HKJC Equestrian Team member Jacqueline Siu claims silver medal for Hong Kong, China at Hangzhou Asian Games

28/09/2023 17:50

The Hong Kong, China equestrian team, supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, added further lustre to its performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games today (28 September), with HKJC Equestrian Team member Jacqueline Siu claiming a silver medal in individual dressage at the Tonglu Equestrian Centre. The victory marks a back-to-back Asian Games triumph for Siu, who also brought home a gold medal in dressage from the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta.

Michael Lee, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and President of The Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China extended his wholehearted congratulations to Jacqueline Siu. “This is the second consecutive Asian Games medal in individual dressage for Hong Kong, China. The Club applauds Jacqueline’s well-deserved success and we are delighted to have contributed to it through our long-standing support for the city’s equestrian development. My heartfelt congratulations to Jacqueline, who continues to be such an inspiration for the equestrian community.”

The individual dressage competition began on Tuesday (26 September) when Jacqueline Siu competed on board Jockey Club Huittharien against 31 other riders. She ranked in third place after the second day of competition and entered today’s finale facing 14 rivals. Siu’s score of 73.450 secured her the silver medal. Another HKJC Equestrian Team member, Annie Ho on board Southern Cross Braemar, entered today’s final in ninth place. Ho, who was making her debut in the Asian Games dressage individual competition, scored 61.010 points and placed 13th. 

“I am thrilled to have won medals in two Asian Games in a row,” said Siu. “Big thanks to the professional teams of The Hong Kong Jockey Club for the support, which has allowed me and my horse to reach our full potential in the competition. The Equestrian Federation and the Club’s comprehensive support over many years have been critical to our achievements. It has significantly enhanced our competitiveness and empowered us to always push for excellence in world-class competitions.”

Hong Kong, China is fielding an equestrian team of nine riders (11 rider-horse combinations) at this year’s Asian Games and contesting both the individual and team competitions in all three equestrian disciplines – dressage, show jumping and eventing - for the first time. The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Equestrian Performance Manager, Corinne Bracken, is the team’s Chef d’Equipe. A specialist support team comprising coaches, veterinarians, farriers, physiotherapists and other professional support staff under the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan has been sent by the Club to assist the athletes and horses.

Leveraging its unique strengths and extensive experience, the Club is providing technical support for the equestrian events of Hangzhou Asian Games in six functional areas, namely biosecurity, horse transportation, stable management, veterinary and farrier services, venue operations and international stakeholder engagement.

Additionally, the Club has extended its sponsorship for the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (“JCAIAS”), which provides cash incentives to recognise athletes who earn distinction for Hong Kong, China by winning medals in top-level competitions. With HKJC Equestrian Team member Jacqueline Siu’s victory in the individual discipline of this year’s Asian Games, she is eligible to receive HK$500,000 under the JCAIAS.

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 HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2022/23, the Club returned a total of HK$35.9 billion to the community. This included HK$28.6 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$7.3 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 one of the world’s top ten charity donors.

The Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China

The Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China is the official governing body representing equestrian sports in Hong Kong at both national and international levels. The Federation receives support from the Leisure and Cultural Service Department, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and the Hong Kong Sports Institute, and plans, organizes and manages Hong Kong, China's equestrian athletes for international games. The Federation serves as the exclusive representative of Hong Kong, China in international equestrian events, providing a range of resources and opportunities to support the development of local equestrian athletes, including training, funding, and guidance for both local and overseas riders. Additionally, the Federation is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of horses, and is committed to promoting equestrian sports to the wider public. To this end, the Federation hosts seminars and demonstrations featuring world-renowned equestrian professionals aimed at providing educational opportunities for equestrian judges and officials.