National Games silver just the start as Club's equestrian sponsorship paves way or further achievements

09/08/2013

Local racing fans were able not only to celebrate the start of a new racing season today (8 September) but also to give their congratulations to National Games silver medallist Jacqueline Lai and her Club-sponsored equestrian team-mates Samantha Lam, Patrick Lam and Kenneth Cheng, whose achievements were honoured at a special ceremony in Sha Tin Racecourse.

It was an especially memorable occasion for Lai as she received a Club performance award of HK$200,000 from Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson and Deputy Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip, who is also President of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation, in recognition of winning silver in the individual jumping event in Shenyang on 4 September.

After the ceremony, the four riders shared their experiences in Shenyang, their future training and competition plans under the Club’s extended equestrian sponsorship, which was announced three weeks ago.

Lai thanked her mother and family for their support, as well as the Club for its sponsorship since 2008, saying this had been essential to her success at the National Games.  “After I suffered a serious riding injury in early 2011 in Denmark, I had to stop training for more than eight months,” she recalled, “but despite this setback the Club maintained its sponsorship and still paid all the expenses of my horses, including their livery, stabling, training and veterinary services.  This ensured that my horses stayed in good form while I was unable to ride them.  To be honest, I would probably have had to end my riding career if I hadn't received the Club’s continued sponsorship at that time.”

On resuming training after recovery, Lai was able with the Club’s sponsorship to engage top-class professionals, who helped her get back into competitive form in a remarkably short time.  She has since been able to ride in competitions at different levels in Europe, in Germany, Poland and Denmark.  “This wide experience enabled me to prepare myself for the challenge of the National Games both physically and mentally,” she explained.

Lai’s silver medal in Shenyang follows individual gold and bronze medals claimed by her Club-sponsored team-mates Patrick Lam and Kenneth Cheng in the 2009 National Games in Jinan, where Hong Kong also won the team bronze medal – an achievement due in no small part to the HK$50 million sponsorship package for equestrian sport initiated by the Club in 2008.  Since then, the sport has shown strong progress and also proved successful for Hong Kong in major events like the 2010 Youth Olympics and 2010 Asian Games.

To continue enhancing the standard of local equestrian sport and the Hong Kong team, the Club announced last month that it would extend this sponsorship for a further 3½ years, injecting more than HK$70 million in total into the sport, Under the extended sponsorship, talented local rider Raena Leung has joined Lai, Kenneth Cheng, Patrick Lam and Samantha Lam as Club-sponsored riders.  The sponsorship also now extends the Club's support to the riders in other areas, such as funding to lease competition horses.

“I feel excited about this new sponsorship.  Leasing horses will really help my team-mates and I become more competitive.” Lai commented.  “As I only have one grand prix horse, Capone 22, this limits my chance to join some high-level competitions.  The funding will allow me to lease one more experienced and quality horse of age around 9 to 10, with a view to partnering it in the 2014 Asian Games.”

Following today’s ceremony, the four riders will return to Europe to continue their training at different bases, this time under the supervision of the Club's newly-appointed HKJC Equestrian Team Coach and Manager, Lars Meyer zu Bexten, who got straight into action by coaching the Hong Kong team in Shenyang.  Mr zu Bexten, a German National Team coach, will oversee the Club-sponsored riders’ progress and competition schedules, as well as conducting clinics for them.  The Club hopes that this introduction of international expertise and other new elements in the extended sponsorship will equip the riders for even greater achievement in the 2014 Asian Games and other upcoming major competitions.

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 Hong Kong's largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 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. 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.