HKJC CEO Blog

When future historians review the events of 2020/21, and specifically how they relate to the Club’s agile handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, they might marvel at the resilience, vision and expertise displayed. A similar thought crossed my mind on Thursday when the Club marked its 136th anniversary. It is incredible to reflect that, from such humble…

With just under six weeks until the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races, there is a growing sense of anticipation building on several fronts towards the December showpiece.  Developments on the international racing stage coupled with those much closer to home all arrived over the past few days with possible HKIR connotations. Tuesday’s trials at Sha…

Caution has become a recurring theme over the past 20 months and, with the pandemic causing so much upheaval and change, prudence remains the key as diligent planning continues for the LONGINES Hong Kong International Raceday in December.  Our position is clear. As excited as we are by an outstanding entry of 135 horses, including…

These are relatively early days yet in the Hong Kong season, but a number of clear trends have already emerged. One of the most interesting aspects surrounds the continuously significant impact Privately Purchased Griffins are having on Hong Kong racing, with 64 of 122 races decided so far this term being claimed by PPGs -…

As a citizen of Hong Kong for more than a decade, Zac Purton understands all too well the value of seizing opportunities in this dynamic city.  While the 2021/2022 season is still in its infancy, Zac must surely be revelling in the way the current term is unfolding.   With 12 meetings down – Zac…

There is something about early-autumn Group competition which sets pulses racing. At Sha Tin last Sunday, two G2 contests arrived with a strong sense of anticipation as minds and dreams drifted forward to 12 December and the LONGINES Hong Kong International Raceday showpiece. Tony Millard and Francis Lui left Sha Tin at the weekend with…

After the unfortunate cancellation of Wednesday night’s Happy Valley race meeting because of Tropical Storm Kompasu and the raising of the Typhoon 8 signal, the sense of excitement over what might unfold at Sha Tin on Sunday (17 October) seems doubly potent.  With benign weather forecast, the staging of the first Group 2 contests of…

Unfortunately, because of factors beyond our control, and due to the fact the Typoon 8 signal will be in place until at least 4pm, we have been forced to cancel tonight’s meeting. The decision not to proceed with the meeting was reached after taking into consideration the safety of our race-day workforce over 8,000 people…

Fortunately, the Typhoon 8 which lashed Hong Kong on Saturday has not caused any major damage at Sha Tin Racetrack and, after receiving the relevant reports from different departments, we are ready to go with Sunday’s meeting. Given the amount of rain we have received, I would suggest all customers pay as much attention to…

Eight meetings into the new season and there is clearly much to be excited about, both locally and internationally.  At home, a buoyant wagering trend saw National Day Cup meeting turnover surge by more than 12 percent on the corresponding meeting in 2020 – $1.632 billion, up from $1.454 billion the previous year – and,…