Latest news with #HappyWednesday
South China Morning Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
In-form sprinter Colourful King set to relish extra distance at Happy Valley
David Eustace believes the step up in distance could be the key to Colourful King's chances in the Class Two Wan Chai Gap Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Blue Point gelding has stuck to the minimum 1,000m trip in four Hong Kong starts, building on a promising Sha Tin debut with a pair of city circuit wins. He quickened up smartly in a pair of Class Three races, winning the latter Hong Kong China Rugby Club Handicap by an impressive two lengths. After travelling well in midfield, Colourful King sprinted powerfully to mow down the long-time leader Youthful Spirits and was going away at the line. Big win, Colourful King! 🚀@EustaceRacing's talented sprinter explodes to consecutive victories under @Atzenijockey in the Hong Kong China Rugby Cup at Happy Valley... 🏆#HappyWednesday | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) April 9, 2025 That would suggest Wednesday's extra 200m would be ideal, despite Eustace have reservations about it previously. 'I think the distance will be fine – we probably wouldn't have said that a couple of starts back, but I thought his last run showed he would appreciate it and his trial was similar,' said Eustace. Colourful King will take on the likes of last-start winners Horsepower, Kaholo Angel, Stellar Express and Harmony N Blessed in a fiercely competitive feature contest to round off the card. The three-year-old won two 1,000m races pre-import and Eustace thinks the best is yet to come ahead of his fifth local start. HK Racing News Get updates direct to your inbox Sign up Best Bets Racing News By registering you agree to our T&Cs & Privacy Policy Error: Please enter a valid email. The email address is already in use. Please login to subscribe. Error, please try again later. THANK YOU You are one the list. Colourful King wins a barrier trial at Sha Tin last month. 'He's relaxing better all the time and has a good draw [barrier four], but it's a tough race. He's trained on well so I'm hopeful,' Eustace said. Eustace has seven chances on the Valley programme, with his other big chance being Midori Fuji in the Class Four Shouson Hill Handicap (1,650m). He is yet to salute in eight local starts but has gone agonizingly close at the course and distance in his past two starts, losing out by a short head on both occasions. Eustace also has high hopes for Saturday's impressive Class Four Tin Sam Handicap (1,400m) winner Dazzling Fit, who doubled his career tally in style at Sha Tin. The son of Ribchester was settled in midfield by Luke Ferraris, sauntering into contention as the field turned into the home straight. It briefly looked as though the pair were running into traffic problems, but Ferraris angled out at the 400m and when he asked for maximum effort, the response was immediate with a sharp turn of foot carrying Dazzling Fit to the front 150m from home. While he still looks green, Dazzling Fit has plenty of scope for further improvement and Eustace believes he will be a horse to watch as a four-year-old – though he may not be done racing this season. 'It was good to see him do it again, he was carrying weight in a Class Four as a three-year so it was a good effort,' said Eustace. 'He put them away nicely and has pulled up great. I'm not honestly sure if he will run again this season – I'm leaning that way and he's come through that race as well as he could have done. 'I hope he's an exciting one for next season.' Eustace – who was Australia's leading trainer in partnership with Ciaron Maher in 2022-23 – has enjoyed a successful first season of training in Hong Kong with 29 winners.
Politico
21-05-2025
- Business
- Politico
Landing the budget plane
Presented by Happy Wednesday, Illinois. Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got. TOP TALKER COUNTDOWN: We're 10 days away from state lawmakers needing to nail down a balanced budget, and though there are some positive vibes coming from House leaders, most folks in Springfield remain cautious or outright concerned. 'Uncertainty' reigns, said a state legislator who was granted anonymity to speak openly. 'There's a search to get revenue to fill the gaps. And there are a lot of gaps. No one has the answers. Not the speaker, not the [Senate] president and not the governor.' The Trump factor: 'We're extremely concerned' about the impact of the Trump administration's budget cuts, funding freezes and tariffs, said a person familiar with the governor's team. 'It's difficult to plan a budget when the actions in Washington keep shifting.' To that point: Democratic state Rep. Kam Buckner told Playbook, 'There's a lot of noise coming from Washington, and plenty of uncertainty around federal dollars, but that doesn't give us a hall pass. The people of Illinois didn't elect us to flinch. They elected us to finish. We're close. We'll land it.' One thing's for sure: While there's a search for revenue raisers, cuts will have to be made. Pritzker has reiterated that any new spending proposed by legislators must be offset with cuts somewhere. 'It's a tight budget year, so no one's going to get everything they want,'Pritzker said in an interview with ABC 7's Craig Wall. A bright spot for Chicago: Pritzker said Mayor Brandon Johnson's team has made 'somewhat reasonable asks' that the legislature 'should take [that[ into account,' according to Craig's report. More positive energy: House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel told Playbook, 'We're in a very good place' with the budget. For perspective: State legislatures across the country are facing similar perilous budget decisions. Some states, like California with its $12 deficit, have a much steeper hill to climb than Illinois. THE BUZZ AS DEMOCRATS CLAMBER to run for the Illinois congressional seats that have opened up, there's been a scramble — and some squabbling — for endorsements. Advantage game: Endorsements from trusted elected officials and community leaders give credibility to a campaign. Jumping the gun: Sometimes eager candidates confuse kind words with an endorsement, or endorsers speak too soon, maybe getting pressure from other challengers to pull back their support. Something like that occurred in the 8th Congressional District contest. Yasmeen Bankole, a Hanover Park trustee running in the 8th District Democratic congressional primary, celebrated a number of endorsements the other day only to see two of them pull back. Good vibes but not endorsing: Samreen Khan, a suburban school board member, said she's not ready to endorse after all, even though she said, 'I adore Yasmeen.' And Nazneen Hashmi, a Streamwood trustee, told Playbook, 'My conversation was mistaken as an endorsement.' Who needs 'em: Bankole is taking it in stride and is out with a new list of endorsers: DuPage County Board members Lucy Chang Evans, Sheila Rutledge and Yeena Yoo and Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Commissioner Tina Tyson-Dunne. 'I'm excited to endorse,' said Chang Evans in a statement. WHERE'S JB No official public events WHERE's BRANDON At 121 North LaSalle Street at 9 a.m. for the James D. Montgomery Sr. Dedication Ceremony — At City Hall at 10 a.m. to preside over a meeting of the City Council Where's Toni At the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs at 10 a.m. for the Nature IS Accessible! event — At the First United Methodist Church at noon for a memorial service to honor indigent residents who came under the care of the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — The Danny Davis question: Congressman Danny Davis, who hasn't officially announced his plans for 2026, tells Playbook he's only focused on the budget negotiations in Washington this week. But we hear state Rep. La Shawn Ford, an ally of Davis', has started to call mayors and aldermen in the 7th Congressional District to let them know he's pulling together a campaign. Stay tuned. — Jennifer Pritzker, the billionaire philanthropist and cousin to Illinois' governor, has donated $39,200 to California governor candidate Toni Atkins, according to California election filings. Pritzker is a transgender retired Army lieutenant colonel and Republican who turned her back on voting for President Donald Trump. Atkins is a Democratic California state legislator and was the first female and first openly LGBTQ+ president pro tempore in the California Senate. — Patrick Hanley, who's running for state Senate, has been endorsed by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Laura Murphy and Senate Majority Whip Julie Morrison. Hanley is running for the seat now held by state Sen. Laura Fine, who's running for Congress. THE STATEWIDES — NEW POLL: As lawmakers consider legislation to fund the Healthy School Meals for All program, supporters are out with a new poll showing 84 percent of voters support the measure. What's more, bipartisan support remains strong at 71 percent even after voters in the poll were told it could be funded with a new tax. In 2023, the General Assembly passed an initiative to provide universal school meals to all public-school students in Illinois. However, the program remains unfunded. The American Heart Association commissioned the poll, and Global Strategy Group conducted it, contacting 800 registered Illinois voters from April 22 through 28. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points — About junk fees: The Illinois Junk Fee Transparency Act (SB1486) has unanimously passed out of the House Consumer Protection Committee. Rep. Bob Morgan, who's carrying it, has added 45 co-sponsors. The measure would crack down on hidden and deceptive junk fees that inflate prices for everyday purchases, such as hotel bookings, food delivery apps and event tickets. The bill calls for upfront pricing and gives the attorney general authority to hold violators accountable. The measure has already been passed by the Senate and now heads to the full House for a vote. — Ban on carbon injections within Mahomet Aquifer heads to Pritzker's desk, by Lee Enterprises' Brenden Moore — Prisoner Review Board reform, changes to police hiring clear General Assembly: 'House also approves bill in response to deadly 2021 tornado that hit Illinois warehouse,' by Capitol News' Bridgette Fox and Ben Szalinskiand. — Bill banning carbon sequestration near Mahomet Aquifer clears General Assembly, by Capitol News' Jade Aubrey — OPINION: Illinoisans shouldn't pay more for car insurance based on their ZIP code and credit score, writes Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias in the Tribune CHICAGO — Ethics board cites 7 aldermen for being late filing their annual financial interest forms: 'Ald. Lamont Robinson, 4th, faces a $250 fine for not turning in the annual form, which is required of most city officials and employees, according to the ethics board. The other City Council members who were called out — but not fined — for blowing past the May 1 deadline were Aldermen Stephanie Coleman, Derrick Curtis, Jim Gardiner, William Hall, Julia Ramirez and Monique Scott,' by the Tribune's Alice Yin. — A NATIONAL TAKE | McCormick Place was a bird killer until a small change made a world of difference: 'Chicago is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States for migrating birds, and a glassy lakefront conference center was especially lethal,' by The New York Times' Catrin Einhorn. — Teen 'snap curfew' plan advances as sponsor Ald. Brian Hopkins gives more power to police, by the Tribune's Jake Sheridan — Mayor wants to sell up to $4.3B of debt for O'Hare to fund infrastructure projects and refinance outstanding obligations, by Bloomberg's Shruti Singh — Struggling 'Asia on Argyle' businesses hope for boost from Mendoza's video series, by NBC 5's Vi Nguyen ILLINOIS' POPE — Village of Dolton plans to take ownership of Pope Leo XIV's childhood home: 'The current owners of the home, at 212 E. 141st Place, had planned to auction off the home,' by the Sun-Times' Cindy Hernandez. COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Naperville Councilman McBroom, DuPage GOP, Awake Illinois battle District 203 over transgender female athletes: 'In a case that has evoked hundreds of online comments and national media attention, Naperville-based Awake Illinois Monday filed a federal Title IX complaint against the district with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights,' by the Tribune's Michelle Mullins and the Naperville Sun's Tess Kenny. — Cook County top prosecutor pushes for changes in Illinois law after California fertility clinic bombing: 'Eileen O'Neil Burke wants to amend the Illinois criminal code to consider attacks on reproductive health clinics terrorism. But the ACLU of Illinois is opposed, saying it could be used against people who protest clinics run by abortion opponents,' by WBEZ's Elvia Malagón. — New era in Wheeling Township starts with swearing in of Democratic slate, by the Daily Herald's Steve Zalusky — Chicago suburbs listed among 250 elite towns by U.S. News & World Report, by the Daily Herald's Steve Zalusky MEDIA MATTERS — Syndicated content in Sun-Times special section included AI-generated misinformation: 'A Chicago freelance journalist said he did not fact-check information he compiled using AI before including it in stories for media clients,' by WBEZ's Dan Mihalopoulos. TAKING NAMES — Mideast to Midwest: Israeli Consul General to the Midwest Yinam Cohen hosted a celebration in honor of Israel's 77th Independence Day on Tuesday in Skokie. Among the 500 guests were Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen, Indiana Treasurer Daniel Elliott, Iowa Senate President Amy Sinclair and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton also offered congratulatory remarks in a video message. — Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award on Tuesday by the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. The group also honored Maria Razumich-Zec, the regional VP, USA and Managing Director at the Peninsula Chicago; and Marilynn Gardner, the president and CEO of Navy Pier, with Ambassador of Hospitality Awards. Reader Digest We asked how social media shapes the way we talk about politics today. Charles Keller: 'Social media's benefit depends on whether you stay in a comfortable echo chamber or are open to hearing opposing views.' Brent Pruim: 'It has dramatically worsened the 'illusion of explanatory depth.' Lots of newly minted constitutional law professors out there.' NEXT QUESTION: Is there a politician or leader you admire, even if you don't agree with everything they stand for? KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION — Sens. Durbin and Duckworth question Prime Healthcare after changes to Illinois hospitals: 'Prime Healthcare has only operated these eight Illinois hospitals for two months, and there are already profound concerns about patients losing access to care,' the Senate Democrats wrote in their letter, by the Tribune's Lisa Schencker. THE NATIONAL TAKE — U.S. Supreme Court may broaden religious rights in looming rulings: 'University of Illinois Chicago law professor Steve Schwinn said he expects the rulings will continue the court's years-long trend of sharply limiting the application of the establishment clause and dramatically expanding the application of the free exercise clause,' by Reuters' John Kruzel. — Republicans close in on 'big, beautiful' deal after a Trump pep talk, by POLITICO's Rachael Bade and Meredith Lee Hill — Mace, alleging assault, shares nude photo of herself during House hearing she says was taken without her consent, by POLITICO's Amanda Friedman IN MEMORIAM — George Wendt, native South Sider best known as Norm from 'Cheers,' dies At 76: 'He was also a legendary 'SNL' Superfan who loved 'Da Bears,'' by the Block Club's Gwen Ihnat. — Judge Kenneth Moy, who was the first Asian American elected to county office in Illinois when he was elected to the DuPage County Board and before going on to take the bench, has died. His obit is here. TRIVIA TUESDAY's ANSWER: The First Illinois Light Artillery, also known as Smith's Chicago Light Artillery, was the first Illinois unit to see action in the Civil War on April 25, 1861, near Cairo when they participated in the capture of two steamships. TODAY's QUESTION: In the years before Lake Michigan was well-filtered, what did some unlucky Chicagoans find in their tap water? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ald. Andre Vasquez, state Senate spokesman and strategic adviser John Patterson, state Treasurer Legislative Affairs Director Catherine Shannon and architecture writer Ed Keegan -30-
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Jockey Club announces plans to become a global sports entertainment brand and to showcase Hong Kong as a centre for global exchange, connectivity and tourism
HONG KONG, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ -- Today (12 May), The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced the launch of a major initiative to transform itself into a global sports entertainment brand with the ultimate aim of creating even more value for the community. In support, the Club has entered into a strategic partnership with XIX Entertainment (XIX), one of the world's top entertainment brands. Over the past 20 years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become a world-class racing brand. Its Group 1 races and superstar horses feature strongly in the world rankings, with two of the world's best horses currently based in Hong Kong. Some of the world's best jockeys and trainers are in Hong Kong. The Club's racing is broadcast to millions of fans across five continents, with 25% of its income now derived from overseas. The Club's racecourse facilities are second to none. And through its Happy Wednesday brand, which showcases sports with entertainment, and major raceday events featuring international and Hong Kong stars, combining lifestyle and entertainment, the Club has developed a highly attractive racecourse entertainment experience. All of this has enabled the Club to significantly increase its support for the community. In 2023/24 alone, the Club contributed a record HK$40.1 billion in tax and approved charity donations. It has also made racing a highly attractive visitor experience, with over 143,000 tourists visiting the racecourses so far this season. This encouraging tourist attendance owes a great deal to the support for racing tourism in the recent Hong Kong CE Policy Address, and to the efforts of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Tourism Board in promoting Hong Kong horse racing globally. The Club is also grateful for the new strategic collaboration with the China Tourism Group in promoting the Club's world-class racing sport in the Mainland. Now the Club's vision is to go one step further - to become a global sports entertainment brand. In other words to create a holistically integrated racing, equestrian sports and entertainment experience, which will enable the Club to expand its fan base, especially to the younger generation, and to reach out to a global and Mainland audience. Ultimately the aim is to become the premier destination for global horse racing and equestrian sports. This, the Club believes, perfectly matches Hong Kong's aspiration to become a hub for international exchanges and cooperation, as well as a centre for international cultural exchange as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan. It will also enable the Club to contribute even more to the betterment of society. As a first step, the Club is delighted to partner with XIX under the leadership of its visionary founder, Simon Fuller. The first collaboration will bring XIX's global pop group, Now United, to Hong Kong. The first initiative, Now United, will give Hong Kong's talent a chance to shine on the world stage, while through social media and racecourse performances the group will share positive stories about Hong Kong and Hong Kong racing with their millions of fans around the world. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club said he was excited to announce the Club's plans to become a globally recognised sports entertainment brand, which will enable the Club to contribute even more to Hong Kong. Holistically integrating entertainment, racing and equestrian sport, at its heart will be a celebration of the strong bonding between horses and humans. This, he said, perfectly matches Hong Kong's aspiration to expand its global connectivity. Finally, looking ahead to the Year of the Horse in 2026, it is the perfect moment to use entertainment, lifestyle and social content to foster new connections and promote passion around the horse - heritage, power, elegance and emotion brought to life. Simon Fuller, the British-born Founder of XIX, said "I am excited to be collaborating with Hong Kong and the Jockey Club to create something aspirational and positive. I believe there is an important opportunity to bring inspiring and joyful entertainment to Hong Kong and Horse Racing. This is an incredible city full of potential with so many stunning iconic locations to share with the world." He added, "my global pop group Now United being here in Hong Kong is the beginning of many more exciting announcements in the coming months, leading to celebrating the year of the horse." Now United is XIX's multi-cultural global pop group, featuring young musical and dance talent from across the world. The collaboration with the Club will see a talent search in Hong Kong for the next member of the group. The finalist will receive masterclass training from top-class professionals at XIX Entertainment's Academy of Pop. There will also be a reality series and music videos filmed with Now United during their stay in Hong Kong, to be shared with their 40 million social media followers across multiple platforms around the world. Hong Kong audiences will also have the opportunity to enjoy Now United's live performances at the Club's racecourses and at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races in December 2025. The search for the next member of Now United in Hong Kong will begin with auditions for people aged 18 or above starting from today (12 May). For application details, please visit Photos can be downloaded from the website of The Hong Kong Jockey Club ( The Hong Kong Jockey Club Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club 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 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 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. Please visit Simon Fuller and XIX Entertainment Simon Fuller, producer, creator and entrepreneur, is the founder of XIX Entertainment. He has imagined and executed a number of game-changing entertainment properties, engaging audiences across the world and generating billion revenues in the process. His ideas and businesses have disrupted convention, defined the times and empowered artists to achieve their ambitions. He was the inspiration behind the Spice Girls, the creator of the American Idol global TV franchise, the partner of David and Victoria Beckham and the guidance behind sporting legends Andy Murray and Lewis Hamilton, extraordinary singers Annie Lennox and Amy Winehouse and other award-winning projects with entertainment icons Jennifer Lopez and Michael Caine. Today, his company XIX Entertainment is an ever-evolving force of creativity and innovation in music, tech, film, and fashion. SOURCE The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jockey Club announces plans to become a global sports entertainment brand and to showcase Hong Kong as a centre for global exchange, connectivity and tourism
HONG KONG, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ -- Today (12 May), The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced the launch of a major initiative to transform itself into a global sports entertainment brand with the ultimate aim of creating even more value for the community. In support, the Club has entered into a strategic partnership with XIX Entertainment (XIX), one of the world's top entertainment brands. Over the past 20 years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become a world-class racing brand. Its Group 1 races and superstar horses feature strongly in the world rankings, with two of the world's best horses currently based in Hong Kong. Some of the world's best jockeys and trainers are in Hong Kong. The Club's racing is broadcast to millions of fans across five continents, with 25% of its income now derived from overseas. The Club's racecourse facilities are second to none. And through its Happy Wednesday brand, which showcases sports with entertainment, and major raceday events featuring international and Hong Kong stars, combining lifestyle and entertainment, the Club has developed a highly attractive racecourse entertainment experience. All of this has enabled the Club to significantly increase its support for the community. In 2023/24 alone, the Club contributed a record HK$40.1 billion in tax and approved charity donations. It has also made racing a highly attractive visitor experience, with over 143,000 tourists visiting the racecourses so far this season. This encouraging tourist attendance owes a great deal to the support for racing tourism in the recent Hong Kong CE Policy Address, and to the efforts of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Tourism Board in promoting Hong Kong horse racing globally. The Club is also grateful for the new strategic collaboration with the China Tourism Group in promoting the Club's world-class racing sport in the Mainland. Now the Club's vision is to go one step further - to become a global sports entertainment brand. In other words to create a holistically integrated racing, equestrian sports and entertainment experience, which will enable the Club to expand its fan base, especially to the younger generation, and to reach out to a global and Mainland audience. Ultimately the aim is to become the premier destination for global horse racing and equestrian sports. This, the Club believes, perfectly matches Hong Kong's aspiration to become a hub for international exchanges and cooperation, as well as a centre for international cultural exchange as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan. It will also enable the Club to contribute even more to the betterment of society. As a first step, the Club is delighted to partner with XIX under the leadership of its visionary founder, Simon Fuller. The first collaboration will bring XIX's global pop group, Now United, to Hong Kong. The first initiative, Now United, will give Hong Kong's talent a chance to shine on the world stage, while through social media and racecourse performances the group will share positive stories about Hong Kong and Hong Kong racing with their millions of fans around the world. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club said he was excited to announce the Club's plans to become a globally recognised sports entertainment brand, which will enable the Club to contribute even more to Hong Kong. Holistically integrating entertainment, racing and equestrian sport, at its heart will be a celebration of the strong bonding between horses and humans. This, he said, perfectly matches Hong Kong's aspiration to expand its global connectivity. Finally, looking ahead to the Year of the Horse in 2026, it is the perfect moment to use entertainment, lifestyle and social content to foster new connections and promote passion around the horse - heritage, power, elegance and emotion brought to life. Simon Fuller, the British-born Founder of XIX, said "I am excited to be collaborating with Hong Kong and the Jockey Club to create something aspirational and positive. I believe there is an important opportunity to bring inspiring and joyful entertainment to Hong Kong and Horse Racing. This is an incredible city full of potential with so many stunning iconic locations to share with the world." He added, "my global pop group Now United being here in Hong Kong is the beginning of many more exciting announcements in the coming months, leading to celebrating the year of the horse." Now United is XIX's multi-cultural global pop group, featuring young musical and dance talent from across the world. The collaboration with the Club will see a talent search in Hong Kong for the next member of the group. The finalist will receive masterclass training from top-class professionals at XIX Entertainment's Academy of Pop. There will also be a reality series and music videos filmed with Now United during their stay in Hong Kong, to be shared with their 40 million social media followers across multiple platforms around the world. Hong Kong audiences will also have the opportunity to enjoy Now United's live performances at the Club's racecourses and at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races in December 2025. The search for the next member of Now United in Hong Kong will begin with auditions for people aged 18 or above starting from today (12 May). For application details, please visit Photos can be downloaded from the website of The Hong Kong Jockey Club ( The Hong Kong Jockey Club Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club 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 2023/24, the Club returned a total of HK$40.1 billion to the community. This included HK$29.9 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$10.2 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. Please visit Simon Fuller and XIX Entertainment Simon Fuller, producer, creator and entrepreneur, is the founder of XIX Entertainment. He has imagined and executed a number of game-changing entertainment properties, engaging audiences across the world and generating billion revenues in the process. His ideas and businesses have disrupted convention, defined the times and empowered artists to achieve their ambitions. He was the inspiration behind the Spice Girls, the creator of the American Idol global TV franchise, the partner of David and Victoria Beckham and the guidance behind sporting legends Andy Murray and Lewis Hamilton, extraordinary singers Annie Lennox and Amy Winehouse and other award-winning projects with entertainment icons Jennifer Lopez and Michael Caine. Today, his company XIX Entertainment is an ever-evolving force of creativity and innovation in music, tech, film, and fashion. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Hong Kong Jockey Club View original content to download multimedia:
South China Morning Post
07-05-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Douglas Whyte gets change of luck as he teams up with Hugh Bowman to fire in Happy Valley double
Douglas Whyte was given two big reasons to smile at Happy Valley on Wednesday night as Goko Win and Ivy League gave him his first winners for over a month. His last success came in the form of Golden Darci way back on April 2 and victory for Goko Win in the Class Four Chantilly Handicap (1,200m) looked unlikely for much of the journey. Hugh Bowman had to use all his strength to pick a path between horses, with the $2 favourite getting up in the final stride to deny $42 roughie My Day My Way – much to the delight of a relieved Whyte. 'He's been the victim of circumstance quite a few times this season,' said Whyte. 'He's had to do it the hard way and he's not the youngest individual – he's getting on in age. Straight through the middle! 👌 Goko Win scores narrowly at Happy Valley under @HugeBowman over a fast-finishing My Day My Way... @DJWhyteTrainer #HappyWednesday | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) May 7, 2025 'It didn't look pretty at the 500m and he looked in trouble, but he showed a bit of tenacity to get through a gap and he did a job to hit the line as strong as he did. 'Hugh made the difference – when you're riding with confidence like that you're always going to make the difference. 'I personally think that an old horse like him winning a race like that in-between horses [and] gaining a bit of confidence, with a light weight in a Class Three, he would be competitive.' Things got even better for Whyte later on the card when Ivy League – himself winless since a course-and-distance triumph in April 2024 – battled on bravely to win the second section of the Class Four Saint-Cloud Handicap (1,650m). Galileo gelding Ivy League edges Thesis to secure a @HugeBowman and @DJWhyteTrainer double! ✌️ Formerly trained in Ireland by Aidan O'Brien, Ivy League is now a three-time winner in Hong Kong... 🇮🇪#HappyWednesday | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) May 7, 2025 Having his first run in the grade, Bowman settled him in fourth and the pair travelled up ominously well at the turn. They were made to work hard by an ultra-game Thesis, but Ivy League got the better of the argument by a short head. Whyte, who had endured 50 winless runners, was full of praise for Bowman, who managed to scramble both his winners home by the shortest of margins. 'Everything worked out really well [for Ivy League] tonight, it was a typical Hugh Bowman ride,' said Whyte. 'Ivy League managed to get cover tonight and he's a different horse when he gets it – he relaxes and has a bit to give at the end. 'The draw worked out well, the pace worked out well and he got his head down at the right time. Recently, with some light weights, he's led, which I don't think is the best way to ride him, but due to a lack of pace he's found himself there. 'But tonight, with a bit of cover, Hugh has produced him at the right time. 'It has been a quiet month – a lot of horses have been highly rated, a lot have been unlucky, but tonight everything has fallen into place.' It was another win in a brilliant season for Bowman, who hit the 60-winner mark with Ivy League's never-say-die success. 'I think we got a bit lucky with the bob of the head there, I haven't seen the replay but I wasn't convinced I had won,' said Bowman. 'He really put in for me. He was aided by a really sweet passage in the race but he was there when I needed him. 'Goko Win was down in class and I was beaten for speed but he travelled superbly and I got the gap in the straight to get the run through and he was solid.'
