The Hong Kong Jockey Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of its former Chairman Lord Sandberg (Baron Sandberg of Passfield), CBE LLD JP, on 2 July in the United Kingdom.
Lord Sandberg was a dedicated Member of the Club for close to 60 years. He was elected to the Board of Stewards in 1972 and was Club Chairman from 1981 to 1986, a period of notable progress for the Club which included the opening of Sha Tin Clubhouse and a second grandstand at Sha Tin Racecourse in 1985. In 1986 he welcomed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the expanded racecourse for the running of the QEII Cup.
He also presided over the Club’s Centenary celebrations in 1984, as part of which the Club funded the establishment of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, which opened the following year. In addition he played an important role in many other Club initiatives, including the computerisation of its Off-Course Betting Centres in 1983.
“All of these developments enabled the Club to maintain and grow its contribution to the community,” commented current Club Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip. “I am sure Michael will have been delighted to learn that the QEII Cup is now one of 11 international Group 1 races run at Sha Tin each year, with Hong Kong now ranked among the top racing jurisdictions in the world. It is a fitting tribute to a man who made a significant and lasting contribution to the Club and to the community it serves. Our sincere condolences go to his widow Lady Sandberg and family.”
