The Hong Kong Jockey Club held a presentation ceremony at Sha Tin Racecourse today (2 September) to recognise the dedication and achievements of the HKJC Equestrian Team, who returned to Hong Kong after bagging a gold medal in the dressage individual competition. This is the best-ever Asian Games results for the Hong Kong equestrian team.
Attending the ceremony were Chef d’Equipe of the Hong Kong Equestrian Team and Club Executive Manager, Equestrian Affairs, Amanda Bond; and HKJC Equestrian Team riders Annie Ho, Patrick Lam, Raena Leung, Clarissa Lyra, Nicole Pearson and Yu-xuan Su who represented Hong Kong at the Asian Games last month. Club Chairman Anthony W K Chow presented a photo memento to Amanda Bond to recognise the team’s achievements and thank them for their dedication. HKSAR Chief Executive the Hon Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor also attended the ceremony.
Jacqueline Siu, who brought home the first gold medal at this year’s Asian Games, flew to Tryon, North Carolina, USA, immediately after the competition to prepare for the FEI World Equestrian Games. Another show jumping rider, Jacqueline Lai, will join Siu at the games, which starts later this month.
Hong Kong fielded an equestrian team of eight riders at this year’s Asian Games and competed in all three equestrian disciplines namely dressage, eventing and jumping competitions. All Hong Kong riders competing in Jakarta are members of the HKJC Equestrian Team. They were supported by a strong team of veterinarians, farriers and other supporting staff under the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan initiated and funded by the Club. This merit-based programme is designed to nurture the city’s high-performing riders as they strive for equestrian excellence on the world stage, with Club staff making good use of their experience in horse operations to meet the individual needs of each rider.
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 80,000 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 2017/18, the Club made a record return to the Government of HK$22.6 billion in duty and profits tax and contributed HK$1.2 billion to the Lotteries Fund. Approved charity donations were HK$4.2 billion. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is also one of the world’s top ten charitable donors. The Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.
