Jockey Club supports expansion of JC JoyAge project to provide mental-health support to a wider age range

A survey found that about one in seven of Hong Kong’s population aged 16 to 75 suffers from anxiety, depression or other common mood disorders. In response to this societal need, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has approved cumulative funding of HK$678 million in total through its Charities’ Trust to support JC JoyAge. The project aims to expand its community-based mental health support service to a primary-care level, benefiting a wider range of age groups.

Club Steward Bernard Chan delivers a speech at the JC JoyAge repurpose phase launch ceremony.

The announcement was made in a launch ceremony at The University of Hong Kong’s Rayson Huang Theatre today (27 May). Officiating guests included Club Steward Bernard Chan; Dr Libby Lee, Under Secretary for Health of the HKSAR Government; Professor Vivian Yam, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Innovation Centre) (Interim) of The University of Hong Kong; Dr Lam Ching-choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health; and Dr Donald Li, Chairman of the Elderly Commission and Convenor of the Advisory Committee of JC JoyAge.

Group photo with officiating guests at the JC JoyAge repurpose phase launch ceremony.

Initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust since 2016, JC JoyAge has addressed the social problem of elderly depression through a cross-sectoral community support network, enhancing the capacity of professionals and caregivers while raising awareness of elderly mental health. Through collaborating with District Elderly Community Centres (DECCs) and Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) across all 18 districts of Hong Kong, the project has established an integrated service model covering more than 70% of service units providing relevant services. The project has also trained social workers and young-old volunteers as “Peer Supporters”, to deliver preventive service and interventions based on individuals’ depression risk level and symptom severity.

A beneficiary of the JC JoyAge repurpose phase joined the sharing session.

Building on this success and to address evolving mental health needs, JC JoyAge embarked on a new three-year phase in 2024. While continuing to provide existing services to the elderly through DECCs and ICCMWs across the territory, it is now expanding its community-based support services in a primary-care setting. Other key components are:

1. Primary Care Collaboration: partners Wong Tai Sin District Health Centre (DHC), Southern DHC, and Sai Kung District Health Centre Express (DHCE) to establish the “Jockey Club JoyAge Hub” and introduces “Primary Care Physician Co-Care Services” with designated general practitioners and family doctors.

2. Expanded Age Coverage: extends services to from individuals aged 60 or above to those aged 45 and above.

3. Enhanced Referral Mechanism: collaborates with Hospital Authority Clusters to refer stable and wait-listed psychiatric outpatient cases to community service units or designated DHCs/DHCE.

Club Steward Bernard Chan stated that primary care is a core focus of Healthy Community, a priority area under the Club’s charities strategy. The Club actively aligns with the Government’s direction on primary health-care development. The current phase of JC JoyAge partners DHCs/DHCE in three districts to build an integrated medical-social community mental health support network. Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, welcomed the development in the new phase of the project.

Officiating at the JC JoyAge repurpose phase launch ceremony are Club Steward Bernard Chan (2nd right); Dr Libby Lee, Under Secretary for Health of the HKSAR Government (centre); Professor Vivian Yam, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Innovation Centre) (Interim) of The University of Hong Kong (2nd left); Dr Lam Ching-choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health (1st left); and Dr Donald Li, Chairman of the Elderly Commission and Convenor of the Advisory Committee of JC JoyAge (1st right).

This project’s new phase aims to provide services to over 13,000 at-risk and depressed elderly and middle-aged people, with 90 service users referred to designated primary-care physicians for medical support. In addition, the project will train more than 70 social workers through professional workshops to enhance their mental health knowledge and competency. To strengthen the community network, the project will engage over 480 Peer Supporters to provide community support services and conduct over 1,500 public education programmes to enhance mental-health literacy, thereby building a healthier community.

The Club’s support for the expansion of the JC JoyAge project, 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.

The Apprentice Jockeys’ School at The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Racing Talent Training Centre (RTTC) has been shaping Hong Kong’s jockeys, trainers and professionals for over 50 years. Internationally accredited, the RTTC’s Racing Trainee Programme invites young talents to “gallop into the future” and apply to be amongst the latest intake of Racing Trainees.

The Apprentice Jockeys’ School of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Racing Talent Training Centre is recruiting a new intake of Racing Trainees until 26 June, 2026.

Applications are now open and will close on 26 June, 2026. Those successful will embark on an exciting pathway in horse racing to careers as jockeys, work riders, farriers, equestrian assistants, veterinary clinical technicians or more.

Racing Trainees will study a wide range of courses, including stable management and horse care, preparing trainees for other crucial roles in Hong Kong racing.

Applicants must be aged 15 or above and have completed Form 3 or higher education. No prior riding experience or height requirements are necessary. The reference weights for apprentice jockeys and work riders are approximately 105lb and 125lb, respectively. Candidates who are diligent, proactive, passionate about sports and eager to work closely with horses are strongly encouraged to apply.

Racing Trainees will study a wide range of courses, including stable management and horse care, preparing trainees for other crucial roles in Hong Kong racing.

Riding instructors at the Apprentice Jockeys’ School will conduct riding and fitness tests in July to identify potential candidates. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an orientation camp, from which the top 25 will be selected to join the programme.

Racing Trainees will study a wide range of courses, including stable management and horse care, preparing trainees for other crucial roles in Hong Kong racing.

Amy Chan, Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “Horse racing in Hong Kong has been shaped by a longstanding commitment to excellence, where tradition meets continuous innovation. Through structured, accredited programmes, we nurture high‑calibre racing personnel who uphold the highest professional standards. By equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and discipline required in a world‑class horse racing environment, we ensure the sport’s legacy is preserved and strengthened. As we continue to evolve on the global stage, we remain focused on cultivating talents who will carry Hong Kong’s racing scene forward with integrity, professionalism, and passion.”

Amy Chan (right), Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Felix Coetzee (left), Racing Talent Training Centre Chief Riding Instructor, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, praised Apprentice Jockey Britney Wong for her diligence and eagerness to learn.

The Apprentice Jockeys’ School adopts a Dual Education System, combining classroom learning with vocational training. Racing Trainees follow a comprehensive curriculum covering riding, stable management, physical training, financial management, and traditional academic subjects. Overseas training opportunities further broaden horizons, offering international exposure and cultural experiences. Graduates will receive certificates equivalent to Level 1 to Level 3, accredited by The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications.

Racing Trainees will study a wide range of courses, including stable management and horse care, preparing trainees for other crucial roles in Hong Kong racing.

Apprentice jockey Britney Wong, who joined the programme in 2016, shared: “I’ve grown tremendously during my time at the school, not just as a rider but as a person. The mix of classroom learning and practical training gave me a strong foundation in knowledge and skills. Overseas training proved to be an invaluable experience, helping me to adapt quickly to the fast pace of Hong Kong racing. I’ve learned to stay motivated, cherish every opportunity, and keep improving with each ride.”

Britney Wong (right) and Nichola Yuen both joined the Apprentice Jockeys’ School as Racing Trainees in 2016 and are now apprentice jockeys currently riding in Hong Kong.

For more than half a century, the Apprentice Jockeys’ School has produced outstanding graduates who have achieved extraordinary success. Among them are the legendary jockey‑turned‑trainer Tony Cruz, champion trainers Ricky Yiu and Francis Lui, and standout homegrown jockeys Vincent Ho, Jerry Chau, Derek Leung and Matthew Chadwick.

Racing Trainees have diversified career opportunities in the racing industry.

Candidates interested in learning more about the Racing Trainees Programme or applying can visit the RTTC website: www.hkjc.com/rttc.