Latest news with #WinfriedEngelbrechtBresges
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Jockey Club boss Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges hails ‘amazing season' after turnover increase
Improved field sizes, increased tourism and the continued strides made in globalising Hong Kong racing have contributed to a three per cent increase in racing wagering turnover for the 2024-25 season, says the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Punters wagered a total of HK$138.85 billion during the campaign, with a 3 per cent increase returning the city to the black in terms of turnover figures after a 4.5 per cent decrease last season that ended a run of three consecutive seasons of record turnover. Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges highlighted the contribution to an uptick in mainland and overseas tourists made to a big year for Hong Kong racing, also pointing to the impact of Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble's heroics during the season. 'It's been an amazing season, with outstanding performances by top horses that have truly captured the imagination of fans not just in Hong Kong but around the world,' said Engelbrecht-Bresges. 'Since the policy address of HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee [Ka-chiu], we have been able to attract even more mainland and overseas tourists, who have come to our racecourses in record numbers to experience our city's signature sport. 'These achievements strengthen the position of Hong Kong racing as a world-class sport and entertainment experience.' Strong commingling turnover was another factor in renewed wagering growth, with a record commingling turnover of HK$31.76 billion – a 10.1 per cent increase on last season. A notable highlight came at the Chinese New Year Raceday in January, with commingling turnover increasing by 23.7 per cent to HK$510.4 million, setting a record in the process and surpassing HK$500 million for the first time. Simulcast racing was another boon, with turnover on simulcasting (including World Pool commingling) up by 2.3 per cent to HK$13.11 billion. The maximum number of simulcast days will be increased from 37 to 53 in 2025-26 and to 70 in 2026-27. Romantic Warrior flew the flag for Hong Kong racing on the international stage, winning the Group One Jebel Hatta (1,800m) at Meydan, while also finishing a close second in both the Group One Saudi Cup (1,800m) and the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m). At home, Ka Ying Rising's invincible season saw him land the Hong Kong Speed Series bonus of HK$5 million along with four Group Ones, while Voyage Bubble became the first horse since River Verdon to win the Triple Crown. 'Hong Kong racing is truly world class and I am immensely proud of the performances of our champion horses, jockeys and trainers,' said Engelbrecht-Bresges. 'The achievements of amazing horses such as Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble reflect the expertise, dedication and passion of our trainers and jockeys as well as the strong commitment of our owners, who continue to make significant investments to secure the best available equine talent.' The success of Conghua racecourse has also been hailed by Engelbrecht-Bresges, with an increase of 17.7 per cent in horses stabled at the track and a 24.3 per cent increase on winners hailing from the mainland venue. Total racecourse attendance this season was over 1.7 million, including a record 195,786 mainland tourists – a 110 per cent increase on the 93,000 mainland tourists from last campaign. The new season will kick off on September 7 at Sha Tin, while the Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) will be staged on December 14. There will be record prize money on offer at next season's HKIR and Champions Day events, with HK$208 million being offered.
South China Morning Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
About 20,000 spectators pack into Happy Valley to soak in final day of horse racing season
Tens of thousands of punters packed into Hong Kong's Happy Valley Racecourse to soak up the party atmosphere on the last day of the horse racing season on Wednesday, with many saying it was the busiest they had ever seen. A full house, estimated to be around 20,000 spectators, attended Happy Wednesday, which featured live bands, DJs and a fireworks display. Happy Wednesday is one of Hong Kong's two horse racing events that run weekly throughout the season. The Happy Valley event is known to attract a younger crowd and tourists with a lively atmosphere because of its HK$10 (US$1.30) entry and focus on food, alcohol and live music. Hong Kong Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said that the crowd showed Hong Kong horse racing was more than a gambling spectacle. 'It is the excitement of Hong Kong, I think it will be a full house, and that is something which epitomises Hong Kong,' Engelbrecht-Bresges said. 'It's a passion for horse racing. It's a passion of energy, of close finishes, dynamism. Highland Rahy (6), ridden by Zac Purton, won the Class 3 over 1,650m at Happy Valley. Photo: Kenneth Chan 'Horse racing in Hong Kong is absolutely unique, and the most unique place in the world for horse racing is Happy Valley.
South China Morning Post
01-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong Jockey Club to provide ‘high-quality technical support' at National Games
Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges at the signing ceremony marking the club's additional support for the National Games. Photo: HKJC This help is in addition to the HK$450 million the club will provide to the city to support its co-hosting of the Games in November The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced on Tuesday that it would provide 'high-quality technical support' to the tune of 50 million yuan (US$6.9 million) for the equestrian events at the National Games later this year. This help would be in addition to the HK$450 million (US$57.3 million) the club planned provide as the sole partner sponsor for the Hong Kong competition region. There would also be support for the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the National Special Olympic Games in the Guangdong competition region. In a press release, the club said its contribution reflected 'its support for national sporting events and its commitment to promoting sports development in collaboration with mainland authorities'. The club said it would provide technical support to the equestrian events of the National Games in six areas: venue design, horse welfare, anti-doping measures, stable management, event service and support, and publicity and community engagement. The club would also deploy an expert team to provide support and equipment for the events, with the aim of helping to ensure the events are conducted to a high standard. In addition, HKJC would support official activities, volunteer services and promotional work in the Guangdong Competition Region. To mark the occasion, a signing ceremony was held at the club's Sha Tin Clubhouse. Among those attending were Cui Jian, the director general of the Guangdong Provincial Sports Bureau, Li Shuguang, the deputy director general of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HK SAR, and Yeung Tak-keung, head of the National Games Coordination Office in Hong Kong. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Jockey Club's CEO, said the club had long been a staunch supporter of the nation's major sports events, including the equestrian events of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and the recent 19th Hangzhou Asian Games. He said the club hoped its participation would 'not only contribute to the Games' success but also further develop equestrian sport at the national level', especially within the Greater Bay Area. Cui said the club's support, including for volunteer services and promotional campaigns in the Guangdong Competition Region, had helped advance the vision of a 'green, inclusive, open and clean' National Games. He added that Guangdong and Hong Kong had always stood 'together with one heart' and he encouraged continued collaboration. The National Games, held once every four years, is the nation's largest multi-sports event. This year will be the first time Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau will be co-hosts. The National Games will be held from November 9 to November 21, with the equestrian events taking place in Shenzhen's Guangming District from November 10 to 19. The two other competitions will take place from December 8 to 15.
The Standard
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Standard
HKJC backs National Games with equestrian expertise and funding
Attending the signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Regarding the 15th National Games Competition Region were Cui Jian (back row, 3rd left); Li Shuguang (back row, 2nd left); Yeung Tak-keung (back row, 1st left); Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges (back row, 3rd right); Andrew Harding (back row, 2nd right); and Raymond Tam (back row, 1st right). The MoU was signed by Ronald Chan (front row, right) and Lan Sai (front row, left).
South China Morning Post
16-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Finding next Lionel Messi the goal for Hong Kong teen on Manchester United visit
One of the outstanding young Hong Kong leaders chosen to visit Manchester United next month has set himself the long-term goal of unearthing talent for the city the way Barcelona discovered Lionel Messi. Jacky Cheung Lok-hei was one of six ecstatic teenagers who discovered they were bound for the UK at the 10th Jockey Club Youth Football Leadership Scheme graduation ceremony on Sunday. They were chosen from the 53 15-to-19-year-olds who completed the six-month programme, operated in conjunction with Manchester United. It featured, among other things, football coaching, training in how to organise football events, mentor workshops and a leadership training camp. The Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said he sacrificed Father's Day celebrations to attend the graduation because 'it was important to show appreciation for what all the participants had achieved'. 'Our purpose is the betterment of society: to help young people fulfil their dreams and develop leadership skills,' Engelbrecht-Bresges said. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; Bryan Robson; Christopher O'Brien, the Manchester United Soccer Schools Hong Kong head coach; and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals' vice-chairman Jason Lee with the six outstanding leaders. Photo: Hong Kong Jockey Club 'We believe sport is a key enabler to make you a better person and better leader.'
