The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Chinese Equestrian Association (CEA) announced a strategic cooperation at a press conference on Wednesday (9 September) in Beijing. The initial highlight of this partnership is the collaboration with the CEA for the final leg of the China Horse Racing Grand Prix, known as the Hong Kong Jockey Club Race Day, on 7 November at Jinma Racecourse in Wenjiang, about one hour outside Chengdu.
“Having been invited by our valued partner the Chinese Equestrian Association to contribute towards the sustainable development of horse racing as a sport in China, we have identified key areas where we can take the existing footprint of speed racing to a new level of performance and regulation,” said The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. “Assisting the CEA to build capabilities and processes to further develop and administer the sport with an advanced focus on integrity is key and it is an important mission we share with the Asian Racing Federation and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities."
The Club’s support of the CEA races in China includes on-site classes and training with jockeys, racing stewards and judges, as well as the development of advanced drug-testing protocols.
“Through the sharing of our technical acumen and implementation experience, the Club will work closely with the CEA over the next few years to enhance all aspects of racing control and regulations, with the goal of facilitating China’s connection to horse racing sport,” said Mr. Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing Authority. “This is a long-term endeavour.”
The Club hopes that this cooperation can assist in the ongoing advancement of China’s horse racing industry towards more international integration.
“Today marks a new chapter for the Hong Kong Jockey Club. We are honoured to receive the recognition of the General Administration of Sports and Chinese Equestrian Association,” Mr. Richard Cheung, Executive Director, Customer and Marketing, remarked at the press conference. “Under the leadership of the Sports Ministry, the CEA has driven the development of the China Horse Racing Grand Prix, and this cooperation gives HKJC the opportunity to be part of the effort to shape the long term advancement of racing in China.”
“The strategic cooperation between the CEA and HKJC is a perfect match considering the vast development potential of the equestrian-related market of the Mainland and the Club’s expertise in racing operations,” noted Mr. Ji Daoming, Deputy Director of the Cycling and Fencing Sports Administrative Centre, State General Administration of Sports, which oversees the CEA. “This cooperation will draw on advantages from both parties and create a high-level international racing brand.”
Specific details of the 7 November race fixture in Wenjiang will be released at a later date.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia’s most prestigious membership clubs. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus funds for charitable and community projects. In 2014/15, its donations reached a record $3.87 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,300 projects. The Club is also Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$20.05 billion in 2014/15. With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world. As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling. The Club is also one of Hong Kong’s largest employers with over 24,000 full-time and part-time staff. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.
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(From left) Mr. Ji Daoming, Deputy Director of the Cycling and Fencing Sports Administrative Centre, State General Administration of Sports, Mr. Wang Wei, Director of the Cycling and Fencing Sports Administrative Centre, State General Administration of Sports, and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Equestrian Association, Mr. Richard Cheung, Executive Director, Customer and Marketing of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Mr. Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing Authority of the HKJC at the kick-off ceremony following todaya£į?s press conference.
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