HKJC Equine Welfare Research Foundation Hosts Successful Inaugural Global Conference on Thoroughbred Racehorse Safety

The inaugural international conference co-organised by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation (the Foundation) and three overseas partners concluded successfully in Hong Kong yesterday (17 December). Attracting 220 speakers and delegates from 25 countries, the event underscored a unified global effort to enhance the safety and welfare of thoroughbred racehorses through scientific innovation and collaboration.

Themed "Applying Science to the Care of the Thoroughbred Racehorse”, the three-day translational conference was aimed at bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application in the racing industry. This is to ensure that industry practitioners are equipped with the latest scientific insights to inform policies and practices that benefit our equine athletes. Participants explored the pivotal role of science in safeguarding racehorse welfare, sharing groundbreaking findings with real-world potential, and discussed actionable strategies to bring about positive change. The conference was co-organised with The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, The Horserace Betting Levy Board and the Japan Racing Association.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and a Board Member of the HKJC Equine Welfare Research Foundation, said that more than HK$60 million has been allocated to support 46 equine-related scientific studies worldwide since the establishment of the Foundation in 2020.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and a Board Member of the Foundation, said: “The safety and welfare of thoroughbred racehorses has always been at the heart of what the Club does. The Club has established a comprehensive equine welfare programme encompassing every stage of a racehorse's life, from importation, training and racing through to post-retirement. The Club is also committed to the global advancement of equine welfare through continuous scientific research. Since the establishment of the Foundation in 2020 with a HK$600 million donation from the Club, it has allocated more than HK$60 million to support 46 equine-related scientific studies worldwide."

Attracting 220 speakers and delegates from 25 countries, the conference underscore a unified global effort to enhance the safety and welfare of thoroughbred racehorses through scientific innovation and collaboration.

He added: "The three-day international conference, organised by the Foundation and our three distinguished overseas partners, represents a landmark step forward in global collaboration to advance equine welfare. Held against a backdrop of evolving societal expectations and a changing operating environment for horse racing, the event has deepened mutual understanding of the issues we must address. I am confident that racing industry practitioners and scientific researchers will work hand-in-hand to translate the latest scientific findings into actionable policies and solutions that can tackle issues common to the whole of the racing industry."

Speakers share insights during the conference on the theme “Applying Science to the Care of the Thoroughbred Racehorse," highlighting the practical application of scientific research.

During the conference, the outstanding line-up of speakers inspired and challenged delegates with thought-provoking insights into how science can meaningfully enhance the quality of life of the thoroughbred racehorse.

Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and a Board Member of the HKJC Equine Welfare Research Foundation, is delighted that conference delegates explored some of the most pressing issues in the horse racing to find evidence-based solutions.

The Club's Executive Director, Racing, Andrew Harding, also a Board Member of the Foundation, said: “Horse racing is a truly global sport and many of the welfare challenges facing racehorses are shared across all jurisdictions. I am delighted by the positive feedback I have received from industry delegates, who explored some of the most pressing issues in our industry. Together, they explored evidence-based solutions that ranged from the prevention and early diagnosis of common health issues and injuries affecting the thoroughbred such as musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and gastric ailments, to the application of data in injury tracking and rulemaking, and how to nurture global cross-disciplinary collaborative relationships."

Participants learn about research projects and findings related to the application of science in the care of Thoroughbred racehorses, explore how to translate the latest scientific findings into actionable policies and solutions that can tackle issues common to the whole of the racing industry.

Harding added that the conference was truly meaningful to researchers – particularly those in the early stages of their careers who had the opportunity to share their work, connect with mentors and like-minded peers, and join a global community dedicated to advancing the welfare of the racehorse. Some of these researchers are recipients of grants awarded by the Foundation.

Ahead of the conference, delegates and speakers enjoy the on-course thrill of the Club's flagship LONGINES Hong Kong International Races 2025 to further deepen their understanding of horse racing.

To further deepen their understanding of horse racing, racing officials, senior racing administrators, regulators, veterinarians and research scientists were also invited to experience the on-course thrill of the Club's flagship LONGINES Hong Kong International Races 2025 as part of the pre-conference programme. Participants were able to witness the birth of new international champions on one of the most exhilarating days on the global racing calendar.

In light of the rising number of elderly singletons and doubletons in Hong Kong, many of whom face social isolation and limited support networks, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has approved around HK$380 million through its Charities Trust to launch the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project. This four-year project is designed to provide timely and targeted assistance to grass-roots elders by strengthening community support and promoting social integration for elderly couples and those living alone.

Officiating guests at the launch ceremony for the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project included HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (2nd left) and Club Steward Bernard Chan (2nd right).

A launch ceremony for the project was held today (28 October). Among the officiating guests were HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun and Club Steward Bernard Chan.

Club Steward Bernard Chan delivers a speech at the launch ceremony for the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project.

At the ceremony, Club Steward Bernard Chan explained that Older Adults is one of the key priorities of the Club's charities strategy. The Club has taken a proactive role in initiating and supporting elderly care service projects through multi-sector collaboration and innovative approaches, he said. This reflects the Club's steadfast commitment to enhancing elders' quality of life. The project identifies elderly individuals who lack social and support networks and provides them with timely and appropriate service referrals tailored to their physical, mental and spiritual needs - helping them reconnect with the community.

HKSAR Government Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun (centre), Club Steward Bernard Chan (1st left) and other guests tour the exhibition to learn more about services provided by the project, which spans all the city’s 18 districts.

The project began in 2023 as a pilot in six districts and has since expanded to cover all 18 districts across the city. The initiative mobilises community networks in collaboration with 20 non-governmental organisations to identify socially isolated elders through cross-sectoral collaboration, proactive outreach and creative engagement activities. Community stakeholders, including district-based organisations and local shops, are engaged to co-operate in building a close-knit support network. To ensure timely assistance and facilitate appropriate matching of social services, project partners utilise an assessment tool developed by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) to evaluate the physical, psychological and social health status of elderly participants, as well as their service needs. Preliminary findings from HKU's impact assessment indicate improved social connectedness among beneficiaries. Participants are increasingly engaged within their communities, contributing to improved overall mobility.

Club Steward Bernard Chan and other guests tour the exhibition about the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project.

Club Steward Bernard Chan and other guests tour the exhibition about the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project.

In addition, the project provides home improvement services for eligible elderly individuals in need. After gaining an understanding of beneficiaries' daily habits and challenges, project partners provide basic home repair services, replacement of unsafe essential appliances, and installation of home safety assistive devices. These enhancements reduce the risk of home accidents and create a more secure living environment, enabling older adults to age in place with comfort and autonomy. To date, the project has benefited over 11,000 elderly individuals and is expected to reach a total of 30,000 beneficiaries, with more than 15,000 elderly households receiving home improvement support.

The Club's support for the Jockey Club “Reach to Bridge” Community Elderly Support Project, like all its charity and community contributions, 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.