The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) is proud to serve as Strategic Partner to the LONGINES Hong Kong International Horse Show (LHKIHS), held for the second year at AsiaWorld-Expo from today (30 January) to 1 February. Granted prestigious M-mark status, the three-day event features world-class showjumping and equestrian performances supported by the Club’s technical and logistical expertise.

The LHKIHS is the inaugural event in the Club’s Year of the Horse campaign, a year-long series of events honouring the profound bond between horses and humans and the special role of the horse in Chinese culture and Hong Kong history. As an enduring symbol of perseverance and strength, the horse resonates strongly with Hong Kong’s “can-do” spirit and pursuit of excellence.

The Club has long played a pivotal role in advancing equine sports in Hong Kong, drawing tourists to its racecourses and supporting major international and national equestrian events, further strengthening the city’s position as a global hub for sports and entertainment.

As a Strategic Partner of the LHKIHS, the Club will draw on its expertise in equestrian sport to provide technical support for horse transportation, bio-security, veterinary care and stable management. In addition, the Club is supporting youth and underprivileged groups to attend the show, providing more opportunities for the community to enjoy the excitement of equestrian sport and to appreciate the special bond between horse and rider.

Officiating at the event’s opening ceremony, Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government, said that this magnificent three-day showcase of equestrian sports and non-stop entertainment features world-class showjumping. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Youth Challenge puts a bright spotlight on the region’s top young talent, including rising stars from Hong Kong. He highlighted that events such as this Horse Show inspire the youth and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a premier destination for outstanding sports competitions and major cultural events.

The Hon Martin Liao, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the Club is honoured to serve as Strategic Partner of the LHKIHS, “Bringing together some of the world’s finest horses and riders, this five-star competition is the perfect prelude to the Year of the Horse. It is also a key highlight of the Jockey Club’s celebrations over the next 12 months honouring the unique partnership between humans and horses. We especially look forward to the performances of Hong Kong, China athletes, all of whom have benefited from professional development funded by the Jockey Club in partnership with the Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China. Also featuring this weekend are performances by the Club’s retired and retrained racehorses, who have come through our dedicated aftercare programme – highlighting the Club’s commitment to the welfare of the horses in our care.”

Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, President of the LHKIHS and President of The Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China, welcomed guests and attendees, saying that Hong Kong has long been a vibrant hub for world-class international sport and entertainment. In particular, the Club plays a leading role in the development of horse sports regionally and globally. He also expressed his appreciation to the show’s volunteers for all their assistance and to the HKSAR Government for designating the show an M-mark event.

Other attending officiating guests included Hua You, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China; Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Zhu Jianping, Head of Sports Section of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Wilfred Ng, Chairman of the Major Sports Events Committee; Margaret Fong, Board Member of the Hong Kong Tourism Board; and representatives from the organisers and partners.

This year’s show will feature HKJC Equestrian Team members Jacqueline Lai and Clarissa Lyra, representing Hong Kong, China in selected LHKIHS competitions. Lai and Lyra, together with representatives from the Hong Kong, China equestrian team including Annie Ho, Nicole Pearson, Sheikara Whyte; para riders Fleur Schrader, Timothy Tsang and Louie Lam took part in the opening ceremony to celebrate their medal-winning successes at the FEI Asian Championships in Pattaya, Thailand from November to December 2025.

HKJC Youth Squad and Children Squad riders are representing Hong Kong, China in the first Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Youth Challenge, an FEI class 1 competition for youth athletes aged 14 – 18 designed to promote equestrian development in the region and to give young riders an opportunity to experience top-level international competition.

A musical ride performance by retired racehorses retrained under the Club’s RESTART programme is also among the highlights, while the Club is hosting a special booth where visitors can learn about horse sports and meet professional jockeys and riders.

Equestrian sport has long been a key focus for the Club, from the retraining of retired racehorses for equestrian sport, to the operation of public riding schools, to the technical, advisory and logistical support it has provided for major equestrian events, including the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympics Games, Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games and Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, and the 15th National Games co-hosted for the first time last year by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. All of this reflects the Club’s longstanding commitment to advancing equestrianism in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class sports and entertainment organisation 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 2024/25, the Club returned a total of HK$39.1 billion to the community. This included HK$30.1 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$9.0 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.