Jockey Club and Hong Kong Golf Club join forces to promote local golf development and support international sporting events in Hong Kong

Two sporting organisations with deep historic roots in the city, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC), today announced a collaboration to launch the "Jockey Club Community Golf Programme" (the Programme), an initiative designed to support the development of golf in Hong Kong and enrich international sporting events hosted by the city. Additionally, the HKJC announced that as the HKGC's community partner, it will fully support the international tournaments to be staged at the Fanling golf course over the next two years, including a series of community engagement activities during the "HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong" (LIV Golf) in 2026.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC), today announced a collaboration to launch the "Jockey Club Community Golf Programme" (the Programme), an initiative designed to support the development of golf in Hong Kong and enrich international sporting events hosted by the city. Photo by Bastille Post

For the M-Mark recognised world-class LIV Golf tournament, taking place in Fanling from 5-8 March, the partnership will aim to strengthen Hong Kong's mega-event economy, elevate its international profile, and advance its sporting development. It will also seek to strengthen school and community participation, nurture young local talent, and elevate local golf standards.

The partnership will aim to strengthen Hong Kong's mega-event economy, elevate its international profile, and advance its sporting development. It will also seek to strengthen school and community participation, nurture young local talent, and elevate local golf standards. Photo by Bastille Post

A launch ceremony for the collaboration was held today (February 11), attended by Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Andy Kwok, Hong Kong Golf Club Captain; and other guests.

Mr. Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Photo by Bastille Post

With the Chinese New Year approaching, Raymond Tam highlighted that the HKJC would launch a series of Year of the Horse activities, bringing a variety of exciting events to local citizens and visitors. They will start with HKJC's participation in the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, exclusive sponsoring the "Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong" Year of the Horse Fireworks Display, and staging of the Year of the Horse Raceday. Following the Lantern Festival is the LIV Golf. He said that HKJC hopes this partnership with HKGC will demonstrate Hong Kong's ability to host major high-caliber events and strengthen its position in the international sports arena.

Mr. Andy Kwok, Hong Kong Golf Club Captain, Photo by Bastille Post

Andy Kwok remarked: "We are excited to collaborate with The Hong Kong Jockey Club and draw on our vast experience of premier international golf events, world-class sports facilities and public engagement in order to spread the joy of golf to a wider audience. The HKJC's extensive community network will also be invaluable in growing the sport's popularity. The HKGC and the HKJC already share a long history, and we believe this joint initiative to promote golf will further strengthen our relationship and inject new momentum into the sport's development in Hong Kong."

To enhance community participation, support youth training and facilitate collaboration for major events, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has granted HK$32 million to The Hong Kong Golf Club Charitable Foundation Limited to set up the "Jockey Club Community Golf Programme". Over the next two years, the Programme will support HKGC in breadth and depth to roll out a series of community engagement activities, including in-depth participation in community projects and fan village activities during major tournaments.

The Programme is expected to benefit over 25,000 schoolchildren, teenagers and members of underprivileged communities each year. Photo by Bastille Post

The Programme will feature initiatives such as school-based activities, professional coaching for children and youth from underprivileged backgrounds, and disabled individuals, and invite members of underprivileged communities to attend world-class golf tournaments free of charge. The Programme is expected to benefit over 25,000 schoolchildren, teenagers and members of underprivileged communities each year.

In addition to the Programme, the HKJC will also host a booth in the fan village at Fanling Golf Course during the tournament featuring interactive games. This will highlight cross-sport collaboration and give attendees the opportunity to learn about sports beyond golf. Members of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team will also create balloon figures in the fan village to bring joy to spectators.

The collaboration will promote local golf development and support international sporting events in Hong Kong. Photo by Bastille Post

While international golfers are in Hong Kong, arrangements will be made for them to experience local cultural and culinary highlights, including Happy Wednesday races at Happy Valley Racecourse, which will both promote horse racing tourism and showcase the diverse attractions of Hong Kong to a global audience.

Through these activities and engagement opportunities, local citizens will gain more chances to connect with golf, while top golfers and visitors from around the world will experience Hong Kong's unique character as well as its ability to host high-calibre major events. This will help strengthen the Hong Kong brand and share the city's good stories.

Photo by Bastille Post

About the "Jockey Club Community Golf Programme"
To enhance community participation, support youth training and facilitate collaboration for major events, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has granted HK$32 million to The Hong Kong Golf Club Charitable Foundation Limited to set up the "Jockey Club Community Golf Programme". Over the next two years, the Programme will support HKGC in breadth and depth to roll out a series of community engagement activities, including in-depth participation in community projects and fan village activities during the major tournaments.

The two-year programme (2026 & 2027) aims to enhance community participation and awareness of golf, and promote the high-quality, long-term development of golf in Hong Kong.

The Programme will offer a series of activities, including school-based events, experiential courses and inter-school competitions, and provide complimentary tickets to underprivileged communities. These activities will allow students and underprivileged individuals to engage with golf, thereby strengthening public awareness of the sport.

In the lead-up to both golf tournaments, professional golfers will visit primary and secondary schools to engage with students. The aim is to cultivate interest in golf among young people and provide them with the opportunity to interact closely with top golf players. Additionally, arrangements will be made for elite international golfers to mentor young players with different abilities, fostering a spirit of inclusivity.

The Programme is expected to benefit over 25,000 schoolchildren, teenagers and members of underprivileged communities each year.

About the Hong Kong Golf Club
Hong Kong Golf Club is one of Asia's most historic and prestigious golf clubs and has been at the forefront of golf development in the region ever since its foundation in 1889. Home to three championship courses at its Fanling venue, championship golf is at its heart. In addition to hosting HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong since 2024, it established the Hong Kong Open, an International Series tournament and the city's first professional sporting event, in 1959 and has staged every edition since. The Club is ranked #48 on the Platinum Clubs of the World's list of the Top 150 Golf and Country Clubs for 2026-2027.

Moments after Ka Ying Rising forged into Hong Kong racing history with a record-equalling win in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (25 January), David Hayes predicted the world’s best sprinter could potentially break Sha Tin’s 1400m course record next month.

Ka Ying Rising eases to victory in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Reacting to Ka Ying Rising’s effort to post a 17th consecutive victory to match the winning streak of Silent Witness from 2002 to 2005, Hayes believes the superstar galloper can threaten Sha Tin’s 1400m record of 1m 19.92s – jointly held by Encouraging and Packing Hermod – when he contests the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 22 February.

“Last year, he worked a bit and won it (Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup), and I think he’s a stronger, better horse this year,” Hayes said. “I think he will handle the 1400m beautifully. I’m really excited for the next race. It’s another dimension for him.

“Last year, he nearly broke the course record at 1400m, and I think if the conditions are right, he can go close again.”

Ridden by Karis Teetan in last year’s Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup in the absence of regular rider Zac Purton, who was injured, Ka Ying Rising clocked 1m 20.33s.

David Hayes celebrates G1 Centenary Sprint Cup success. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Ka Ying Rising today clocked 1m 07.66s – outside his own 1200m Sha Tin turf track record of 1m 07.20s – after being allowed to coast to the line in defeating Helios Express by one-and-a quarter lengths with Fast Network a further two lengths back.

Moderately away at the start, Ka Ying Rising quickly mustered speed to lead before Matthew Chadwick drove Beauty Waves to the front. Aware of Luke Ferraris and Lucky With You lurking to his outside, Purton ensured Ka Ying Rising had clear running before unleashing the gelding from the 300m.

Exploding clear, and with the race at his mercy with a four-length lead, Purton eased up noticeably over the final 200m, clocking a modest 11.47s.

“The winning margin wasn’t probably the greatest, but it’s probably the most Zac has ever eased him down,” Hayes said. “So, he had a very easy last 200 metres and he dominated as the market suggested he would. Just nice to see him do it.”

Ka Ying Rising improved his record to 18 wins from 20 starts and is unbeaten since the 12 February, 2024 with career prizemoney of HK$129.8 million.

Zac Purton has four Centenary Sprint Cup wins. Photo source: the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Celebrating his fourth win in the race after victories with Aerovelocity (2016), Lucky Sweynesse (2023) and Ka Ying Rising last season, Purton said: “What can I say? We’ve said it all with the horse.

“I just had to make sure my bloke was in a rhythm. I’m surprised he run the time he run because it didn’t feel like he ran that quick sort of mid-early in the race. Yeah, he just different class.

“I never thought I would see it (a record-equalling 17th win in a row), to be honest. It’s very, very rare what Silent Witness did and what Ka Ying has been able to do so far – and let’s hope he can keep going on with it.”

“After Silent Witness, I don’t think anyone thought they would ever see it again. Fortunately for us who are involved with the horse, he’s equalled him and can hopefully put his own benchmark.

“It’s pretty nice when you look at the big screen and you’re a long way in front, I can tell you. A race is a race. You’ve still got to go out and do it and hopefully he can hold his form, which we will expect he will.

“He’s got a big race next time, obviously he goes up in distance but he’s up for it.”

Summing up the mood of the six beaten jockeys, Helios Express’ rider Hugh Bowman said: “Another sound, consistent performance. The slower pace didn’t suit, neither does the fast pace when you’re chasing that horse.”

The Centenary Sprint Cup was the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, which also includes the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 26 April.

A HK$5 million bonus is on offer to the winner of all three legs.