Hong Kong Jockey Club Expands Guangzhou Partnership Ahead of Conghua Racecourse Debut

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has deepened its partnership with Guangzhou, as it prepares to begin racing at Conghua Racecourse in October. In a statement released on Saturday, the club said it would work with the mainland region’s Municipal People’s Government to further develop the Guangzhou-Hong Kong Equine Industry In-depth Cooperation Zone. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the HKJC’s CEO, said his organisation was committed to “leveraging Hong Kong’s internationally recognised expertise and experience in horse racing and equine sports to support the development of the GBA as a leading global hub for equine sports and the equine industry”. With world-class racing planned to take place at the mainland venue following the debut meeting on October 31, the agreement is also expected to promote the development of the sport and surrounding industries in the Greater Bay Area. The outline of Guangzhou’s 15th five-year plan proposes advancing in-depth cooperation between the two sides, while the club has also submitted recommendations for Hong Kong’s first plan, which includes positioning the GBA as a global equine industry hub. According to the club’s statement, officials hope to establish the zone by 2030, and have laid out four areas for collaboration as part of the agreement.