A launch ceremony for “Racing with Rugby” was held at Sha Tin Racecourse ahead of the day’s races today (12 April), along with the announcement of line-ups for the Hong Kong China Men’s and Women’s rugby teams for upcoming Hong Kong Sevens. The initiative marks a new milestone for The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) in partnership with Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) and the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC), bringing together Hong Kong’s two iconic sports – horse racing and rugby – alongside community activities supported by the HKJC to showcase the city’s world-class sports entertainment and strong community spirit.
Officiating guests at the ceremony, held in front of enthusiastic fans in the Sha Tin Racecourse parade ring, included HKJC Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; HKCR Chairman Chris Brooke; HKFC President and HKJC Steward Nicholas Hunsworth; HKJC Executive Director, Racing Andrew Harding; HKJC Executive Director, Sports Business Casper Stylsvig; and HKJC Executive Director, Corporate Affairs Raymond Tam.
Speaking at the ceremony, HKJC Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges pointed out that racing and rugby are both dynamic sports that generate a great deal of excitement, bringing tourists to Hong Kong along with global attention. Sha Tin Racecourse, as the home of Hong Kong’s world-class racing and a year-round destination for racing tourism, was an ideal venue for the “Racing with Rugby” launch, he said. HKJC has welcomed a record 275,000 tourists so far this racing season, he noted, and thanked HKCR and the HKFC for their collaboration in this unique celebration of the city’s world-class sporting culture. He also said that, for the first time, the Happy Wednesday night races at Happy Valley Racecourse will coincide with the HKFC 10s on 15 April, allowing visitors to experience both racing and rugby in Happy Valley on the same day. He extended his best wishes to Hong Kong China rugby players.
To commemorate this landmark partnership, HKCR Chairman Chris Brooke and HKFC President Nicholas Hunsworth, joined by Hong Kong Sevens Ambassadors Salom Yiu and Christy Cheng, presented an autographed team jersey bearing the number “1” and “HKJC” on the back to HKJC Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. In return, the CEO, accompanied by jockey Zac Purton and apprentice jockey Britney Wong, presented racing silks in the HKJC’s signature blue and yellow to the HKCR and HKFC.
The racecourse entertainment at Sha Tin was further enhanced to celebrate the sports crossover. At Genso Fudo Town, racegoers and rugby fans enjoyed meet-and-greet sessions with rugby players as well as interactive games. Hong Kong China team jerseys and rugby merchandise were available for purchase at the racecourse, as the city gears up for the HKFC 10s and the Hong Kong Sevens.
The HKJC continues its support as the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Sevens for the fifth year and, for the first time, as the Official Community Partner of the HKFC 10s. By hosting booths at fan villages, supporting outreach programmes and youth rugby competitions, and providing tickets to students, the elderly and underprivileged groups, the HKJC shares the thrill of rugby with wider community. All of these will enable over 12,000 people to experience a variety of sports this year.
Over the years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has promoted sports at both community and elite levels through numerous initiatives, enabling people of all ages and abilities to enjoy sports. The support for community sports, sports development and participation, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.
