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.

Exclusively sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Jockey Club TUTTI Programme (Tuning Up Talents, Transforming Individuals) presented the Jockey Club Masters Series: Kahchun Wong’s Pictures at an Exhibition on 8 and 9 May at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Conducted by internationally renowned Singaporean conductor Kahchun Wong, the concerts featured his own orchestration of the Russian classic Pictures at an Exhibition, delivering a cross-cultural musical celebration that showcases Hong Kong as a precious stage where Eastern and Western traditions blending seamlessly. The award-winning Hong Kong violinist Angela Chan, a recipient of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund in 2020, also performed as soloist. The performances earned thunderous applause throughout the venue, including local students, teachers, and parents in the audience who were supported by the Club to enjoy the show. The concerts have demonstrated the Club’s support for the National 15th Five-Year Plan and its commitment to promoting Hong Kong as a centre for Chinese and international cultural exchange, as well as inspiring the next generation of music talents through the world-class intercultural performance.

Kahchun Wong seamlessly wove together Eastern and Western musical traditions in his own orchestration of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, inviting audiences to rediscover the distinctive colours of Chinese instruments within these familiar and beloved melodies. (Photo credit: Keith Hiro/ HK Phil)

The programme opened with Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture, followed by Mendelssohn’s beloved Violin Concerto, performed by Chan. The second half featured Wong’s own orchestration of Pictures at an Exhibition by the renowned Russian composer Mussorgsky. By seamlessly weaving together Eastern and Western musical traditions, Wong invited audiences to rediscover the distinctive colours of Chinese instruments within these familiar and beloved melodies. The performance was presented by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra joined by guest Chinese instrument soloists from the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, performing Wong’s unique arrangement. Conceived as a concerto grosso featuring multiple Chinese instruments alongside the symphony orchestra, the work reimagined iconic movements such as “The Old Castle” and “The Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks”, creating a richly Eastern soundscape.

Hong Kong violinist Angela Chan, who performed Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, is a recipient of The Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund in 2020. (Photo credit: Keith Hiro/ HK Phil)

On 10 May, following the concerts, two free music education activities were held, including a conducting masterclass led by Wong. Three outstanding young local conductors were personally coached by Wong, working alongside musicians from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and 47 local young music talents to form a joint orchestra of nearly 100 performers. Through live rehearsals and performances, the public was invited to enjoy high-quality musical experiences with their families on Mother’s Day. An artist talk was also held on the day, allowing young people with a passion for music to engage directly with Wong and gain first-hand insights from the maestro.

The Jockey Club TUTTI Programme is a three-year flagship education initiative of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. It aims to promote arts accessibility, nurture the next generation, and enrich and inspire lives through music. Beyond stage performances, the programme bridges the classroom and the professional music world. Through masterclasses and open rehearsals, local students are given invaluable opportunities to learn directly from world-class musicians.