The Hong Kong Jockey Club hosted a special ceremony at Sha Tin Racecourse today (10 Sep) to recognise the riders of the HKJC Equestrian Team, who returned to Hong Kong after claiming two medals at the Tianjin National Games.

Attending the ceremony were Jacqueline Siu and Clarissa Lyra, who clinched a silver medal in the dressage individual competition and a bronze medal in the jumping individual competition, respectively. Club Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip presented photo mementos to the two winners to recognise their achievements and thank them for their dedication.

Hong Kong fielded its largest-ever equestrian team at this year’s National Games and competed in all three equestrian disciplines for the first time, with eight local riders contesting the jumping, dressage and eventing competitions. All Hong Kong riders competing in Tianjin were also members of the HKJC Equestrian Team. They were supported by an 11-strong team of HKJC veterinarians, farriers and other supporting staff under the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan that was initiated and funded by the Club.

From its roots as a horse racing and riding club established in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has played a major role in the city’s equestrian sports development over the years. Its public riding schools, which opened in the 1970s, now attract some 60,000 local visitors of all ages each year to learn riding skills and horse care. Equestrian sports gained in popularity following the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, held in Hong Kong with the Club’s support. The HKJC Equestrian Team and HKJC Junior Equestrian Training Squad were established by the Club in the same year with the aim of developing the potential of Hong Kong’s most talented riders. Several of its members have since won medals in international competitions. The Club also launched the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan in 2016. This merit-based programme is designed to nurture Hong Kong’s high-performing riders as they strive for equestrian excellence on the world stage. 

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club 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 Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2016/17, the Club’s total direct return to the community was HK$30.5 billion. It is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, one of the city’s major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.