The Hong Kong Jockey Club will participate in the International Chinese New Year Night Parade for the 19th consecutive year on Friday 31 January to welcome in Year of the Horse. The HKJC float will combine the latest digital technology with traditional revolving Chinese lantern designs to showcase masterpieces of horse paintings by renowned Chinese painter Xu Beihong.
Bearing the theme “New Year off to a galloping start”, the HKJC float this year will feature a magnificent golden horse in full gallop, supported by a troupe of over 20 dancers performing alongside the float to celebrate the New Year with local residents and tourists.
Marrying traditional art and modern digital technology, the float will feature an LED-illuminated revolving lantern displaying animated versions of Xu’s famous paintings Shuang Jun (Two Horses) and Da Ben Ma (Large Galloping Horse). This is the first time this technology has been used in an outdoor setting in Hong Kong. Its state-of-the-art visual effects will breathe new life into Xu's masterpieces, symbolising a propitious Year of the Horse for the Club, which will continue to strive for the betterment of Hong Kong by channelling local gaming demand into community benefits.
A talented local team has been assembled to provide the creative elements of the float, enabling them to showcase their flair to the world. One of them is John Szeto Kin, the youngest local member of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and a former recipient of the HKJC Scholarship. The brand new interpretation of the William Tell Overture, a piece long associated with horses, on an erhu will be played on the float. Szeto's special arrangement mimics the sounds of horses' hooves and neighs on the erhu, creating a joyous sound on this traditional Chinese stringed instrument.
Meanwhile the performing troupe will wear special costumes created by renowned local fashion designer Dorian Ho, which are sure to dazzle spectators around the world. The 22 dancers have been drawn from two long-term trusted partners of the Club that have a strong reputation for nurturing young talent – the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Project Dance Studio run by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. As they drum up the festive beat, the performers will illustrate the fruits of the Club’s long-standing commitment to youth development.
Adding further to the festive atmosphere, the Club will distribute 3,800 “good-luck horse pins” to local residents and visitors lining the route through Tsim Sha Tsui.
Also joining the HKJC float will be 2012/13 champion apprentice jockey Dicky Lui and 12th National Games silver medallist in the equestrian individual jumping competition, Jacqueline Lai. Their sporting attainments echo the Club’s vision in promoting equine sports development.
Following this spectacular night-time showcase, the Club will host its Chinese New Year Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse* on Sunday 2 February. The event will shower racegoers with good fortune as the Triple Trio** will carry a jackpot promising a payout of up to HK$28 million, while every racegoer will receive an Instant Win card*** offering the chance to win one of 1,500 24K gold foil ornaments, worth over HK$1 million in total. The HKJC float will also be displayed at Sha Tin Racecourse for photo-taking.
A wealth of on-course attractions will await visitors to the racecourse, including an opening variety show, singing performances by popular stars and some lucky tips shared by a feng shui master.
*Customers must be aged 18 and above
**Payout for a single HK$10 winning unit is estimated to reach HK$28 million
***Instant Win Card 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 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.
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Bearing the theme a£į?New Year off to a galloping starta£į?, the HKJC float this year combines digital technology with traditional revolving Chinese lantern designs to showcase masterpieces of horse paintings by renowned Chinese painter Xu Beihong. The masterpieces symbolise a propitious Year of the Horse for the Club, which will continue to strive for the betterment of Hong Kong.
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Adding further to the festive atmosphere, the Club will distribute 3,800 a£į?good-luck horse pinsa£į? to local residents and visitors lining the route through Tsim Sha Tsui.
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Photo 3, 4: The dancers have been drawn from two long-term trusted partners of the Club a£į”§ the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. Their spectacular performances will illustrate the fruits of the Cluba£į?s long-standing commitment to youth development.
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The HKJC performing troupe wishes everyone a propitious Year of the Horse.
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Photo 6, 7: A talented local team has been assembled to provide the creative elements of the float, including John Szeto Kin (photo 6), the youngest local member of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and a former recipient of the HKJC Scholarship, who will give a brand new interpretation of the William Tell Overture on an erhu. During the parade, the performing troupe will wear special costumes created by renowned local fashion designer Dorian Ho (photo 7, 1st left).
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