Latest news with #TheHongKongJockeyClub
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China's demographic crisis could ease with male childcare subsidies, new research suggests
Subsidising men's participation in household chores and childcare could help reverse declining global birth rates, according to a new study, offering a fresh approach to deepening demographic challenges in countries like China. The study, co-authored by researchers from Fudan University and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), argued that subsidies for fathers produce significantly higher long-term fertility gains than solely subsidising mothers. The findings came as the world's second-largest economy faces a rapidly ageing population, shrinking workforce and strained social welfare system – before reaching high-income status. The researchers said the drastic decline in fertility rates was especially urgent in countries 'getting old before getting rich', as low fertility threatens economic stability and the ability to catch up to developed nations. The innovative policy proposal, published last month in a journal run by a joint institute between HKU and The Hong Kong Jockey Club, came as Chinese authorities have struggled to boost birth rates in recent years. The interest in having children has continued to decline in most areas, pushing China's overall fertility rate to an estimated 1.1 children per woman – well below the 2.1 level needed for a population to sustain itself, at the same level, from one generation to the next. The study, which analysed data from 23 countries, also found that traditional expectations that place the burden on women to perform most childcare duties persist in China and other East Asian countries, clashing with rapid economic changes.
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:
Japan Forward
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Hong Kong Racing: Tastiera Returns to Top Level with Victory in QEII Cup
Damian Lane guided Tastiera to a 1¾-length victory over Prognosis in the lucrative 2,000-meter G1 race at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong. Tastiera, piloted by Damian Lane, triumphs in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong on April 27, 2025. (©The Hong Kong Jockey Club/via SANKEI) It was FWD Champions Day in Hong Kong on Sunday, April 27 and among the competition from around the world, Japan sent eight runners to contest the three G1 races held on the day at Sha Tin Racecourse. Prior to the big event, it looked as if Japan's best chance of a win might come in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (aka QEII Cup), a race that has given the country winners on numerous occasions, with the most recent being Loves Only You in 2021. Three of Japan's best middle-distance horses were entered for the race, and each one of them was looking to find a way to get their careers back on track, having not quite lived up to expectations recently. The 2025 QEII Cup looked to be at the mercy of one of the Japanese runners, but they would have to beat the French-trained Goliath, winner of the 2024 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, and a respectable sixth-place getter in the Japan Cup, the last time he ran, when connections felt things didn't go his way. It was Tastiera that proved to be the best of the Japan-trained runners, with the 2023 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) champion winning the QEII Cup under jockey Damian Lane, riding once again for trainer Noriyuki Hori. Always racing in a handy position, Tastiera went on to win comfortably. Lane had nothing but praise for the trainer: "He's an amazing conditioner of horses, and I just feel privileged and lucky to be here on these days, as well as getting to ride these top horses. It's very rewarding." Hori was also pleased with the outcome. "It's been a while since the horse has shown his best here in Hong Kong," Hori said. "With the different environment, it's not always easy to bring out the best in him. Maurice has been the only horse I've brought here that could win at the first attempt. I have to thank Damian as well, being a key man for our stable." Japan's other two runners in the race, Prognosis and Liberty Island, both trained by Mitsumasa Nakauchida, couldn't match up to the might of Tastiera. Prognosis, ridden by James McDonald, finished second in the race for the third consecutive year. Liberty Island, a multiple G1 winner in Japan, had to be pulled up by jockey Yuga Kawada, just when it seemed the horse might have a chance turning for home. According to Jiji Press, Liberty Island was diagnosed with a torn ligament in her left foreleg. After the race, the 5-year-old was euthanized. Ka Ying Rising (Zac Purton's ride) claims victory in the Chairman's Sprint Prize. (©The Hong Kong Jockey Club/via SANKEI) The first of the G1 races on the day, the Chairman's Sprint Prize, saw Japan field four runners in a bid to lower the colors of champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising. But the 4-year-old gelding, trained by David Hayes, proved to be just that and some more, when running away with the 1,200 meters contest. Before the race, Joao Moreira, hot off G1 success in Japan, thought he might be able to get a bit closer to the champion on Satono Reve (also trained by Hori). But it was just wishful thinking, even though he was still pleased with this year's G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen winner. "We've probably just bumped into the best sprinter in the world," the Brazilian ace commented. "I couldn't have been happier though, with the way my horse performed." Japan's other runners, Lugal, Danon McKinley and A Shin Fencer, all started slowly, although the latter was driven up to be closer to the pace by jockey Craig Williams. And while Lugal and Danon McKinley gained ground on the inside later in the race, they were certainly no match for the latest sprint sensation in Hong Kong, who won in a time of 1 minute, 7.88 seconds, 2¼ lengths ahead of Satono Reve. Not too much was lost in defeat, with winning jockey Zac Purton saying: "I applaud the Japanese. They're willing to travel and take anyone on anywhere in the world." FWD Champions Mile winner Red Lion (left) and runner-up Voyage Bubble compete in Hong Kong. (©The Hong Kong Jockey Club/via SANKEI) Gaia Force was the other runner for Japan on the day, and he contested the G1 FWD Champions Mile. Up against the likes of Hong Kong's Voyage Bubble and Australia's Mr Brightside, the striking 6-year-old grey by Kitasan Black put in a good run before fading to ninth at the finish. Trainer Haruki Sugiyama shrugged off the wide draw for the horse, and he looked to be right, with Kawada getting Gaia Force into a good position, where he could run to suit his racing style. He was, however, unable to keep up the momentum, with longshot Red Lion and Voyage Bubble doing battle to the line, and it was Hugh Bowman on the outsider that just prevailed, but he did have to survive a stewards' inquiry. Of Gaia Force, Kawada said: "He started well and kept up the pressure, but just lost some power towards the end." Official results: Sprint, Mile, Cup Please visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club website for the latest news and further information. Author: JRA News
South China Morning Post
19-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong Jockey Club partners with China Travel Service to boost racing tourism
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has partnered with China Travel Service (CTS) to offer tour packages which include visits to its racecourses in the city and on the mainland, targeting visitors from neighbouring Chinese cities to boost racing tourism. Advertisement The club signed a memorandum of understanding with the travel agency on Wednesday to promote tourism in the Greater Bay Area. The bay area refers to Beijing's ambitious plan to transform Hong Kong, Macau and nine mainland Chinese cities into an integrated hi-tech, economic powerhouse by 2035. Under the agreement, tour packages offered by CTS will include visits to the club's Hong Kong racecourses in Happy Valley and Sha Tin and its Conghua racecourse in Guangdong province, which will also start hosting regular races in 2026. The Conghua racecourse was the equestrian venue for the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games and can house more than 660 horses. Advertisement The facility covers 150 hectares – twice the size of the Sha Tin complex – and is being built in a special equine disease-free zone in a mountainous area known for hot springs and future ecotourism.
