Throughout its long history, the Club has been an integral part of Hong Kong society, contributing to the city’s social and economic progress. The following are some of the most significant milestones in the Club’s development.
1846 - 1950s
The Beginning of
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
1950s - 1970s
A Benefactor Rooted
in Community
1970s - 2010s
A World-class
Racing Sports Organisation
2010s - Present
A Global Leader in
Racing Sports
1846 - 1950s
The Beginning of
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
From the first race meeting at Happy Valley Racecourse to the founding of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, horse racing gradually became part of Hong Kong life — beginning a legacy that continues to this day.
1846
First racing at Happy Valley
Racing at Happy Valley dates back to the first meeting held in 1846 on a makeshift racecourse laid out on swampy ground. From these humble beginnings marked the birth of an equine capital in Asia and what is now the world-famous Happy Valley Racecourse.
1873
First Hong Kong Derby
The Hong Kong Derby was first staged in 1873, and, with the exception of the war years, has been a new social and sporting highlights ever since. The race is one of the most prestigious local events in Hong Kong racing and nowadays offers once-in-a-lifetime glory to each winner.
1884
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is estabilshed
In the autumn of 1884, 34 businessmen and councillors gathered at City Hall to put racing "on a more stable footing". The Hong Kong Jockey Club was born, which its establishment aims to operate and regulate the sport of horse racing.
1915
First recorded Club donation
The Club has been donating to charity and in support of community development since 1915, when it made its first recorded donation. One of the earliest groups to receive support was the Hong Kong Benevolent Society which assisted individuals in financial distress.
1931
First permanent stands at Happy Valley
In 1931, two three-storey permanent stands were constructed by the Club at Happy Valley for the first time. These were replaced in 1955 by Member Stand I, while Public Stand I and II opened in 1960 and 1961 respectively, forming part of today’s viewing stands.
1950s - 1970s
A Benefactor Rooted
in Community
As Hong Kong grew and evolved, the Club directed its surplus into healthcare, education and community infrastructure — becoming deeply rooted in Hong Kong and serving the needs of our community.
1950s-60s
The Club donating to charity
In the 1950s as Hong Kong struggled to meet the needs of post-war reconstruction, surging immigration and the baby boom, the Club embraced the benefits of donating to charity and the positive effects of enhancing lives through donations. In 1955, the Club formally devoted its surplus each year to charity and community projects, including the support of constructing public clinics, schools and recreational facilities.
1957
Victoria Park opens
The Club's impact is visible in community facilities and social infrastructure across Hong Kong. In 1951, the Club agreed to the call for support from the authority, and made donation in 1952 to support the Government's reclamation of Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, which became Victoria Park that opened in 1957. It has since been the city’s green lung that enables people to release their pressure through strolling in the park and playing with their kids there.
1959
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (Charities) Ltd is established
The Club set up its subsidiary company, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (Charities) Limited, in 1959 to administer donations, especially to deal with the many requests for help from charitable organisations and community projects.
1960
Asian Racing Conference is inaugurated
The inaugural Asian Racing Conference (ARC), with the Club being a founding member, was held in Tokyo in 1960, attended by 69 delegates from 12 racing organisations representing seven countries. An ARC has been held approximately every two years since that time, staged by members of the Asian Racing Federation, the peak regional body for thoroughbred racing across Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East.
1960s-70s
Funding public swimming pools
The Club funded the construction of public swimming pools in the 1960s-70s, which were located in high-density residential areas such as Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, Tsuen Wan, Wan Chai, and Kennedy Town, whereas the Tsuen Wan Swimming Pool (now Kwai Shing Swimming Pool, renamed in 1978) was the first public pool in the New Territories. The Victoria Park Swimming Pool which was completed earlier in 1950s was the first in town built to the international standards.
1969
Summer Youth Programme begins The Club has been supporting the annual Summer Youth Programme since its inception in 1969, empowering children and young people aged 6 - 25 years to broaden their horizons through community service, education and recreation. Responding to evolving needs, in 2011 the initiative became a year-round Youth Development Programme until it concluded.
1970s to 2010s
A World-class
Racing Sports Organisation
As horse racing entered the professional era, iconic races and legendary horses became collective memories for generations of Hong Kong people. The Club has also continued advancing sports and community development, gradually establishing its strong international reputation.
1971
Racing turns professional
As Hong Kong moved towards professional racing in the 1971, the demand for local jockeys surged, prompting the Club to recruit and develop new talents. Here the Apprentice Jockeys' School, founded in 1972, played a vital role.
1972
Apprentice Jockey School opens Initially based in the stables complex in Happy Valley when it opened in 1972, by the 1980s the Apprentice Jockey School had moved to Beas River in Sheung Shui. Today, the school and its training stable are located at Sha Tin Racecourse, with additional purpose-built facilities at the Club's Conghua Racecourse in Guangzhou.
1973
Night racing begins Another major development came in 1973 when the Club introduced night racing at Happy Valley. The floodlit inaugural event was an instant success, and paved the way for regular night races on Wednesdays. Over the years, Happy Valley racecourse is still the centre of horse racing in Hong Kong.
1973
Funding Hong Kong Arts Festival
To bring world-class performances to the city, build audience appreciation for the arts and help nurture local talent, the Club has been supporting the Hong Kong Arts Festival since its launch in 1973.
1974
First batch of Off-Course Betting Branches opens
In 1974, the Club opened its first six Off-Course Betting Branches. Apart from offering much greater convenience to fans, the branches played a pivotal role in curbing illegal gambling.
1974
Telephone betting begins Even as the first Off-Course Betting Branches were opening their doors, other channels were opening up. In 1974, the Club introduced telephone betting, in the process providing many job opportunities in Telebet Centres.
1975
The Club is authorised to operate a lottery. The Mark Six lottery is launched the following year The Club was authorised in 1975 to operate a lottery in support of the Hong Kong Government's fight against illegal gambling. The Mark Six lottery is launched the following year. With a portion of ticket sales going to the HKSAR Government in lottery duty and to the Government's Lotteries Fund for social welfare initiatives, everyone is a winner even for those who do not win the lottery.
1977
Ocean Park opens Ocean Park Hong Kong was built with a Club donation on land provided by the Government and opened to the public in 1977. It has since become one of the world's top theme parks, providing elements of education, conservation and entertainment to local citizens and tourists.
1978
Sha Tin Racecourse opens Sha Tin Racecourse opens. The racecourse, comprised of international standard track, modern grandstand and state-of-the-art stabling and training facilities, is built on reclaimed land with infill from surrounding hills. It even has its own train station. The flattened hilltops are subsequently used by the Government for housing projects.
1978
First Public Riding School opens in Hong Kong The Club has long supported equestrian sport. In 1978 , it established the first public riding school in Pok Fu Lam, followed by opening the Lei Yue Mun and Tuen Mun, in 1992 and 1994 respectively. These three schools offer riding lessons and community visits, enabling people to enjoy the thrill of riding or simply the pleasure of interacting with horses.
1980
Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund is established The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund was set up in 1980 with a donation of HK$10 million from the Club. Its objectives are to promote training and education in music and dance in Hong Kong by way of conferring scholarships to enable young musicians and dancers of outstanding calibre to pursue further studies in music and dance.
1981
SILVER LINING is crowned thrice Horse of the Year SILVER LINING is crowned thrice Horse of the Year in 1978, 1979 and 1981, and three-time winner of the Hong Kong Champions & Chater Cup. Fans can re-live his glory days through his original skeleton at the Hong Kong Racing Museum where he lives on in our collective memories.
1982
Jubilee Sports Centre is established Funded by the Club in partnership with the Government, the Jubilee Sports Centre (now Hong Kong Sports Institute) was established in 1982 as a training base for elite local athletes. The Institute has since nurtured many outstanding local athletes, including Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medallist, windsurfer Lee Lai-shan, and world champion cyclist Wong Kam-po.
1983
CO-TACK achieves 10 consecutive wins CO-TACK was the first Hong Kong horse to win 10 consecutive races. His major successes include the Hong Kong Derby, Hong Kong Gold Club and Hong Kong Champions & Chater Cup. He was crowned Horse of the year twice once in 1983 and again in 1984.
1985
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts opens The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong’s only institution dedicated to cultivating young talent in the fields of music, dance, drama, technical arts, film and television, was established in 1984 with a Club donation of HK$300 million. Its Wanchai campus opened in 1985.
1988
Hong Kong’s first international race takes place The Hong Kong Invitation Cup, the first international race in town, took place at Sha Tin Racecourse back in 1988, an 1800m heat open to riders from Singapore and Malaysia. FLYING DANCER prevailed for home trainer Brian Kan and jockey Bartie Leisher.
1989
Kowloon Park is renovated The Club has donated HK$300 million in total to redevelop Kowloon Park with the aim of providing an enjoyable leisure experience in the heart of an urban area. Redeveloped from previously Whitfield Barracks and opened in 1970, Kowloon Park is the largest park in West Kowloon. It is home to the first heated indoor Olympic-standard swimming pool in Hong Kong, which was completed in 1989 as part of the Club-funded redevelopment of the park.
1989
Jockey Club Ti-I College commences With a total funding of HK$84 million Hong Kong dollars was established by the Club and the Government, the Jockey Club Ti-I College, which commenced its operation in 1989 in Shatin, provides opportunities for students to excel not only academically, but also through sport and the visual arts.
1989
Air Quality Index is launched Hong Kong’s first Air Quality Index was established in 1989 with Club support. The index has since played a pioneering role in raising public awareness of pollution issues and identifying where improvements need to be made. Later the Club funded the Mobile Real-time Air Monitoring Platform developed by the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology.
1991
The Hong Kong University of Science of Technology is founded In the late 1980s, there was growing anticipation of a strong demand for university graduates to fuel an economy increasingly based on services. In response, the Club donated over HK$1.9 billion for the construction of the city’s third university between 1987 and 1992. The Hong Kong University of Science of Technology was then founded in 1991. In subsequent years, other donations were made for its various projects, including establishing the Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study in 2013 and the Jockey Club Global Graduate Tower in 2021.
1991
Hong Kong Park opens The Club donated HK$170 million to build Hong Kong Park, opened in 1991, so as to provide a relaxing and educational oasis in the heart of the city for Hong Kong residents and visitors.
1993
The Club's average annual donations reach HK$1 billion from 1993 to 2009
1993
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is established In 1993, a new entity, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, was established to reflect the evolving nature, scale and scope of donations. It is one of the world’s leading charity donors.
1994
RIVER VERDON becomes Hong Kong’s first Triple Crown winner RIVER VERDON was all-powerful in the 1990s. He was the first Hong Kong-trained runner to take part in an overseas Group 1 race, and even won the Stewards' Cup (1600m), the Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and Hong Kong Champions & Chater Cup (2200m), all with different race distance, in 1993/94 season and became the first Hong Kong's Triple Crown champion.
1994
Hong Kong Stadium reopens The Hong Kong Stadium (formerly known as the Government Stadium) was built in 1952. Redeveloped by the Club in 1992 for over HK$800 million, it was re-opened in 1994 under the management of Wembley International, UK, engaged by the Club. In 1998, the then Urban Council took over the management of the Stadium. The Stadium was handed over to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department following its establishment in 2000. A variety of significant events are constantly held at the Stadium, such as the Hong Kong Sevens, Lunar New Year soccer tournaments, soccer exhibition matches, reunification celebration events, Walks for Millions.
1995
The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course opens Opened in 1995, The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, located near Sai Kung, is Hong Kong's only public golfing facility. It aims to make the sport accessible to all, and provides golf training to young people.
1995
The Hong Kong International Sale is held The Hong Kong International Sale is a thoroughbred auction organised by the Club since 1995. The Sale provides our Permit Holders with the opportunity to purchase an International Sales Griffin sourced from many of the world's premier yearling sales and pre-trained in Australia and Great Britain before coming to Hong Kong. HKIS graduates include major winners GOOD BABA, ROMANTIC WARRIOR, among others.
1996
The Hong Kong Racing Museum opens
1998
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships is launched Established in 1998, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships are dedicated to nurturing talent for Hong Kong. Up until 2024, more than 1,100 young people have been awarded the scholarships to pursue their studies. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships have also expanded and diversified to recognise the diverse pathways of young talents, including establishing the Vocational Education Scholarship and the Graduate Scholarship for non-local studies, among the recent additions such as HKJC Chairman’s Scholarship, HKJC Striding On Scholarship, and JC STEM Early Career Research Fellowship.
1998
The International Jockey's Championship is inaugurated The International Jockey's Championship is inaugurated in 1998, as the first major event in Hong Kong’s international races’ week. It was so successfully held that the Club decided to run it annually. This Championship is one of the most prestigious jockey challenges in the world and the most lucrative for the winning rider.
1999
World Lottery Association is established World Lottery Association was established in 1999, with the Club serving as a founding member, executive committee member and Vice President . Through participation in other global bodies, the Club maintains wide-ranging industry connections internationally that enables it to shape international standards, policies and protocols for the benefit of the industry and in support of its own business development.
1999
The Hong Kong Cup becomes Hong Kong’s first international Group 1 race The initial incarnation of the Hong Kong Cup took place at Sha Tin Racecourse back in 1988. The race attained international Group 3 status in 1993 and was further upgraded to international Group 2 status the following year. The big breakthrough came in 1999 when the Hong Kong International Cup was renamed the Hong Kong Cup and became the first Hong Kong race to be designated an international Group 1.
1999
Hong Kong Jockey Club Giant Panda Habitat in Ocean Park opens In 1998, the Club’s Charities Trust funded the construction of the “Hong Kong Jockey Club Giant Panda Habitat” in Ocean Park, which was opened in 1999 , to house the two giant pandas given by the Central Government. After renovation and expansion in 2012, it was renamed the “Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures” and is currently home for the giant pandas and two Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys.
1999
INDIGENOUS places second in the Japan Cup INDIGENOUS was a champion stayer who took parts in several international races. One memorable moment was when he finished a strong and surprising second in the 1999 Japan Cup.
2000
The Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing opens The Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing (JCCPA), opened in 2000, is the first NGO in Hong Kong to provide integrated support for sufferers of senile dementia. In addition to providing holistic care services and research, JCCPA also offers professional training for caregivers and industry counterparts to advance the quality of care for such cases.
2000
FAIRY KING PAWN becomes the first Hong Kong horse to win top overseas race FAIRY KING PAWN won the Japanese G1 Yasuda Kinen in 2000. In doing so, he became the first locally-trained winner of a G1 race overseas. In 2001 International Classifications, he was the joint highest-rated Older Sprinter on Turf. Since then, Hong Kong's star on the international racing stage has continued to rise.
2001
The Racing Laboratory is one of only five Approved Laboratories appointed by the Fédération Équestre Internationale The Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Laboratory, established in 1970, specialises in drug testing of horses and jockeys. It is currently one of only five approved laboratories appointed by the Fédération Équestre Internationale and one of six reference laboratories appointed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. It has never reported a "false positive" finding in official samples since established.
2002
Four Hong Kong International Races rates international G1 races The Club inaugurated the Hong Kong Invitation Cup (now known as the Hong Kong Cup) in 1988, with competing horses from Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. More races were added, and year-by-year more horses from more countries / regions participated, with the races progressively rising up the international rankings. By 2002, when all four Hong Kong International Races (Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Sprint and Hong Kong Vase) were rated international Group 1 for the first time, they were already being hailed as the "Turf World Championships".
2002
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Life Learning Fund is established The Hong Kong Jockey Club Life Learning Fund was initially set up in 2002 with a donation of HK$141 million to the Education Bureau from the Club's Charities Trust. The Fund has allowed local primary and secondary schools students at all levels to participate in a wide range of learning activities outside the classroom, enhancing their whole-person development.
2003
Diamond Vision Screen - the world's longest TV screen Sha Tin Racecourse has the world's longest television display, as certified by the Guinness World Record on 31 August 2003. The Diamond Vision display measures 70.4 meters (231 feet) long by 8 meters (26 feet) high. The screen equates to 4,500 21" TVs piled up, and its width is equivalent to the length of a Boeing 747 jet.
2003
Regulated football betting is launched to support the Government in combatting illegal betting To combat illegal gambling, the Hong Kong SAR Government announced in 2003 the decision to regulate football betting. With approval from the Legislative Council, the Club became the sole operator authorised to provide football betting entertainment in Hong Kong. The change was intended to stop betting revenue from going to illegal operators, instead channelling it into employment opportunities, tax payments and social welfare projects.
2003
The Asian Racing Federation adopts the Club's proposed Good Neightbour Policy to tackle unauthorised wagering The Good Neighbour Policy, first signed in late 2002 by the Japan Racing Association and the Club, was given a major boost the next year when six more Asian Racing Federation jurisdictions – the Australian Racing Board, the Turf Authorities of India, the Korea Racing Association, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, the Singapore Turf Club and the Jockey Club of Turkey – signed up in a strong show of unity to crack down on 3-U – unlimited, unregulated and uncontrolled – betting.
2003
Support the government to establish the Ping Wo Fund
The Club contributes to the Government-managed Ping Wo Fund, which supports responsible gambling education, counselling and treatment services. Additionally, the Club initiates, supports and funds programmes to promote healthy lifestyles and to highlight the dangers of problem and illegal gambling.
2004
Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is established
In early 2003, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) severely impacted Hong Kong. In response, the Club funded the establishment of the Centre for Health Protection, which officially opened in 2004 as the city's first institution dedicated to preventing and controlling infectious diseases.
2004
The world’s first retractable roof built over a parade ring
The Shatin racecourse parade ring was completely renovated in 2004. A major feature of the renovation was the construction of the world's first retractable roof over the ring, which can be opened or closed in only 7 to 8 minutes, allowing racegoers to inspect the horses' pre-race form in comfort, no matter rain or shine.
2005
SILENT WITNESS achieves his 17th consecutive victory
SILENT WITNESS, one of the “The World’s 100 Most Influential People” of 2004 according to Time magazine, achieves his world-record-breaking 17th consecutive victory. He is a legend not only in Hong Kong but also around the world, his “can-do” exemplifies the city’s spirit.
2005
Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant scheme is launched
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust launched The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant scheme in 2005. The three-year grants are designed to support partners with ongoing funding, giving participating agencies the up-front resources they need to plan and fund their projects, and enabling them to offer diversified services for Hong Kong people.
2005
P.A.T.H.S. to Adulthood: A Jockey Club Youth Enhancement Scheme is launched
Initiated by the Club’s Charities Trust in 2005, the “P.A.T.H.S. to Adulthood: A Jockey Club Youth Enhancement Scheme” garners the support of Government and local universities to promote the holistic development of young people. Through both integrated and themed education modules, the programme aims to develop and recognise adolescents’ abilities, helps them bond with others, in addition to enhancing their self-confidence and developing positive beliefs and values.
2005
Set up CARE@HKJC Volunteer Team
Established in 2005, the CARE@HKJC Volunteer Team works with local organisations to design and deliver programmes addressing special needs within the community. The Team also provides a series of professional training sessions to volunteers so that they can make use of their talents and skills to serve the community.
2005
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE is crowned champion of the inaugural Global Sprint Challenge
The globetrotting CAPE OF GOOD HOPE represented Hong Kong well in 12 races overseas to win an overseas International Group 1 race in 2005. In the same year he was also crowned champion of the inaugural Global Sprint Challenge.
2006
READ & WRITE: A Jockey Club Learning Support Network is launched
Launched in 2006, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust presented the READ & WRITE: A Jockey Club Learning Support Network offers an evidence-based comprehensive learning system specially designed to help children with literacy difficulties. The programme has developed and utilised a series of assessment tools, learning packages and parent handbooks covering the pre-school, primary and secondary education sectors and the general community.
2006
CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors is launched
In light of a rapidly ageing population, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust launched "CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors" for the purpose of promoting new approaches to elderly care.
2006
Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2006 is passed
Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2006 is passed. The reforms aim at changing the betting duty system for horse racing in order to provide the Club with flexibility to effectively combat illegal gambling and so help to reduce the social and criminal problems it brings.
2007
VENGEANCE OF RAIN wins the Dubai Sheema Classic
VENGEANCE OF RAIN was the first Hong Kong-trained horse to win the World Racing Championships in 2005. As the winner of the 2007 Dubai Sheema Classic, he was one of the world's top gallopers.
2007
The Champions Mile becomes Hong Kong's sixth International G1 race
2007
Under the Club's leadership Commingling and Harmonization of Rules are adopted as key Asian Racing Federation objectives
The Club raised the concept of commingled pools to our global racing counterparts during 2007’s Asian Racing Conference in Dubai. Under the Club's leadership, Commingling and Harmonization of Rules are adopted as key Asian Racing Federation objectives.
2008
Hong Kong Jockey Club Sports Medicine and Health Sciences Centre opens
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust donated to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong to jointly established The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sports Medicine and Health Sciences Centre, which is launched in 2008. The roles of the Centre are to demonstrate high standard of research that are attainable in sports medicine and sports sciences in Hong Kong, to strengthen sports medicine and sports health education training for allied health staff for a high quality of services, to provide high-quality medical services to the athletes and amateur sports people, and to encourage exercise for health by the population at large.
2008
GOOD BABA achieves Hong Kong’s highest international rating
As one of the best milers in the world, GOOD BABA won the Hong Kong Mile three times in a row starting in 2007. In 2008 he was rated 124, the highest-ever international rating for a Hong Kong horse.
2008
The Club is recognised as Outstanding Contributor, Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Equestrian Events
The equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics were successfully staged in Hong Kong at venues provided by The Club. In recognition of its contribution in building these venues and committing the support of its Equine Hospital, Racing Laboratory and other facilities during the Games period, the Club was officially recognised as "Outstanding Contributor, Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Equestrian Events".
2008
HKJC Equestrian Team and Junior Equestrian Training Squad is established
Following the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, which were held in Hong Kong with the Club’s support, equestrian sports grew in popularity. That same year, the Club established the HKJC Equestrian Team and Junior Equestrian Training Squad to develop the potential of Hong Kong’s most talented riders, and soon senior riders were achieving success in international competitions.
2008
Beijing Jockey Club Clubhouse opens
2008
FAMILY: A Jockey Club Initiative for a Harmonious Society is launched
The Club launch in 2008 a citywide family research and public education project entitled “FAMILY: A Jockey Club Initiative for a Harmonious Society”, in hopes of helping build a more harmonious society.
2008
The Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre is opened
The Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre is a vibrant arts-centre-cum-artists-village that was converted from an industrial building in Shek Kip Mei built in the 1970s with a donation from the Club. Opened in 2008, it provides affordable venues where budding artists and arts groups can work in their own studios, while displaying art works or give experimental performances in the public spaces.
2008
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series is introduced into the Hong Kong Arts Festival
The Club has been supporting the Hong Kong Arts Festival since its launch in 1973. A new funding mode was introduced in 2008, whereby funds are approved three years in advance. This arrangement enables the Festival to plan ahead and bring in three main pillar programmes for each year’s Festival. One performance of each pillar programme is designated “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series”.
2009
The International Trials are opened to overseas horses
The International Trials were opened up to overseas horses for the first time in 2009. The three prep races concerned are the International Cup Trial, International Sprint Trial and International Mile Trial. These trials were opened to improve the preparation of horses guaranteed a start in the Hong Kong International Races.
2009
SACRED KINGDOM is named world’s highest-rated sprinter for thrid consecutive years
Starting in 2007, SACRED KINGDOM was named world’s highest-rated sprinter for three consecutive years. In 2009, he won the KrisFlyer International Sprint in Singapore.
2009
CADENZA Hub is launched
Opened in 2009 and managed by The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Jockey Club CADENZA Hub is a one-stop integrated medical and social care centre that promotes the importance of primary healthcare among middle-aged and elderly people.
2010
Club named "Outstanding Contributor, Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games Equestrian Events"
Following its success in supporting the staging of the equestrian events of the Beijing Olympic Games, the Club further supported in the organisation of the equestrian events of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games, and was subsequently honoured as “Outstanding Contributor, Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games Equestrian Events” in recognition of its contribution.
2010
The Jockey Club Emergency Relief Fund is established
The Jockey Club Emergency Relief Fund was established in 2010 to provide rapid assistance to victims of natural disasters, accidents and epidemics. It enables the Club's Charities Trust to respond quickly and flexibly to those in immediate need.
2010
Happy Wednesday brand is launched
Happy Wednesday brand is launched to bring together an international mid-week crowd to enjoy a unique social racing experience in the heart of the city. Featuring the thrill of live racing, together with thematic night carnivals, music, F&B and more, the award-winning Happy Wednesday brand has made Happy Valley Racecourse a must-go entertainment hotspot.
2010
Animated Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival Exhibition opens in Hong Kong
River of Wisdom - Animated Version of the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival Exhibition opened in Hong Kong. The original painting depicts the daily lives of people in the ancient Chinese capital some 1,000 years ago, and the animated version brings all their actions to life.
2010
Racecourse Master Plan is launched
Racecourse Master Plan is launched to secure the long-term sustainability of horse racing in Hong Kong in the face of ever-growing competition, by ensuring that the Club can continue to offer our customers world-class facilities and dedicated services. The revival of racing turnover in recent seasons has put the Club in a stronger financial position to proceed with this very large-scale investment.
2010
Average annual donations increase from HK$1.5 billion to HK$1.9 billion in 2010 to 2013
2010
Glass Bottle Recycling Campaign is launched
2010s - Present
A Global Leader in
Racing Sports
The Club has become a global leader in horse racing sports, and also one of the World's leading charity donors. It also continues to advance Greater Bay Area and national equine industry development, making contributions for the betterment of society.
2011
Supports the 3rd Hong Kong Games
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust supported the 3rd Hong Kong Games. The biennial event, held in 2011, aims to promote a culture of 'sport for all' across all 18 districts of Hong Kong and enhance the sense of belonging and bonding in the community.
2011
Receives highest accolade of Responsible Gambling
In 2011, Hong Kong Jockey Club was awarded the highest level (Level 4) of accreditation by the World Lottery Association under its Responsible Gambling Framework. The Club is the first operator in Asia to receive this recognition.
2012
New digital racing experience is unveiled
The Club established an IBU Zone at Happy Valley racecourse that integrates technology and social entertainment, offering customers with a revolutionary, seamless engagement, from browsing information to final transactions in a digital way.
2012
The Hong Kong Jockey Club College opens
The Hong Kong Jockey Club College, opened in 2012, is the learning hub for employees across all levels. It offers an array of comprehensive learning and development programmes specifically designed to bolster career advancement and foster talent growth.
2012
The restored Hong Kong Jockey Club Former Explosives Magazine is opened
As a staunch supporter of heritage preservation, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated HK$102.5 million to help the Asia Society Hong Kong Centre revitalise the former British explosives magazine site on Justice Drive in Admiralty to their Centre. Through careful conservation, restoration and adaptive re-use, the site was transformed into a cultural, artistic, and intellectual hub named as “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Former Explosives Magazine” in 2012.
2012
Supports four local intangible cultural heritage items be inscribed onto the China's National List
Four local intangible cultural heritage items inscribed onto the China's 3rd National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, including Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade, and Yu Lan Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Community are supported by the Club. And the four items fall within the category of "social practices, rituals and festive events" set out in the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
2012
The Jockey Club Make a Difference School opens
Founded in 2012, the Jockey Club Make a Difference School aims to inspire and empower young people to create positive personal, economic, social and environmental change through year-round programmes and activities.
2012
The Jockey Club Elderly Facilities Modernisation Scheme is launched
The Jockey Club Elderly Facilities Modernisation Scheme was launched in 2012 with the aim of upgrading the physical settings and facilities of over 200 elderly centres in Hong Kong and enable the 200,000 elderly users to engage more fully in community life. The scheme was made possible with a HK$110 million donation from the Club, which supplements the HK$900 million Improvement Programme of Elderly Centres, earmarked from the Lotteries Fund also in 2012, to meet the needs of the rapidly ageing population.
2012
The Jockey Club Youth Football Development Programme is launched
The Club has always been a strong supporter of the development of football in Hong Kong. In early 2012, it began sponsoring the Summer Scheme and launched The Jockey Club Youth Football Development Programme. Organised by the Hong Kong Football Association since 1971, it is the largest youth football development programme in town, with kids from all over Hong Kong taking part each year. The programme aims to cultivate more people to be interested in football and nurture young talents through teaching them the basic knowledge of football and practice sessions.
2012
Race Simulator app is launched
2013
Douglas Whyte is crowned Champion Jockey for a record 13th consecutive season
Douglas Whyte has won an admirable number of Champion Jockey titles in Hong Kong. He has also accumulated one of the most career wins by a jockey in Hong Kong, with a string of 13 consecutive wins that began in 2001, which sets an unprecedented record.
2013
The Club is authorised to provide commingling on Hong Kong races
The Legislative Council passed a law amendment bill on the Betting Duty Ordinance in 2013, which has given the Club the green light to set up two-way commingled pools with partner jurisdictions overseas.
2013
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Innovative Learning Centre for Medicine opens
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Innovative Learning Centre for Medicine was funded with a HK$53.53 million donation from the Club and opened in 2013. It provides scenario-based, multi-disciplinary simulation training for local healthcare professionals and students to enhance their practical skills in the delivery of safe and quality patient care. Consultants from the Centre for Medical Simulation at Harvard University conduct instructor courses to develop the Centre into a regional hub that excels in simulation-based training.
2013
The Integrated Centre on Addiction Prevention and Treatment opens
2013
Hong Kong International Races and Champions Mile are ranked in Top 50 G1 Races
Hong Kong International Races and Champions Mile were ranked among Top 50 G1 Races in 2013 where this ranking was established. In 2015, International Federation of Horseracing Authorities extended the list to Top 100 G1 Races, in which all of the 11 Hong Kong International Races are listed from the next year in 2016.
2014
The Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change opens
The Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, was established at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. It is the first museum of its kind in the world, offering an interactive, multimedia exhibition that showcases valuable collections and information about climate change.
2014
Hong Kong horses win five international Group 1 races overseas
Hong Kong horses win five international Group 1 races overseas, including G1 The Singapore Airlines International Cup (2000m) and G1 The KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) in Singapore, G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) and G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1000m) in Dubai, and G1 The Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (1200m) in the USA.
2014
The Club hosts the 35th Asian Racing Conference
The Club hosted the 35th Asian Racing Conference in 2014, showcasing its world-class racing and unique integrated business model. The conference welcomed a record number of almost 800 delegates to four days of meetings, business sessions and other events, including an evening at Happy Valley racecourse to witness the Asian Racing Federation Trophy race.
2014
The Jockey Club Inpatient Facilities Modernisation Scheme is launched
The Club has donated to the Hospital Authority to fund the Jockey Club Inpatient Facilities Modernisation Scheme with the aim of raising the overall standard of healthcare services. This is the Club’s largest-ever single donation to the Authority. Scheduled to be implemented in phases over the coming three years, the project involves the installation of over 520 ceiling hoists and 6,000 electrically-operated beds in public hospitals citywide.
2014
The Jockey Club Innovation Tower of Hong Kong Polytechnic University opens
The Club donated HK$249 million to build the Jockey Club Innovation Tower at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Opened in 2014, the tower is the city’s first permanent architectural work of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Dame Zaha Hadid and is home to the university’s School of Design as well as the Institute, making it a new driving force in the development of Hong Kong as a design hub in Asia.
2014
The Jockey Club Tower at The University of Hong Kong Centennial Campus Dedication Ceremony
The Club donated HK$323 million to The University of Hong Kong in 2010 to construct the Jockey Club Tower on the Centennial Campus, housing the Faculty of Social Sciences, which opened in late 2012 and dedicated in 2014.
2014
The Jockey Club Campus Jubilee College at The Open University of Hong Kong is opened
Partly-funded by a HK$190 million donation from the Club’s Charities Trust, located in Ho Man Tin, the Jockey Club Campus Jubilee College at the Open University of Hong Kong (retitled as Hong Kong Metropolitan University in 2021) opened in 2014 to offer state-of-the-art facilities for its full-time students.
2015
ABLE FRIEND tops World’s Best Racehorse Rankings
ABLE FRIEND tops the rankings in the April 2015 edition of the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings – a first for Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s superstar was already ranked as the best turf miler in the world following his brilliant wins in the G1 Hong Kong Mile and G1 Stewards’ Cup, and his status rose further as he shared the top spot with North American high-weight SHARED BELIEF in 2015.
2015
Club launches strategic projects focusing on four areas of community need – youth; the elderly; sports; arts, culture and heritage
2016
All Hong Kong’s international G1 races feature in the World’s Top 100
All 11 of Hong Kong’s international Group 1 races feature in the World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races. Hong Kong has a record 26 horses in the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, with eight in the top 50.
2016
The Club announces a special donation of HK$3.5 billion to support the construction of the Hong Kong Palace Museum in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the HKSAR
2017
Centenary Sprint Cup becomes HK’s 12th International G1 race
The Centenary Sprint Cup, originally known as the Centenary Cup, was first run in 1984. Its race distance was lengthened in 2016, and it was progressively upgraded to international Group 2 status in 2017, before becoming Hong Kong’s 12th International Group 1 race in 2018.
2018
The Central Police Station compound, conserved and revitalised by the Club, opens as Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts
2018
Conghua Racecourse is opened
Conghua Racecourse officially opened in 2018 as the first world-class racecourse and thoroughbred training centre in the Mainland. Operating as part of a dual-site model, Conghua Racecourse complements the existing training centre at Sha Tin. With its state-of-the-art stabling, training and horse-care facilities, it will enable the Club to further develop the quality of its world-class racing.
2018
First-ever Asian Games equestrian gold medal
HKJC Equestrian Team rider Jacqueline Siu won Hong Kong’s first-ever Asian Games equestrian gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. Her superb performance stands as testimony to the Club's efforts in expanding support to cover the dressage discipline in recent years.
2018
Hong Kong horses win four Hong Kong international races for the first time
Hong Kong horses win all four international Group 1 Hong Kong International Races for the first time. GLORIOUS FOREVER’s victory in the Hong Kong Cup wrapped up a first ever Hong Kong clean-sweep at the Hong Kong International Races and capped a stellar occasion of world class sport at Sha Tin Racecourse on 9 December 2018.
2019
First racing in Conghua Racecourse
Conghua's inaugural exhibition raceday demonstrated the potential of the Greater Bay Area as a centre of equine excellence. Trainer Richard Gibson combined with jockey Matthew Chadwick to record a historic first race win at the inaugural Hong Kong Jockey Club race meeting at Conghua Racecourse in 2019, marking a new era of horseracing in the Greater Bay Area.
2019
BEAUTY GENERATION sets a new record of eight wins in a season
BEAUTY GENERATION sets a new record of eight wins in a season, and for six months tops the World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. He is the eighth horse to win back-to-back Horse of the Year titles in Hong Kong’s professional era.
2019
Tai Kwun receives excellence award from UNESCO
Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts receives the highest Award of Excellence in the 2019 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The Central Police Station compound was conserved and revitalised by the Club and opened as Tai Kwun in 2018.
2020
Thanks to its “racing bubble”, the Club successfully stages the Hong Kong International Races during the COVID-19 pandemic
Thanks to its “Racing Bubble”, the Club successfully stages the Hong Kong International Races during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning accolades around the world. From targeted testing, strict social distancing, technological innovation and “loads of determination”, the Club has set an example for others to follow.
2021
The Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre opens
Funded with a HK$1.3 billion donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the CUHK Medical Centre, opened in 2021, represents both the Club’s largest single donation to medical services and to The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
2021
Signs agreement with the Guangzhou Municipal Government to jointly take forward the promotion and development of the equine industry in the Guangdong- Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
The Club signs a Framework Cooperation Agreement with the Guangzhou Municipal Government to jointly take forward the promotion and development of the equine industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
2021
The Club is one of the world's top five commingling hub
Commingling was launched by the Club in 2014. The Club is one of the world's top five commingling hubs with over 60 commingling partners and a fan base that spans five continents.
2021
Relief efforts for Zhengzhou’s flooding
The Club has donated HK$20 million to the Zhengzhou Municipal Government via the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR to assist Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, in rescue and relief efforts following its devastating flooding.
2021
Record number of HK equestrian athletes sent to Olympics
Four members of the HKJC Equestrian Team, one rider and three para riders, represented Hong Kong at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021, representing the largest number of qualified equestrian athletes Hong Kong has ever sent to the two Games.
2021
HKJC Charities Trust launches new strategy with four focus areas: Positive Ageing & Elderly Care; Children & Youth Development; Healthy Community; and Talent & Capacity Building
2022
Apprentice Jockeys' School 50th anniversary
With the Apprentice Jockey's School (AJS) entering its 50th anniversary, the Racing Development Board is also rebranded as the Racing Talent Training Centre with two schools under it, the AJS and the Racing Talent School – the former continues to provide riding training, the latter provides skills specific training for non-riding professionals, e.g. stable assistants, assistant trainer, farrier, etc.
2022
The Club supports community events marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR
2022
The Hong Kong Palace Museum opens
The Hong Kong Palace Museum, first announced to mark the 20th anniversary of the HKSAR, has its construction funded by a HK$3.5 billion donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust – the Club’s largest single charity donation to date. It was opened in 2022 as a highlight of the 25th anniversary of the HKSAR.
2022
Donation to support pandemic-relief initiatives
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, within two years the Club has approved over HK$2.9 billion in pandemic-related donations, cumulatively benefiting over three million people. Adopting a ‘speedy’, ‘targeted’ and ‘innovative’ approach, the Club has provided fast-track funding to meet urgent needs and collaborated with partners to devise new ways to reach out to and support the most vulnerable.
2023
GOLDEN SIXTY secures three consecutive Horse of the Year
GOLDEN SIXTY becomes the first horse in Hong Kong to secure three consecutive Horse of the Year crowns (2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23), and an unmatched 26-time winner in Hong Kong.
2023
Signs agreement with Chinese Equestrian Association
In 2023, the Club signed a Supplemental Framework Cooperation Agreement with the Chinese Equestrian Association to further expand the collaboration scope and promote and support the development of speed racing and equestrian industry in the Mainland.
2023
Institute of Philanthropy is established
Institute of Philanthropy was established in 2023, through a strategic seed grant of HK$6.8 billion from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust, as a "think-fund-do" tank for China and Asia.
2025
The Club becomes the first operator in Asia to attain the highest-level responsible gambling accreditation five times in succession
2025
The Club honoured to contribute to the success of the 15th National Games in the Hong Kong and Guangdong competition regions
The Club allocated over HK$500 million to support the 15th National Games and the National Games for Persons with Disabilities & National Special Olympics Games in the Hong Kong and Guangdong competition regions. Through its “Five Connections” institutional innovations, the Club was honoured with two accolades.
2026
All-time great Zac Purton sets new Hong Kong wins record
After breaking Douglas’s record of 1,813 wins in 2025, Zac Purton became the first jockey to reach the milestone of 2,000 wins in Hong Kong, securing his place as the rider with the most wins in local racing history.
2026
The Club’s Charity Trust becomes world leading donor
Through its unique business model, the Club contributes substantially to the betterment of society. The Club’s Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors. Approved donations in 2025/26 were HK$8.6 billion.
