HKJC CEO Blog

Time rarely stands still in Hong Kong and, if proof were needed of just how dynamic Hong Kong horseracing is, tonight’s Happy Valley meeting marks the end of the first quarter of the 2021/22 season. It barely seems plausible that almost three months have passed since our season-opener, yet here we are on the cusp…

Nothing quite excites the senses among racing purists as the imminent appearance of champions, human and equine.  We are fortunate in Hong Kong this week to celebrate both, with the announcement of the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship line-up for 8 December at Happy Valley and, more immediately, the return of Golden Sixty as the headline…

Golden Sixty’s imminent return to racing at Sha Tin on Bank Of China (Hong Kong) Race Day on Sunday serves as a timely reminder that Hong Kong racing is rapidly approaching its flagship event, LONGINES Hong Kong International Raceday. The appearance of Hong Kong’s champion galloper in the G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile…

Preparations for LONGINES Hong Kong International Race-day continue at an impressive pace and, with 30 days to go, it is impossible not to be caught up in the growing excitement around the build-up to our flagship meeting.  The presence of Hong Kong’s leading horses at either the races or the trials – as we seen…

If ever we needed a reminder of what Hong Kong horseracing has missed the most over the past 18 months, it came last Sunday (7 November) at the G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse meeting at Sha Tin with the presence of more than 15,000 excited attendees. The Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse fixture is one of…

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…