Jockey Club and China Horse Industry Association sign Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement to advance equine industry development in the Mainland

22/08/2023 15:37

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (“the Club”) announced today (22 August) the signing of a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement with the China Horse Industry Association (“the CHIA”) in support of the Mainland’s equine industry development.

The agreement was signed today in Beijing by Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of the Club and Yue Gaofeng, Secretary-General of the CHIA. It was witnessed by Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, and Jia Youling, President of the CHIA.

The agreement builds on the National Equine Industry Development Plan (2020-2025) promulgated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the General Administration of Sport in September 2020, which provides a framework for the development of the equine sports industry in the country. It also follows an earlier memoranda of understanding for strategic cooperation signed by the Club and the CHIA in 2015.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Club said, “Today’s agreement, on top of the solid foundation laid in 2015, showcases the merits and resources of the CHIA. The Club’s sharing of its technical expertise and experience in racing will play a key role in advancing equine industry development in the Mainland and in implementing the National Equine Industry Development Plan. Through facilitating cooperation between the Mainland and international horse sports organisations the agreement will also promote the rapid internationalisation, standardisation, and industrialisation of the nation’s equine industry.”

Jia Youling, President of the CHIA praised the Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed between the CHIA and the Club. He said, “Thoroughbred registration, equine events development, veterinarian and talent development in the Mainland will benefit from the expertise and support provided by The Hong Kong Jockey Club. We believe that under the leadership and guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and with the joint efforts of the Chinese equine industry, the partnership between the CHIA and the Club will be fruitful and far-reaching. It will also become the new driving force for equine industry development and rural revitalisation.”

Under the agreement, the Club and the CHIA will collaborate in such areas as thoroughbred registration; talent development and standard setting for the Mainland equine industry; activities to preserve and promote ethnic equine culture and heritage in the Mainland; and further developing the Mainland’s equine industry under the guiding direction of the National Equine Industry Development Plan (2020-2025). In support of the agreement’s implementation, both parties will establish a collaborative mechanism by 1 October 2023.

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 2021/22, the Club returned a total of HK$33.6 billion to the community. This included HK$27.0 billion to the Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$6.6 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is also 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.