The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) tonight (15 April) hosted a “Racing with Rugby” Celebration Dinner at Happy Valley Racecourse, bringing together thrilling horse racing and dynamic rugby games. Through HKJC’s partnership with Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) and the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC), today marked the first time the HKFC 10s tournament had been held during the daytime followed by a Happy Wednesday race night – both at Happy Valley – on the same day. Visitors were able to enjoy world-class horse racing after watching the high-intensity rugby matches just a short distance away, further fuelling the city’s vibrant sporting atmosphere.
The dinner was attended by The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; The Hon Martin Liao, HKJC Chairman; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, HKJC Chief Executive Officer; Chris Brooke, HKCR Chairman; and Nicholas Hunsworth, HKFC President and HKJC Steward.
The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, said “Racing with Rugby” offers a precious opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy two world-class sports in a single celebration, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s events capital. The partnership is about more than just sports. It is also a testament to collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to elevating Hong Kong as a global sports destination. She congratulated the HKJC on this season’s record-breaking tourist attendance, which continues to grow. This demonstrates HKJC’s exceptional ability to showcase Hong Kong’s unique horse-racing culture on the world stage.
The Hon Martin Liao, HKJC Chairman, thanked the HKSAR Government for its continued support of horse racing in Hong Kong, as well as HKCR and the HKFC for their partnership in bringing the two sports together. He noted that racing and rugby are both mainstays of Hong Kong’s expanding role as a global hub for sports tourism. Flagship events such as the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, together with major “M” Mark events including the Hong Kong Sevens, are helping to raise the city’s global profile and drive growth in the tourism economy. He added that the HKJC strongly supports these objectives and looks forward to welcoming more tourists to Hong Kong.
To support the innovative “Racing with Rugby” collaboration, the HKFC 10s competition schedule was brought forward this year, enabling spectators to transition seamlessly to Happy Valley Racecourse after the tournament to enjoy the night races. HKFC 10s ticket holders also benefited from exclusive Happy Wednesday promotions.
The evening’s sporting highlight was the Hong Kong China Rugby Cup, in which Beauty Alliance secured victory in a thrilling finish for trainer John Size and jockey Zac Purton. The trophy was presented to the winning owner Beauty Syndicate by The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, with The Hon Martin Liao, HKJC Chairman; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, HKJC CEO; and HKJC Stewards also in attendance.
Beyond the track, Happy Wednesday was transformed into a vibrant, rugby-themed carnival. Racing and rugby fans enjoyed live performances by internationally renowned singer Jason Donovan and ABBA tribute group BABBA. Fans delivered their loudest cheers at the “Shout Stand”, bringing the legendary South Stand spirit to Happy Valley Racecourse and building momentum ahead of the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens.
For the first time, the HKJC this year serves as the Official Community Partner of the HKFC 10s, and continues its role as the Official Community Partner of the Hong Kong Sevens for the fifth year. 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 excitement of rugby with the wider community. All of these initiatives will enable more than 12,000 people to experience a variety of sports activities 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. Its 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.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class sports and entertainment organisation 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 HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2024/25, the Club returned a total of HK$39.1 billion to the community. This included HK$30.1 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$9.0 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.
