Spectators at the opening session of the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, the city’s premier annual equestrian competition, were treated to a feast of top-class sport and entertainment today (9 February) and had plenty of local heroes to cheer on, as four Hong Kong-based jockeys competed in the novel HKJC Race of the Riders, then two home-grown equestrian stars took on some of the world’s best in the HKJC Trophy.

Club Chairman Dr Simon S O Ip, speaking at tonight’s opening ceremony, said the Longines Masters of Hong Kong, with its elite riders and top horses represented the very best of world equestrian sports, and a showcase for the unique partnership between man and horse. The unique local flavour contributed by events like the HKJC Race of the Riders, he added, reflected Hong Kong’s long heritage of horse sports.

This year’s HKJC Race of the Riders – a unique relay event in which four Hong Kong-based jockeys Neil Callan, Joao Moreira, Derek Leung and Vincent Ho, pair up with two of the international equestrian stars, Simon Delestre and Reed Kessler and the two HKJC Equestrian Team riders Jacqueline Lai and Clarissa Lyra – saw the team of Vincent Ho and Clarissa Lyra narrowly victorious. “The skills involved in show jumping are very different from those of flat racing and it’s been a fantastic learning experience for me, as well as hopefully some great fun and entertainment for the crowd,” said Ho. “I’m very grateful to the Jockey Club for giving me this opportunity.”

In the evening’s premier competitive event, the HKJC Trophy, Germany’s Daniel Deusser bettered 21 local and international rivals to take the coveted title. “Hong Kong is an amazing city and this is definitely one of the best competitions anywhere,” he said.  “The professional support given by the Jockey Club in looking after our horses is top class. Winning this trophy as well is a wonderful bonus.”

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is Founding Partner of the Longines Masters, which is now in its sixth year and will continue at AsiaWorld-Expo until Sunday. In parallel this year, Hong Kong is hosting the inaugural Asia Horse Week conference, offering leading equestrian federations, regional horse clubs and the equine industry the opportunity to exchange views with counterparts from around the world and discuss strategies for further developing the sport in Asia.

Among the excited audience tonight were local students and residents, all being given their first taste of top-level equestrian sports, thanks to the Club for providing their admission fees and transport.

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.