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) yesterday evening (17 April) hosted the Hong Kong premiere of Horse Power, a groundbreaking giant-screen documentary film and powerful cinematic tribute to the symbolic traits of the horse in the Chinese zodiac. The film was one of a series of activities included in the Club’s Year of the Horse campaign. Alumni, mentors and mentees of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Government of the HKSAR)’s Strive and Rise Programme, together with strategic partners from the Partners’ Board of the programme, were invited to join the screening of the film in 3D.

Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the HKSAR (4th right, first row); Hua You, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR (2nd right, first row); Edward To , Director of Social Welfare (5th right, first row); Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (3rd right, first row); and Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (1st right, first row), pose a photo with attendees of the Hong Kong premiere of Horse Power, including alumni, mentors and mentees of the Strive and Rise Programme, as well as strategic partners from the Partners’ Board of the programme. Photo source: HKJC

Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the HKSAR (2nd right); Hua You, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR (1st right); Edward To , Director of Social Welfare (1st left); and Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd left) pose a photo at the Hong Kong premiere of Horse Power. Photo source: HKJC

Guests attending the premiere included Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the HKSAR; Hua You, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR (OCMFA); Huang Jingrui, Spokesperson and Director-General, Department of Media and Public Relations of the OCMFA; Edward To, Director of Social Welfare; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Club Chief Executive Officer; and Raymond Tam, Club Executive Director, Corporate Affairs.

Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the HKSAR, said the Club’s support for Horse Power film has not only built an artistic bridge connecting Chinese and foreign cultures to tell China’s stories well, but also highlighted Hong Kong’s unique role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Photo source: HKJC

Speaking at the ceremony ahead of the premiere, Chan Kwok-ki, the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the HKSAR, said the film is of profound significance, representing a meticulously crafted collaboration between Chinese and international production teams. He expressed his gratitude to the Club for providing alumni, mentors and mentees of the Strive and Rise Programme with the opportunity to attend an exclusive preview. He noted that the Club’s commitment and support have not only built an artistic bridge connecting Chinese and foreign cultures to tell China’s stories well, but also highlighted Hong Kong’s unique role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Promoting cultural heritage and science education requires the concerted efforts of all sectors of society, and the Club has provided an exemplary demonstration of such collaboration.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the Club is celebrating Hong Kong’s enduring love of the horse by solely sponsoring the Horse Power film. Photo source: HKJC

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Club Chief Executive Officer, stated that the horse symbolises passion, dynamism and rapid progress - qualities embodied by the young alumni of the Strive and Rise Programme, who have worked diligently to build a brighter future. As a world-class equine sports and charitable organisation, the Club celebrates Hong Kong’s love of the horse through its sole sponsorship of Horse Power. With the Club serving as its Exclusive Philanthropic Supporter in the Chinese Mainland, Horse Power will be screened nationwide over the next three years, offering millions of children the opportunity to discover the beauty and magnificence of the horse.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club joins alumni, mentors and mentees of the Strive and Rise Programme, as well as strategic partners from the Partners’ Board of the programme, to watch the Hong Kong premiere of Horse Power in 3D alongside other guests. Photo source: HKJC

With the Club’s support, Horse Power has already held premieres in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and London. Following today’s Hong Kong premiere, the Club will arrange special screenings for various partners and community groups, reflecting its commitment to youth development and community engagement. Looking ahead, the film is set to be released in over 100 countries and regions globally.

The alumni, mentors and mentees of the Strive and Rise Programme, as well as strategic partners from the Partners’ Board of the programme, watch the Hong Kong premiere of Horse Power in 3D alongside other guests. Photo source: HKJC

The Club’s Year of the Horse campaign is a year-long celebration of the close bond between horses and humans and the contribution racing makes to Hong Kong. It also promotes tourism as well as equine sports and sports development. Racing is not only the city’s favourite pastime, but also a symbol of its “can-do” spirit and stability under “One Country, Two Systems”. Through the success of Hong Kong horses on the international stage, the sport also brings pride to the community and global recognition to our city. None of this would be possible without the horse. For more information please visit https://hkjc.com/YOTH.

Introduction to Horse Power

Horse Power is the first Chinese-zodiac themed film commissioned by China Central Television (CCTV) and has been recognised as one of the “2026 Blockbuster Films from CCTV Documentary Series”. Centred on the heartwarming story of Julaa, an eight-year-old Inner Mongolian girl, and her racehorse Tulai as they take on the challenge of a 18km endurance race, the film weaves together the life stories of some of the world’s most iconic horses. It celebrates their unique qualities – speed, endurance, loyalty, bravery, intelligence and free spirit – as well as their enduring relationship with humankind, while conveying the Eastern wisdom embodied by the Chinese zodiac “Horse” to the world.

A masterpiece over three years in the making, Horse Power was filmed on the prairie of Xilin Gol League of Inner Mongolia, as well as across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. Employing world-leading giant-screen technology, custom-designed horseback cameras and 8K ultra-high-definition filming equipment, it brings viewers an immersive cinematic experience that captures the powerful vitality of horses.

Created in collaboration with a leading Chinese creative team, the film was directed by Emmy Award-winning natural-history filmmaker Mark Brownlow, the driving force behind Blue Planet II and Frozen Planet II of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). English narration is delivered by Oscar-nominated American actor Josh Brolin, while the Chinese narration is voiced by renowned Chinese Mainland actor and equestrian athlete Yu Shi, with both contributing cultural and emotional depth through their unique perspectives.