The equestrian team sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club has brought further pride to the city after Clarissa Lyra claimed a bronze medal for Hong Kong in the individual jumping competition at the 13th National Games in Tianjin today (31 August).
"This is the third time in three National Games since 2009 that Hong Kong has won a jumping individual medal," noted Club Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip. "It shows the strength in depth that we now have in the Hong Kong equestrian squad. I am delighted that the Club, through its support for the HKJC Equestrian Team, has been able to contribute to Clarissa's achievement. Congratulations!"
HKJC Equestrian Team member Clarissa Lyra, Hong Kong's first-ever bronze medalist at the World University Equestrian Championship in Sweden 2016 and a former member of the HKJC Junior Equestrian Squad said, "The Club's professional support team really helped me as well as my horse Catokia 2 recover fully after Monday's team event, giving us the edge in today's exciting jump-off for the medal."
Partnered with her mount Catokia 2 provided by the Club, Lyra rode superbly and was tied with four other riders with a total of 12 faults to force a jump-off for the bronze medal in the two-round competition. Lyra, the second-youngest rider in today's competition, was competing with 20 other riders at the Tianjin Metropolitan Polo Club.
Hong Kong is fielding its largest-ever equestrian team at this year's National Games and competing in all three equestrian disciplines for the first time, with eight local riders contesting the jumping, dressage and eventing competitions. They are supported by an 11-strong team of Club veterinarians, farriers and others.
From its roots as a horse racing and riding club established in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has played a major role in the city's equestrian sports development over the years. Its public riding schools, which opened in the 1970s, now attract some 60,000 local visitors of all ages each year to learn riding skills and horse care. Equestrian sports gained in popularity following the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, held in Hong Kong with the Club's support. The HKJC Equestrian Team and HKJC Junior Equestrian Training Squad were established by the Club in the same year with the aim of developing the potential of Hong Kong's most talented riders. Several of its members have since won medals in international competitions. The Club also launched the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan in 2016. This merit-based programme is designed to nurture Hong Kong's high-performing riders as they strive for equestrian excellence on the world stage.
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 Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2016/17, the Club's total direct return to the community was HK$30.5 billion. It is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, one of the city's major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.
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HKJC Equestrian Team member Clarissa Lyra wins a bronze medal in the jumping individual competition at the Tianjin National Games today (31 Aug).
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HKJC Equestrian Team member Clarissa Lyra rides superbly to secure the bronze medal after a jump-off.
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