The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Sports Bureau of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Urumqi today (22 July) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, marking the beginning of a new long-term partnership designed to both modernise and internationalise the region’s equine industry. The co-operation aims to leverage the resource advantages of both parties, promote the upgrading of Xinjiang's equine industry, and support national efforts to achieve key development goals in the equine sector.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer; Andrew Harding, the Club’s Executive Director of Racing and members of the Club’s expert team paid a visit to Xinjiang in late July, where they were received by Erkin Tuniyaz, Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Government. The delegation met representatives of the government, university, industry and sports organisations of the autonomous region, and held in-depth exchanges on the development of Xinjiang’s equine industry.

Xinjiang has China’s largest horse population and is home to one of its most celebrated horse breeds, the Yili horse. The region has a long history of horse sports, cherished by all ethnic groups. The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is committed to developing a modern equine industry by implementing the strategic objectives outlined in the National Equine Industry Development Plan (2020-2025) and the Xinjiang Modern Equine Industry Development Plan (2019-2030). The goal of these efforts is to promote the integrated development of horse breeding, training, racing and horse culture tourism. This co-operation not only marks an important milestone for the Club in supporting the development of the Mainland’s equine industry but also aligns with the national rural revitalisation strategy.

Leveraging the Club’s professional advantages as a world-class equine sports organisation and Xinjiang’s rich traditional horse culture, the Club will support Xinjiang in celebrating its well-known horse racing festivals, promote national-level events dedicated to the Yili horse, cultivate equine talent with an international perspective, improve veterinary and horse standards, promote the in-depth integration of the horse industry and cultural tourism, and help preserve and introduce innovation into traditional horse culture. At the same time, the Club aims to help enhance global recognition of Chinese horses and provide a platform to showcase the nation’s traditional horse culture and contemporary achievements.

The signing of The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Memorandum of Cooperation on Jointly Promoting the Development of Xinjiang’s Horse Industry for five years was witnessed by Kaysar Keyum, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; Shang Hongbo, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Sports Bureau of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region; Aihemaiti Maimaiti, the director-general of the Xinjiang  Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, and Andrew Harding, the Club’s Executive Director of Racing. It was signed by Ye Hai, Deputy Director of the Sports Bureau of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region and Ronald Chan, the Club’s Head of Mainland Affairs (Policy and Stakeholders Engagement). The signing ceremony was also attended by officials of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and members of the Club’s expert team.

Under the terms of the MOU, areas of co-operation will include:

1.      The Club will support Xinjiang in organising regular Yili horse races that meet international technical and event management standards. The goal is to establish a high-profile Yili horse event series that promotes the preservation and development of China’s rich equine heritage.
2.      Leveraging the Club’s world-class facilities, extensive experience in biosecurity, and global connections with international organisations, the Club will advise Xinjiang in developing and implementing stringent international biosecurity standards. Ultimately these will enable the Yili horse to be promoted on the world stage, including through dedicated races and events at Conghua Racecourse in the future.
3.      Drawing on its professional expertise and world-class training programmes, the Club will work with Xinjiang to jointly identify and select suitable technical talent from the equine industry to participate in exchange activities with the Club. The aim is to cultivate internationally oriented professionals to support the development of Xinjiang’s equine industry.
4.      Both parties will strengthen professional development, talent training and academic co-operation in areas such as equine veterinary medicine and training. The Club will help relevant colleges in Xinjiang to strengthen their equine science education and clinical equine veterinary care. In addition, the Club will regularly organise specialised training programmes to elevate standards of veterinary equine diagnosis and treatment, horse care and training.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, said The Hong Kong Jockey Club, being a world-class sports organisation with strong roots in Hong Kong, is committed to national development. It will leverage the advantages of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, along with the Club’s extensive experience and global connections, to help promote China’s horse culture internationally. He said the Club is confident that Yili horses have the potential to become a global symbol of China’s equine culture. He highlighted the Club’s commitment to supporting the development of a robust equine industry value chain in Xinjiang and the nation through sports, cultural and tourism initiatives.

He added that the Club’s Conghua Racecourse in Guangzhou – a world-class destination combining horse culture, sports and tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – will be instrumental in supporting the development of equine industry talent, clinical veterinary care, health standards, racing tourism and other cultural activities in Xinjiang, helping to establish the region’s equine industry as a world-class brand.

Last year, the Club began supporting the China Horse Industry Association in developing high-quality domestic horses. In the first year of the initiative, 45 Yili horse assessment races were held in Xinjiang. These events significantly enhanced the reputation and industry influence of Yili horses and increased their market value, thereby motivating farmers and herdsmen to engage in breeding, raising and training the horses, so driving the development of the Yili horse industry.

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 HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.