The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been honoured with the International Award at the DHL/SCMP Hong Kong Business Awards 2020, which were announced at the awards ceremony on 16th December. The Award recognises the Club’s achievement in developing new overseas markets and its success in enhancing Hong Kong’s international reputation.

Expressing his thanks to DHL and the SCMP, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges dedicated the award to all of the Club’s employees. “Through their efforts Hong Kong racing has been developed into a global racing and entertainment brand.”

Fundamental to the Club’s achievement has been its success in developing a world-class racing product underpinned by strong customer-centricity and world-leading racing information and wagering technology. All of this has enabled the Club to develop a growing fan base for Hong Kong racing overseas.

“With the global recognition of Hong Kong racing, the Club has been able to export its product globally, with some 20% of racing income generated from outside of Hong Kong via commingling,” said Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges.

These capabilities have also enabled the Club to continue racing throughout the pandemic, with 85% of wagering revenue coming from digital channels.

All of this is ultimately to the benefit of the community. The Club’s sole purpose is the betterment of society, and through its integrated business model it generates significant value in terms of tax contributions, charity donations and employment. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single tax payer and one of the world’s top ten charity donors.

“With our sole focus being Hong Kong we touch the lives of almost everyone in our city. Through our success overseas we aim to help even more people,” said Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges.

Established in 1990, the DHL/ SCMP Hong Kong Business Awards honour individuals and companies who maintain and expand the economic viability and international stature of Hong Kong. Judging criteria for the International Award include financial and non-financial achievements such as overseas revenue and the sustainable growth of profitability; new products and new markets developed overseas; as well as the company’s risk management and socially responsible practices.

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 2019/20, the Club contributed HK$19.9 billion in duty and profits tax and HK$0.8 billion to the Lotteries Fund. Approved charity donations were HK$4.5 billion. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is also 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.