HKJC CEO Blog

I returned from Seoul yesterday where we concluded a most successful week with the 37th Asian Racing Conference. There were roughly 600 delegates from overseas, hailing from all corners of our industry, and they joined with many representatives from the Korea Racing Authority. Among the key takeaways from the week, there is no doubt that…

We are well into the business programme for the 37th Asian Racing Conference in Seoul and it has been an incredibly busy, productive week so far. The Korea Racing Authority hosted delegates for the 21st Korean Derby race meeting on Sunday and we followed with a series of bureau meetings and the Opening Ceremony on…

On Wednesday I was pleased to join with colleagues to announce the opening later this month of the newly conserved and revitalised Central Police Station compound. As Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts it will provide opportunities to explore the fascinating history of the site, as well as to enjoy contemporary art and…

Exultant stepped forward with an incredibly impressive win in open pattern company in Sunday’s G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup. Jockey Zac Purton caught his opponents by surprise by making a midrace move from the back. It was utterly decisive, as the horse didn’t look back and cruised home for a six-length win, the second-largest margin…

Both our rookie trainer Frankie Lor and Champion Jockey Joao Moreira reached some seasonal milestones when claiming doubles at Sha Tin on Wednesday. Frankie reached the half-century mark and he is just seven wins away from matching his former mentor John Size’s record in his first season in 2001/02. For Joao, he scored a century…

Sunday’s racing at Sha Tin was remarkable. Champions Day was a true spectacle that must have been seen to be believed. I must first start with the Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the win from Pakistan Star. This display from the gelded son of Shamardal, bred in Germany and purchased by the Club’s…

The inaugural Champions Day is upon us. Last evening’s gala party was sensational fun for all and I think everyone is now primed and ready for the three Group 1 races tomorrow, headlined by a fascinating renewal of the HK$24 million Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup. This is the 20th edition of the Queen…

I was in Beijing on Sunday to address the 15th World Equine Veterinary Association Congress, which was held for the first time in the Chinese Mainland. I shared details of the Jockey Club’s practices at the heart of our world-class model and the Club’s groundbreaking development associated with the Conghua Training Centre. Success in Hong…

We are just a week away from our inaugural Champions Day and our leading contenders have been gearing up their preparation for the race. Many of them took part in final pre-race barrier trials at Sha Tin yesterday morning and I believe your excitement will only build after watching those. As for overseas contenders, the…

Having obtained Group 1 status for its 2016 renewal when won by Australia’s sensational Chautauqua, the Chairman’s Sprint Prize is a relatively new international event in our fixture list. But given the high quality sprinters that Hong Kong produces, it was actually the highest-ranked Group 1 race run in Hong Kong during calendar year 2017.…