The Beat and Vantage pilot new Gen-AI digital racing experience at Happy Valley Racecourse

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (“Club”) is pleased to announce the official opening of The Beat and Vantage tonight at Happy Valley Racecourse - twin venues offering a brand-new digital horse racing experience for the younger generation of fans.

Located on the 2/F and 3/F of the Pavilion Stand, The Beat and Vantage combine innovation with entertainment to offer customers with “one-stop” digital racing and racecourse experience.

Located on the 2/F and 3/F of the Pavilion Stand, The Beat and Vantage combine innovation with entertainment. Their “one-stop” racing and racecourse experience supported by AI animation is tailor-made for customers familiar with using big data for race research and analysis. They are also ideal for those looking for a more relaxed dining environment and vibrant entertainment.

Located on the 2/F and 3/F of the Pavilion Stand, The Beat and Vantage combine innovation with entertainment to offer customers with “one-stop” digital racing and racecourse experience.

Stepping into The Beat on the 2/F, guests will immediately be presented with an LED wall showcasing digital Parade Ring with simple and gamified information. After picking their favourites, guests can head to the Interactive AI Horse Selection Stations, where, with the assistance of AI technology they can input parameters such as Fitness, Draw, Jockey, Trainer, and Track & Distance to identify two frontrunners for comparison. From here it is just a question of making their selections, perhaps via the Club’s mobile app, which is handily available.

The Beat on the 2/F features an iconic LED wall showcasing digital Parade Ring with simple and gamified information.

Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said: “To sustain our world-class racing as an international brand for Hong Kong, we must stay close to the fast-changing aspirations of our customers in the digital age. The Beat and Vantage are the Club’s response, pioneering a new digital racecourse concept that in the coming years will meet the needs of younger generation fans, both local and from overseas. They will also further strengthen our Happy Wednesday brand, whose vibrant mix of sporting and social entertainment is well-received by local fans and tourists.”

Both The Beat and Vantage feature Interactive AI Horse Selection Station, where with the assistance of AI technology they can input parameters such as Fitness, Draw, Jockey, Trainer, and Track & Distance to identify two frontrunners for comparison.

Club Executive Director, Customer Strategy, Insights and Innovation Dennis Hau said: “We’re excited to launch the first immersive digital horse racing experience at The Beat and Vantage. Looking forward, we will implement a holistic digital transformation of the entire customer journey for racegoers, from pre-race preparation, raceday experiences, all the way to post-race engagement. The digital racecourse experience will gradually be extended to other racecourse venues to transform the racegoing experience for all.”

Both The Beat and Vantage feature Interactive AI Horse Selection Station, where with the assistance of AI technology they can input parameters such as Fitness, Draw, Jockey, Trainer, and Track & Distance to identify two frontrunners for comparison.

The Beat and Vantage offer sweeping views of the racing action, with music from a live band in The Beat and a rotating selection of top DJs in Vantage. An array of gourmet bar bites are available in The Beat, while those seeking out an à la carte dining experience should head for Vantage. Both offer a wide selection of signature cocktails and craft beers, with Vantage also home to its own curated wine list. Both are guaranteed to offer a fun, social and immersive night at the races.

iPads are available for complimentary use in both The Beat and Vantage, enabling guests to access the Interactive AI Horse Selection Station at finger tips anywhere in the venue.

“Exceptional horse racing entertainment is always the key take-away for our racecourse customers. The Beat offers a relaxed yet stylish way to engage with the racing action, while Vantage brings luxury, cool chic and superior dining. Our goal is to make Vantage a favourite spot for the city’s most influential figures and visiting VIPs, where they can have an unforgettable experience of Hong Kong’s world class racing,” said Club Executive Director, Membership, Brand, Marketing and Experience Anthony Ingham.

The Beat has a cyber-chic atmosphere. Guests can take an elevated view of the races in Happy Valley Racecourse.

The Beat and Vantage are open during all night and day race meetings at Happy Valley Racecourse. Customers can make reservations online at https://www.bookingrc.hkjc.com/onlinebooking/?venueId=940   for The Beat, https://www.bookingrc.hkjc.com/onlinebooking/?venueId=941  for Vantage. They can also call the Club’s Hotline at 1880 (Priority Customers) or 1817 (Public Customers) for booking or enquiries. All racegoers must be aged 18 or above.

At Vantage, guests can savor a selection of fine food and drinks while enjoying a panoramic view of the horses competing against the stunning backdrop of the Hong Kong skyline.

At Vantage, guests can savor a selection of fine food and drinks while enjoying a panoramic view of the horses competing against the stunning backdrop of the Hong Kong skyline.

The TWGHs “iRun” – The Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2026 (iRun) took place today (11 January) along the Central and Western District Promenade and Lung Wo Road. This year, the event, supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, saw a record turnout of over 5,500 runners of varying abilities and their pair-up partners joined the fun while promoting social inclusion.

Over 5,500 runners, including participants of varying abilities and their pair-up partners, participated in iRun 2026 to promote social inclusion within the community.

Among the officiating guests cheering on the runners were HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, Club Steward Philip Lo and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals the 1st Vice-Chairman York Tseng.

HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (3rd left), Club Steward Philip Lo (3rd right) and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals the 1st Vice-Chairman York Tseng (2nd left) officiate at the TWGHs “iRun” – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2026.

Club Steward Philip Lo (centre) receives a souvenir from HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (left), accompanied by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals the 4th Vice-Chairman cum Chairman of Community Services Committee Jason Lee (right).

HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (centre), Club Steward Philip Lo (right) and iRun ambassador So Wa-wai (left).

Speaking at the ceremony, Club Steward Philip Lo emphasised that the significance of iRun extends beyond a single day of competition. The initiative provides diverse support to improve participants’ physical health and foster social inclusion. The Club has always placed great emphasis on the community’s needs, with “Health” being one of the strategic priorities of its Charity’s Trust. It consistently supports various organisations, including the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), to launch initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and enhance citizens’ overall quality of life.

Club Steward Philip Lo delivers a speech at the starting ceremony of the TWGHs “iRun” – Hong Kong Jockey Club Special Marathon 2026.

Organised by TWGHs and supported by the Trust since 2012, iRun aims to give people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of sports and become more involved with the community. 

A member of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team and runner pose for a photo.

This year’s event welcomed participants not only from Hong Kong but also Beijing, Guangdong Province and Macau. Runners with intellectual disabilities were paired with volunteers in a 3km challenge race, with pre-race training sessions arranged to help pairs get to know each other. The winning teams will receive sponsorship to participate in marathons outside Hong Kong, broadening their horizons and boosting their self-esteem.

Club Steward Philip Lo with CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members and runners.

This year, the event once again hosted the 1km “iRun for Family”, giving children aged six to 11 with intellectual disabilities and their families the chance to enjoy sporting fun together. To further promote social inclusion, a new “1km iRun Group” race was introduced to include participants with disabilities such as visually impairment, hearing impairment or those undergoing mental rehabilitation. About 800 volunteers, including members of the Club’s CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team, participated as pair-up runners or helpers to share the joy of running.

CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members and runners receive the trophy for the Corporate Social Inclusion Tournament.

Additionally, the “i-Runners’ Club” provides regular training for participants under the guidance of professional coaches, while “Green Marathon” elements remain integral to the event to encourage waste reduction and recycling, and advocate for environmental awareness.

The Club’s support for iRun, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

Club Steward Philip Lo with CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team members and runners.