The Hong Kong Jockey Club is providing extensive technical support for the equestrian events of the 15th National Games, now underway at the Shenzhen Guangming International Equestrian Center.
Club chairman Martin Liao Cheung-kong and chief executive officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges visited the site to award medals in the individual dressage event and encourage Club staff working on-site.
Representing Hong Kong, rider Annie Ho finished seventh on Lord Sandro K, while medals went to athletes from Xinjiang, Shanghai and Guangdong.
The Club has committed over HK$500 million to support the Hong Kong and Guangdong competition regions and is the sole Partner Sponsor of the Hong Kong region. In Guangdong, it provides expertise in venue design, horse welfare, anti-doping, stable management, event services and publicity.
For the first time at the Games, an equine hospital with an operating theater and blood testing lab has been established, with veterinarians, farriers and technicians on standby for emergency care.
The Club’s Racing Laboratory, commissioned by the China Anti-Doping Agency and recognized by the Fédération Équestre Internationale, tests samples to ensure integrity.
Engelbrecht-Bresges praised the Guangming venue, saying, “I’m delighted when I look at the equestrian venue in Guangming. It has a very high international standard. It’s beautifully designed, it’s functional, and the people who operate are well-trained.”
He added that the Club was proud to support the Games with world-class facilities and anti-doping collaboration, ensuring horse welfare and the integrity of the sport.
Through its “Five Connections” initiative, the Club is sharing veterinary expertise, equipment and drugs, conducting anti-doping tests and promoting horse welfare, strengthening cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong in building a “Sports Bay Area”.
