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.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at a launch ceremony today (9 July) that this year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. The Manchester United Academy U16 squad will visit Hong Kong and join young local players in a week-long football and cultural exchange programme. The highlight of the summit will be two friendly matches, with young players from both sides showcasing their skills on the pitch.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) announced at a launch ceremony today (9 July) that this year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. Photo by Bastille Post

The two matches are scheduled to take place on 14 and 16 August at Mong Kok Stadium. The first match will be between the Manchester United Academy U16 squad and the Hong Kong Premier Youth League U18 Champions - Kitchee. The second match will feature the visiting team versus the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team.

During the summit, two Manchester United legends - former captain Antonio Valencia and former defender Jaap Stam - will also visit Hong Kong. They will join young players in exchange activities and appear at the matches respectively to meet and interact with fans, further heightening the excitement at the stadium.

This year's JC Youth Football Academy Summit will take place from 10 to 17 August. Photo by Bastille Post

Members of the public can register online at charities.hkjc.com from 10:00 am on 13 July (Monday) to obtain free tickets for the matches (each person can register a maximum of 4 tickets for each match). On-site activities will also include game booths, photo opportunities and live performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere for football fans.

Photo by Bastille Post

Officiating at the ceremony, Casper Stylsvig, Executive Director, Sports Business of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said football offers young players a valuable opportunity - not only to develop their skills, but also to build discipline and perseverance. The summit provides training and exchange opportunities, helping to strengthen young people's self-belief. He added that, as a world-class equine sports and charity organisation, the Club has donated close to HK$6.7 billion to support sports development at both elite and community levels. The Club is also committed to supporting major "M" Mark sports events, reinforcing the city's status as a world-class hub for international sports and entertainment.

Casper Stylsvig, Executive Director, Sports Business of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Photo by Bastille Post

David Vincent, Partnerships Director of Manchester United, stated that football has the transformative power to inspire and develop young people. The JC Youth Football Academy Summit provides a truly unique platform for young footballers from both Manchester and Hong Kong. It's an initiative through which talent meets opportunity; where the players learn, exchange views and gain invaluable understanding of cultural differences and similarities - experiences that extend far beyond the football pitch.

David Vincent, Partnerships Director of Manchester United, Photo by Bastille Post

John Morling, Technical Director of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, said the JC Youth Football Academy Summit offers Hong Kong's young players a valuable platform for football and cultural exchange. The Football Association hopes that by interacting with and learning from Manchester United Academy players, they will broaden their horizons, enrich their lives, and continue to improve and progress in their football careers.

John Morling, Technical Director of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, Photo by Bastille Post

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov drew on his own experiences to encourage young people to stay resilient in the face of setbacks.

Recalling his tryout for Bulgaria's national youth team, he admitted he had been confident of making the cut—only to be left out. "That moment was really painful for me," he said. "It felt like someone was telling you that you weren't good enough. It was crushing."

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov, Photo by Bastille Post

Yet he refused to let that disappointment define him. Instead, he kept pushing forward, and that persistence eventually paved the way for the success he enjoys today.

Reflecting on his journey, he described the opportunity to connect and learn with young people from diverse backgrounds as "a wonderful process." He also offered a piece of heartfelt advice: "I hope they will stay committed to learning and remain consistent in their efforts, because that will truly make a difference."

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov, Photo by Bastille Post