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Jockey Club sponsors the LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong for fourth consecutive year; feature HKJC events announced

02/02/2016

The LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong, one of Hong Kong’s major annual sporting events, will take place from 19 to 21 February at AsiaWorld-Expo. As a “Founding Partner”, and with the aim of promoting local equestrian sport, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is pleased to support Asia’s largest 5 star international equestrian show jumping competition for the fourth consecutive year. Highlights co-hosted by the Club include the HKJC Trophy, the returning HKJC Race of the Riders, and the new HKJC Horse Pavilion - all providing opportunities for Hong Kong audiences to engage more closely with equestrian sport.

Speaking at a press conference for the LONGINES Masters of Hong Kong 2016 today (2 February), the Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges explained how Hong Kong has a strong and deep equine heritage. “Racing has been a part of our city for more than 130 years, while there is a great deal of interest in equestrian sport. Public riding schools, established by the Club many years ago, are now attended by around 56,000 people a year”, he said. There was also a tremendous popular response to the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, which the Club supported. And with the establishment of the HKJC Equestrian Team and Junior Equestrian Training Squad to develop talented riders, Hong Kong riders are now competing and winning on the world stage.

This year more than 20 top riders from around the world have been invited to participate in the Masters of Hong Kong, including HKJC Equestrian Team rider Jacqueline Lai. A major highlight on the first day, in addition to the HKJC Trophy, will be the second edition of the HKJC Race of the Riders, which was inaugurated last year to celebrate the Club’s 130th Anniversary. Bringing together the skills of horse racing and equestrian sport, the event is an opportunity for audiences to see world-class riders from different disciplines working together, as well as to experience the incredibly strong partnerships between horses and riders as they seek to navigate the course and beat the clock - a partnership spirit which exemplifies the strong bond between the Club and the community. This year new elements have been added to make it even more exciting, with four Hong Kong jockeys - Joao Moreira, Vincent Ho, Neil Callan and Derek Leung - partnering with four leading equestrians in a relay race.

In the same spirit of partnership, the Club is once again sponsoring 2,000 local students and less privileged members of society nominated by schools, charities and NGOs to attend the competition. The Club is also presenting a new attraction - the HKJC Horse Pavilion - where visitors will have a chance to take photos and get up close and personal with horses.In addition to sponsorship, the Club is giving logistical assistance to the Masters, as well as providing world-class veterinary care for competing horses.

During the three-day competition, six visiting international riders will contribute their time and experience to conduct master classes for Club-sponsored junior riders - helping to groom the talent of Hong Kong’s future champions. Two international riders will also visit the Club’s public riding schools to give workshops to local riding instructors.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, as well as one of Asia’s most prestigious membership clubs. Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, the Club allocates its surplus funds for charitable and community projects. In 2014/15, its donations reached a record HK$3.87 billion, and in the last decade alone it supported over 1,300 projects. The Club is also Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, contributing a record HK$20.05 billion in 2014/15. With about 70% of its revenue given back to society every year through donations and tax contributions, The Hong Kong Jockey Club delivers a significantly higher return to the community than any other racing and/or sports betting organisation in the world. As a socially responsible organisation, the Club helps Government combat illegal betting and advocates responsible gambling. The Club is also one of Hong Kong’s largest employers with over 24,000 full-time and part-time staff. Committed to global excellence and giving back to society, the Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.

Speaking at the press conference of the Masters of Hong Kong 2016, Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges explains how this world-class event is a great opportunity to strengthen Hong Konga£á?s engagement with equestrian sport.
Speaking at the press conference of the Masters of Hong Kong 2016, Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges explains how this world-class event is a great opportunity to strengthen Hong Konga£á?s engagement with equestrian sport.

Club Steward and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael Lee (2nd right), Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges (2nd left) and member of HKJC Equestrian Team Jacqueline Lai (1st right) pose for a picture together with Managing Director of EEM Fabien Grobon (1st left) and Vice-President and Head of International Marketing of Longines Juan-Carlos Capelli (middle).
Club Steward and President of Hong Kong Equestrian Federation Michael Lee (2nd right), Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges (2nd left) and member of HKJC Equestrian Team Jacqueline Lai (1st right) pose for a picture together with Managing Director of EEM Fabien Grobon (1st left) and Vice-President and Head of International Marketing of Longines Juan-Carlos Capelli (middle).

Young local jockey Derek Leung is joining this yeara£á?s HKJC Race of the Riders for the first time. Paired with Jacqueline Lai, he will be competing against three other teams in this unique competition.
Young local jockey Derek Leung is joining this yeara£á?s HKJC Race of the Riders for the first time. Paired with Jacqueline Lai, he will be competing against three other teams in this unique competition.

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