The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club), as Exclusive Presenting Partner and Cultural Host, has proudly brought “CAVALLUNA – Gate to the Otherworld”, the acclaimed equestrian spectacular that has captivated audiences across Europe, to Hong Kong for its Asian premiere. The HKJC Opening Night was held at Kai Tak Arena today (10 September) celebrating the special bond between horses and humans.
Guests in attendance included The Hon Martin Liao, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Rosanna Law, HKSAR Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Hua You, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Lin Nan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Helen Chan, Vice Chairman of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee; Margaret Fong, Member of Hong Kong Tourism Board; Johannes Mock-O’Hara, Chief Executive Officer of Apassionata World GmbH, the organiser of CAVALLUNA.
Officiating at the ceremony, Rosanna Law, HKSAR Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the successful staging of this large-scale production reaffirms Hong Kong’s standing as a premier host of world-class events. She added that with support from the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund, the organiser has thoughtfully tailored the show to resonate with local audiences and visitors from the Greater Bay Area. She also expressed appreciation to the organiser, the Jockey Club and collaborating organisations for their invaluable sponsorship and unwavering support, as well as to every artist and team member who has worked tirelessly to bring CAVALLUNA to the shores.
The Hon Martin Liao, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, noted that CAVALLUNA is one of the highlights of the Club’s Year of the Horse campaign. The horse is revered in Chinese art and culture as a symbol of passion, dynamism and resilience – qualities that resonate strongly with Hong Kong's can-do spirit and prosperity under One Country, Two Systems. He added that the Club is proud to serve as Exclusive Presenting Partner and Cultural Host of the show and is committed to bringing world-class cultural and equestrian experiences to Hong Kong as well as promoting the city as a premier racing tourism destination.
Jockey Club provides holistic support for horse welfare
Having captivated millions of spectators across Europe, internationally acclaimed riders, dancers and performers, together with magnificent European horses, are bringing the magic of a fantasy world to life on stage in Hong Kong, from now until 13 September. The Club is providing comprehensive technical and logistical support for CAVALLUNA during its Hong Kong production run, including veterinary and farriery services, and bio-security and equine logistics assistance, to ensure the well-being of the show’s horses.
The Club also invited underprivileged students, youth and elderly groups to attend the dressed rehearsal with the encouragement and assistance of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team. Through this unique experience, participants had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of horses and the special bond between horses and riders, helping to foster greater appreciation of equestrian sport and equine culture within the community.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) is a world-class horse sports and entertainment organisation that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique value creation model, through which the Club generates sustainable economic and social value for the benefit of the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2025/26, the Club returned a total of HK$39.3 billion to the community. This included HK$30.7 billion to the HKSAR Government in taxes and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$8.6 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.
