The Hong Kong Jockey Club is pleased to announce that the Government of Japan yesterday (29 April 2024) conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon on Chief Executive Officer Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. The decoration is in recognition of Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges’ contribution to promoting the international development of Japanese horse racing and thoroughbred breeding.

Thanking the Government of Japan for this great honour, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said: “I would like to dedicate this decoration to the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, the Asian Racing Federation and The Hong Kong Jockey Club. All three have been at the forefront of global thoroughbred horse racing, helping to shape the future and lead the way for our industry.”

“It has been my privilege to work alongside industry peers in Japan for many years. I look forward to joining with my friends in Japan, and all my colleagues around the world, as together we take forward our sport and enter a new era of world-class racing.”    

Dating back to 1875, The Order of the Rising Sun is awarded to people who have rendered meritorious service to Japan.