Transforming horse racing in China, the Hong Kong Jockey Club is committed to enhancing integrity, welfare, and standards, creating a vibrant breeding industry, and establishing Conghua as a premier equestrian destination for enthusiasts worldwide.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is establishing itself as a key player in what could be a transformative period for horse racing in mainland China. Chief Executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges is optimistic that the Jockey Club's initiatives can provide a significant boost to the region, as China makes progress in creating a robust horse racing and breeding sector. This vision is in line with China's National Equine Industry Development Plan (2020-2025), which seeks to raise racing standards and eventually launch a pilot horse racing lottery. With the advancements in racing and breeding facilities at Conghua Racecourse, this project has substantial potential.
Conghua Racecourse stands at the center of these aspirations, yet the Jockey Club’s impact reaches beyond this facility, supporting Chinese authorities in improving standards of integrity, horse welfare, and disease control. The development plan aims to establish a pilot racing system that would be incorporated into the current China Sports Lottery framework—a domain primarily ruled by football lotteries and other betting games. If horse racing becomes part of this framework, the potential for the sport's advancement could be extraordinary.
Engelbrecht-Bresges emphasizes that integrity is a fundamental issue, a vital element for maintaining the credibility of horse racing. He notes the interest from high-ranking mainland officials who are eager to learn about Hong Kong’s stringent integrity management and apprentice training programs. The Jockey Club has already trained approximately 800 individuals through its vocational institute, which has led to significant job creation. These joint programs are merely the start of a broader initiative, with the club actively providing training and technical support to establish a strong foundation in mainland China.
As equine activities continue to grow across the mainland, evident from the increase in riding schools from 1,000 to over 8,000, the need for professional standards in horse racing and veterinary care has never been more crucial. In June, the Hong Kong Jockey Club inaugurated a Horse Racing Multi-Function Room at the Guangdong Vocational Institute of Sport, setting the foundation for China’s dual-curriculum sports training program focused on horse racing. This innovative initiative demonstrates a commitment to incorporating world-class standards into China’s emerging racing sector.
A significant milestone is approaching with the imminent launch of a quarantine facility in Conghua, expected to be operational by 2027. This facility will enable the export of horses from Hong Kong to mainland China, establishing a pathway for elite equestrian and thoroughbred horses to compete in races at renowned venues like Sha Tin, Happy Valley, and Conghua itself. Following this, the creation of a breeding industry within mainland China could take place, potentially leading to regular auctions, collaborations with major industry stakeholders, and the possibility of redefining the racing market. Engelbrecht-Bresges foresees a vibrant future where the Jockey Club and its partners play an active role in the evolution of horse racing in China.
In response to the increasing interest in horse racing in China, the Jockey Club is preparing to host weekly entertainment and equestrian events at Conghua, which are scheduled to commence in April 2026. Engelbrecht-Bresges has indicated that there are plans for a state-of-the-art visitor center, with the goal of transforming the Conghua Racecourse into a year-round attraction that fully engages visitors in the horse racing experience. By establishing an environment that merges sports with economic and tourism opportunities, the Jockey Club seeks to position Conghua as a leading destination for horse racing, appealing to both local fans and an expanding international audience.
