Transforming the Greater Bay Area
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has unveiled ambitious plans to position the Greater Bay Area as a major international equine center. The proposal aims to establish a racing tourism circuit, linking Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses in Hong Kong with Conghua Racecourse in Guangzhou. This initiative, dubbed ‘Two Cities, Three Racecourses,’ is part of the wider Five-Year Plan submission, which began public consultation on June 15. CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges presented the proposal, touting it as a key opportunity to integrate Hong Kong into the national development framework.
Financial Contributions and Community Impact
The Hong Kong Jockey Club continues to play a significant economic role, contributing HK$39.1 billion ($5 billion) to the community in 2024/25. This includes substantial tax and duty payments to the government and generous charity donations, marking the Club as the largest taxpayer in the region. These contributions underline the club’s commitment to supporting the local economy and society.
Boosting Racing Tourism in Asia
The plan to leverage Conghua Racecourse as a strategic platform aims to boost racing tourism across Asia. The Club has observed increasing tourist attendance and sees Conghua as vital in enhancing cross-border cooperation and hosting world-class equine events. The first race meeting at Conghua is planned for October 31, 2026, marking a significant step toward realizing this ambitious vision, though betting in mainland China remains restricted.
Expanding Beyond Racing
In addition to racing, the HKJC intends to develop the Conghua International Racing Development Centre as a hub for equine import-export and quarantine. Collaborative efforts will focus on mutual recognition of vocational qualifications between Hong Kong and Guangdong, and sharing Hong Kong’s expertise in disease control to areas like Xinjiang. The Club’s Racing Laboratory is also noted for its integrity and governance capabilities, vital in the fight against illegal gambling.
A Look Ahead
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s proposals are set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s wider development agenda. The Five-Year Plan aligns with broader economic and infrastructural goals, promising a structured approach to future growth. The final version of the plan is anticipated to be published by the third quarter of this year, charting the course for a transformative future for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
The HKJC’s initiative not only promises to enhance the region’s equine industry but also signals a strategic move to bolster tourism and economic cooperation within Asia, presenting exciting opportunities for stakeholders.