In keeping with its long-standing commitment to supporting Hong Kong’s tourism development, The Hong Kong Jockey Club will participate in the International Chinese New Year Night Parade on Sunday 10 February for the 18th consecutive year. Its float and supporting acts will showcase to local and overseas visitors the Club's role as both a world-class sporting operator and a major charitable benefactor, making innovative use of the latest projection mapping techniques.
Bearing the theme “World-Class Racing Shines”, the Club’s float will feature three glittering horses at full gallop, racing through landmarks from cities around the world – a reminder that Hong Kong is famed not only locally but internationally for its top-quality horse racing. Thirty dancers will drum up the festive beat by dancing to animations that portray how the Club, thanks to its unique not-for-profit business model, serves as a Force for Good in the community by transforming the public gaming demand into significant tax payments and charitable donations.
In 2011/12 alone, the Club's operations contributed over HK$16 billion to public funds through duty payments, while its Charities Trust donated over HK$1.7 billion to some 155 charitable and community projects large and small. The Club also creates tens of thousands of employment opportunities in Hong Kong, benefiting people from all walks of life.
Continuing its reputation for being innovative, the Club will be the first organisation in Hong Kong to use projection mapping techniques in a mobile outdoor setting. The dancers in front of the float will wave auspicious “gold coins” that interact with the onboard displays in perfect synchronisation, symbolising how the Club grows hand in hand with Hong Kong and works in harmony with its residents.
Also notable this year is the Club’s performing troupe which will comprise graduates and students of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Underlining its long-standing commitment to youth development, the Club funded the establishment of the Academy in 1984 and it has since become a renowned cradle of local arts and cultural talents. In the performing troupe will be seasoned dancers whose performances have impressed audiences in Europe, the US and Mainland China, as well as Hong Kong. They will illustrate to local residents and visitors the fruits of the Club’s commitment to nurturing the young, passing on their legacy to the next generation.
Also joining the Club’s float will be Club apprentice jockey Alvin Ng, winner of the Asian Young Guns Challenge last year, and HKJC Equestrian Team member Kenneth Cheng, who will represent the city in the Hong Kong Masters later this month, the first CSI five-star jumping event in Asia since the Beijing Olympics. Their achievements are testimony to the Club’s vision in promoting equine sports development.
Following this spectacular night-time showcase, the Club will host its ever-popular Chinese New Year Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse* on the afternoon of Tuesday 12 February. Adding icing to the racing excitement, a Triple Trio** payout of up to HK$20 million will be up for grabs. Racing fans can also join a lucky draw*** to win fabulous prizes worth a total of more than HK$600,000. The Club’s dazzling Night Parade float will appear again at the racecourse to greet racegoers with good fortune.
Myriad colourful on-course programmes will await visitors to the racecourse. They include a spectacular variety show and opening ceremony featuring popular entertainers, an auspicious feng shui formation and a display of Hong Kong’s largest pure gold ingots.
* All racecourse entrants must be aged 18 or above.
** Payout for a single HK$10 winning unit is estimated to reach HK$20 million.
*** Lucky draw forms will be distributed before the start of Race 6, or while stocks last.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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The Club combines innovative techniques with live performances to present its a£á?World-Class Racing Shinesa£á? float for this yeara£á?s CNY parade.
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Photo 2 and Photo 3
The Club will be the first organisation in Hong Kong to use projection mapping techniques in a mobile outdoor setting, enabling dancers in front of the float to stage a spectacular synchronised show by waving auspicious a£á?gold coinsa£á?.
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The Cluba£á?s performing troupe comprises graduates and students of the Club-funded Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, illustrating the Cluba£á?s commitment to nurturing the young.
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Photo 5 and Photo 6
The HKJC Equestrian Ambassador and performing troupe will shower the crowd with auspicious blessings.
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