club is providing a number of professional services, including veterinary support, horse transportation and stables management.
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