Another rider sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has brought honour to the Hong Kong SAR at the National Games in Tianjin, with Jacqueline Siu claiming a silver medal in the dressage individual competition today (4 September).
This is Hong Kong's first-ever dressage medal at the National Games, and the second medal so far collected by the SAR's equestrian squad after Clarissa Lyra, another member of the HKJC Equestrian Team, took bronze in the jumping individual event last Thursday (31 August).
Sending his congratulations, Club Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip said this first success in dressage reflects the Club's expanding support in recent years to cover all three equestrian disciplines. "I'm tremendously proud of Jacqueline and of all the Hong Kong team. This silver medal is our first-ever medal for dressage and shows that Hong Kong has a truly competitive equestrian team."
Jacqueline was riding Jockey Club Fuerst on Tour, a dressage horse sourced by the Club from Germany. "Without having the opportunity to train and compete with such a talented horse, I could never have achieved this medal," she said. "I'm thrilled that I've been able to break new ground for Hong Kong."
The two-day dressage individual event at the Metropolitan Polo Club saw Jacqueline take on 20 other starters from other delegations. Only the top 12 riders qualified for today's final. After two days of competition, Jacqueline claimed the silver medal with an average score of 69.908.
Hong Kong is fielding its largest-ever equestrian team at this year's National Games and competing in all three equestrian disciplines for the first time, with eight local riders contesting the jumping, dressage and eventing competitions. They are supported by an 11-strong team of Club veterinarians, farriers and other supporting staff under the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan that was initiated and funded by the Club.
From its roots as a horse racing and riding club established in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has played a major role in the city's equestrian sports development over the years. Its public riding schools, which opened in the 1970s, now attract some 60,000 local visitors of all ages each year to learn riding skills and horse care. Equestrian sports gained in popularity following the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, held in Hong Kong with the Club's support. The HKJC Equestrian Team and HKJC Junior Equestrian Training Squad were established by the Club in the same year with the aim of developing the potential of Hong Kong's most talented riders. Several of its members have since won medals in international competitions. The Club also launched the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan in 2016. This merit-based programme is designed to nurture Hong Kong's high-performing riders as they strive for equestrian excellence on the world stage.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2016/17, the Club's total direct return to the community was HK$30.5 billion. It is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, one of the city's major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.
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Photo 1, 2, 3 and 4: Member of HKJC Equestrian Team Jacqueline Siu wins a silver medal in individual dressage at the Tianjin National Games .
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