The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Deauville, France collaborate to strengthen equine sports development

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the city of Deauville, France today (13 May) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in the fields of equine sports development including horse riding, horse supply, and equine health and welfare.

Group photos at the Residence of France in Hong Kong.

The MOU was signed at the Residence of France in Hong Kong by Andrew Harding, HKJC Executive Director, Racing, and Philippe Béhuet, Deputy Mayor of Deauville and Special Representative of the Mayor of Deauville. The signing was witnessed by Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, HKJC Chief Executive Officer; Franck Lemestre, Director of the Deauville International Equestrian Centre; Thierry Bottard, Director General of InDeauville; Terecina Kwong, HKJC Executive Director, Membership and Customer Excellence; and Casper Stylsvig, HKJC Executive Director, Sports Business.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the city of Deauville, represented by Andrew Harding, HKJC Executive Director, Racing (front row, left) and Philippe Béhuet, Deputy Mayor of Deauville and Special Representative of the Mayor of Deauville (front row, right), sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in the fields of equine sport development. The signing is witnessed by Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau (back row, 3rd right); Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, HKJC Chief Executive Officer (back row, 3rd left); Frank Lemestre, Director of the Deauville International Equestrian Centre (back row, 2nd right); Thierry Bottard, Director General of InDeauville (back row, 1st right); Terecina Kwong, HKJC Executive Director, Membership and Customer Excellence (back row, 2nd left); and Casper Stylsvig, HKJC Executive Director, Sports Business (back row, 1st left).

Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau said, “this agreement gives a new momentum to a relationship founded on trust, shared values, and a common identity related to equestrian excellence. It was made possible by the long-standing exchanges between France and The Hong Kong Jockey Club, notably the yearly France Galop Cup as well as the yearly HKJC trophy races in Deauville in August. I am delighted to see the partnership between France and Hong Kong around the horse brought to a new level, which reflects France and Hong Kong’s joint desire to deepen their exchanges in sports and tourism.”

Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau said this agreement gives a new momentum to a relationship founded on trust, shared values, and a common identity related to equestrian excellence.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club said Hong Kong and France share a deep passion for the horse. Racing is also deep-rooted in their communities, bringing people together in their love of sport. Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges added that French May this month will see Hong Kong celebrating the very best of France. The MOU with Deauville strengthens HKJC’s relationship with French horse sports still further. This year, being the Year of the Horse in the Chinese calendar, is even more meaningful, with special events organised in Hong Kong to share the love of the horse.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the collaboration with Deauville of France takes forward HKJC’s strong and deep connections with the French equine community.

Philippe Béhuet, Deputy Mayor of Deauville and Special Representative of the Mayor of Deauville said, “Deauville and Hong Kong may be oceans apart, but we are joined by the same spirit — a love for horses, sport, elegance, and tradition, as well as a constant drive for innovation and excellence. The values upheld by The Hong Kong Jockey Club deeply resonate with those of our town, which has long been in both places the home to world-class horse events. Together, we can foster new opportunities, inspire young talent, and strengthen the enduring bond between our communities.”

Philippe Béhuet, Deputy Mayor of Deauville and Special Representative of the Mayor of Deauville said Deauville and Hong Kong may be oceans apart, but both cities are joined by the same spirit — a love for horses, sport, elegance, and tradition, as well as a constant drive for innovation and excellence.

The three-year extendable partnership covers a range of initiatives and includes collaboration across four areas:

1. Exchange on horse health and welfare*
• Research collaboration in equine medicine, welfare practices and veterinary science to advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of equine diseases.
• Support for the re-training and re-homing of former Hong Kong racehorses in France with the support of Champs Legacy, an official partner of the HKJC’s RESTART Racehorse Aftercare Programme

2. Supply of racehorses:*
Both sides will encourage collaboration and promote opportunities with Deauville’s horse auction house “ARQANA”. Deauville will facilitate exchanges and visits between Deauville-based agents and breeders and HKJC connections who are interested in purchasing racehorses.

3. Horse riding programmes:*
Deauville will facilitate the organisation of tourism packages, including tailor-made and summer riding programmes, for HKJC Members.

4. Polo programmes:*
Deauville will facilitate the organisation of polo training sessions in the city. It will also support HKJC Members’ participation in the Asia Polo Cup in Deauville, to be held annually in August, with the first edition this year.

On 16 August 2025, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, presented trophies to the winning connections of races named in honour of the HKJC, held at Deauville Racecourse in France.

The HKJC has a long-standing relationship with the French equine industry, notably the yearly HKJC trophy races in Deauville in August, and the two races run each May at Hong Kong’s Happy Valley Racecourse under the banners of French May and France Galop. French-themed Happy Wednesdays will be held throughout May, including the French May Trophy and the France Galop Cup today (13 May) – the same day as the signing of the MOU.

On 16 August 2025, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (4th left), presented trophies to the winning connections of races named in honour of the HKJC, held at Deauville Racecourse in France.

Located in the Normandy region of northwestern France, Deauville is renowned for its elegant architecture, prestigious horse-racing events and golf courses, local gastronomy, shopping opportunities and vibrant cultural scene. It is also widely recognised as a hub for equestrian excellence in Europe, with two racecourses, major polo events, a world-class training centre offering riding certifications (Pôle International du Cheval), a campus dedicated to education, research and innovation in equine health, and leading horse auction house “ARQANA”.

Deauville is a coastal tourist destination in the northwest of France, where equestrian sports perfectly blend with its long-standing history, cultural heritage, and leisure activities.

Deauville is a coastal tourist destination in the northwest of France, where equestrian sports perfectly blend with its long-standing history, cultural heritage, and leisure activities.

Deauville is a coastal tourist destination in the northwest of France, where equestrian sports perfectly blend with its long-standing history, cultural heritage, and leisure activities.

As a world class sports and entertainment organisation, the HKJC is committed to equine sports development in Hong Kong. From the retraining of retired racehorses, to the operation of public riding schools, to the provision of high-level coaching and professional support to equestrian riders via the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan, and technical and logistical support for major equestrian events – all this is made possible by the HKJC’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.

Group photos at the Residence of France in Hong Kong.

Group photos at the Residence of France in Hong Kong.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.