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“Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”

HK

“Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”
HK

HK

“Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”

2026-04-30 19:35 Last Updated At:19:39

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) today (30 April) officially opened the “Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” at Tai Kwun in Central, kicking off a series of celebratory activities to commemorate half a century of the Mark Six lottery. Over the past 50 years, the Mark Six has brought hope to countless members of the community, while delivering significant contributions to Hong Kong society. These activities are also part of the Club’s Year of the Horse Campaign.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

The opening ceremony of the ten day “Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition”, held under the theme “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”, was officiated by Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government, together with Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of beneficiary organisations and the Club’s Board of Management.

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Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

At the opening ceremony, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government(left), said that Mark Six has not only borne witness to Hong Kong’s growth and evolution, but its proceeds, channelled through the Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, have become a vital lifeline for social welfare.

At the opening ceremony, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government(left), said that Mark Six has not only borne witness to Hong Kong’s growth and evolution, but its proceeds, channelled through the Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, have become a vital lifeline for social welfare.

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges said: “Over the past 50 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$30 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$55 billion in lottery duty, supporting over 300 NGOs and more than 25,000 projects”

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges said: “Over the past 50 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$30 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$55 billion in lottery duty, supporting over 300 NGOs and more than 25,000 projects”

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition” opens to kick off series of celebratory activities - “Connecting Dreams for a Better Future”.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine. Visitors can explore the lottery’s history and better understand its enduring mission of contributing to society over the past five decades.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

At the opening ceremony, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government, said that Mark Six has not only borne witness to Hong Kong’s growth and evolution, but its proceeds, channelled through the Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, have become a vital lifeline for social welfare. He thanked the Club for its significant contributions to long-term prosperity, stability and development of the city. He expressed his hope that Mark Six would continue to gather the community’s goodwill, so that every small act of generosity converges into a powerful force, driving the sustained development of welfare initiatives, keeping the spirit of compassion alive and helping to build a more caring and inclusive Hong Kong.

At the opening ceremony, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government(left), said that Mark Six has not only borne witness to Hong Kong’s growth and evolution, but its proceeds, channelled through the Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, have become a vital lifeline for social welfare.

At the opening ceremony, Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government(left), said that Mark Six has not only borne witness to Hong Kong’s growth and evolution, but its proceeds, channelled through the Lotteries Fund and lottery duty, have become a vital lifeline for social welfare.

Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, explained that the Club launched the Mark Six in 1976 to assist the Government in curbing rampant illegal street gambling known as “Che Fa”, and to channel the public demand for betting into a legal and regulated channel for the benefits of Hong Kong community.

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges said: “Over the past 50 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$30 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$55 billion in lottery duty, supporting over 300 NGOs and more than 25,000 projects.”

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges said: “Over the past 50 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$30 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$55 billion in lottery duty, supporting over 300 NGOs and more than 25,000 projects”

Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht Bresges said: “Over the past 50 years, the Club has contributed more than HK$30 billion to the Lotteries Fund and HK$55 billion in lottery duty, supporting over 300 NGOs and more than 25,000 projects”

“In the past five years, the Lotteries Fund has focused its resources where they matter most – half of its funding, around HK$10 billion, goes to elderly services, nearly a third to rehabilitation, around HK$5.6 billion, and the rest to family and child welfare, social welfare and youth support, around HK$4 billion, totaling HK$19.5 billion. This means that the most vulnerable in our community – our seniors, those living with disabilities, families in need, and young people facing challenges – are directly benefiting from these projects.”

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

“Through Mark Six, those who need help the most are given not just care, but hope, dignity, and a better quality of life. All these projects were made possible through the unique integrated business model and values and purpose of the Club. Our values are centred on having the highest integrity, which has enabled us to channel gambling demand effectively and has built trust in the community. Combined with our purpose for the betterment of society, this model creates economic and social value in the form of tax and duty to the Government, employment, proceeds to the Lotteries Fund as well as charitable donations.”

“But even as I speak to you now, illegal gambling operators are targeting Hong Kong people – many of them youngsters – through social media. They are advertising illegal websites offering gambling on a huge variety of sports, as well as casino games and illegal lotteries. Clearly this is a problem that needs urgent action. We need to protect our community and we need to ensure that the Club can continue to support it through tax contributions and charities donations – and through the Mark Six.”

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

Since its launch in 1976, Mark Six has remained highly popular among the public. In particular, the introduction of Snowball draws in 1985, has attracted widespread anticipation and participation. In response to public demand, the number of Snowball draws has been increased over the years, with up to 12 now being held annually. The First Division Prize has also continued to reach new heights. The first Mark Six 50th Anniversary Snowball draw* will be held on Saturday, 2 May, 2026, with the First Division Prize Fund estimated at HK$228 million^, the highest in Mark Six history.

Please [click here] to visit the campaign website for details of the “Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition”, including key milestones of the Mark Six, its profound societal significance, fascinating fun facts, and its remarkable 50-year journey with Hong Kong.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

The exhibition showcases a collection of rare Mark Six artefacts, including some of the earliest lottery tickets and a retired drawing machine.

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 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.

*Customers who bet must be aged 18 or above

^ Estimated First Division Prize Fund for a single HK$10 winning unit

Penfold Park - built and managed by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (the Club) – has recently been upgraded to enhance the visitor experience. The opening ceremony of Pony World, one of its new community facilities, was held today (5 June) as part of the Club’s Year of the Horse Campaign. The facility offers an interactive equestrian experience that combines education and entertainment.

Guests tour the newly constructed facilitates at the Penfold Park including its park office.

Guests tour the newly constructed facilitates at the Penfold Park including its park office.

Officiating guests at the ceremony included Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Philip Lo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; and Leonie Lee, District Officer (Sha Tin).

Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2nd left,); Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (middle); Philip Lo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); and Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (1st left); join Leonie Lee, District Officer (Sha Tin) (1st right) to officiate at the opening ceremony of Pony World.

Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2nd left,); Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (middle); Philip Lo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (2nd right); and Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (1st left); join Leonie Lee, District Officer (Sha Tin) (1st right) to officiate at the opening ceremony of Pony World.

Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, noted that the Jockey Club has launched a series of Year of the Horse activities aligned with the policy areas of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. Among them, the opening of Pony World seeks to cultivate children’s interest in equestrian sports and raise awareness of animal care through a range of interactive experiences, appealing to both local residents and tourists while promoting the development of equestrian sports. She expressed her sincere thanks to the Club for delivering this educational and recreational facility for the public’s enjoyment.

Guests tour Pony World.

Guests tour Pony World.

Guests tour Pony World.

Guests tour Pony World.

Guests tour Pony World.

Guests tour Pony World.

Officiating at the event, Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the Club worked closely with the Government on Sha Tin’s large-scale land reclamation and new town development, dating back to the 1970s, including the establishment of Sha Tin Racecourse and Penfold Park. The latter served as one of the venues for the equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, marking a milestone in the development of equestrian sport in the city. He added that the completion of Pony World provides the public with an opportunity to learn about horses by combining education with entertainment. It adds a fresh dimension to Penfold Park and its legacy of community service and Olympic heritage, reflecting not only the Club’s mission to enhance facilities, but also its commitment to popularising equine sports.

Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the completion of Pony World adds a fresh dimension to Penfold Park and its legacy of community service and Olympic heritage.

Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the completion of Pony World adds a fresh dimension to Penfold Park and its legacy of community service and Olympic heritage.

Close encounters with ponies

Occupying more than 7,700 square metres, Pony World will officially open to the public on 22 June, offering a wide range of equestrian experiences for families and school groups. Visitors can tour the stables, take photos with mini ponies, join interactive workshops and immerse themselves in hands-on learning at the activity zone. Children aged 3 to 14 can also enjoy pony rides. These close encounters aim to deepen the public’s understanding of horses and foster an interest in equestrian activities. Pony World is expected to serve around 17,000 visitors a year. (Please refer to the attachment for activity details).

Guests tour Pony World.

Guests tour Pony World.

Children aged 3 to 14 can enjoy pony rides.

Children aged 3 to 14 can enjoy pony rides.

Children aged 3 to 14 can enjoy pony rides.

Children aged 3 to 14 can enjoy pony rides.

Visitors can learn about pony behaviour, care and their unique personalities from professional equestrian coaches in the interactive pony classroom.

Visitors can learn about pony behaviour, care and their unique personalities from professional equestrian coaches in the interactive pony classroom.

The Penfold Park renovation and enhancement work has been underway since 2023. The first two phases have been completed, including upgrades to the park’s landscape and the introduction of various new supporting facilities, such as the Pet Zone, pathway lighting, covered seating areas, a newly constructed park office, toilets and Pony World. Phase Three will commence in due course, further upgrading park facilities and improving connectivity between the park and the Sha Tin Racecourse grandstands, to enhance the overall experience for visitors.

Visitors can learn about pony behaviour, care and their unique personalities from professional equestrian coaches in the interactive pony classroom.

Visitors can learn about pony behaviour, care and their unique personalities from professional equestrian coaches in the interactive pony classroom.

Visitors can visit the stables for a behind-the-scenes look at where the ponies live and learn the basics of horse care.

Visitors can visit the stables for a behind-the-scenes look at where the ponies live and learn the basics of horse care.

Visitors can visit the stables for a behind-the-scenes look at where the ponies live and learn the basics of horse care.

Visitors can visit the stables for a behind-the-scenes look at where the ponies live and learn the basics of horse care.

As a world-class sports and entertainment organisation, the Club is committed to equine sports development in Hong Kong. Initiatives range across the retraining of retired racehorses to the operation of public riding schools and provision of high-level coaching and professional support to equestrian riders through the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan, as well as technical and logistical support for major equestrian events. All this is made possible by the Club’s unique integrated business model of world-class racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution.

Visitors create magical moments with Shetland ponies.

Visitors create magical moments with Shetland ponies.

Visitors create magical moments with Shetland ponies.

Visitors create magical moments with Shetland ponies.

The activity zone offers a series of engaging activities designed to enhance the public’s understanding of ponies.

The activity zone offers a series of engaging activities designed to enhance the public’s understanding of ponies.

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 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.

Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (4th left, front row); Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (middle, front row); Philip Lo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (4th right, front row); Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (3rd left, front row); and Leonie Lee, District Officer (Sha Tin) (2nd right, front row), join the Club’s Board of Management and other guests for a group photo.

Vivian Sum, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (4th left, front row); Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (middle, front row); Philip Lo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (4th right, front row); Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (3rd left, front row); and Leonie Lee, District Officer (Sha Tin) (2nd right, front row), join the Club’s Board of Management and other guests for a group photo.

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