Aspiring young talents invited to apply for Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Racing Trainee Programme

The Apprentice Jockeys’ School at The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Racing Talent Training Centre (RTTC) has been shaping Hong Kong’s jockeys, trainers and professionals for over 50 years. Internationally accredited, the RTTC’s Racing Trainee Programme invites young talents to “gallop into the future” and apply to be amongst the latest intake of Racing Trainees.

The Apprentice Jockeys’ School of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Racing Talent Training Centre is recruiting a new intake of Racing Trainees until 26 June, 2026.

Applications are now open and will close on 26 June, 2026. Those successful will embark on an exciting pathway in horse racing to careers as jockeys, work riders, farriers, equestrian assistants, veterinary clinical technicians or more.

Racing Trainees will study a wide range of courses, including stable management and horse care, preparing trainees for other crucial roles in Hong Kong racing.

Applicants must be aged 15 or above and have completed Form 3 or higher education. No prior riding experience or height requirements are necessary. The reference weights for apprentice jockeys and work riders are approximately 105lb and 125lb, respectively. Candidates who are diligent, proactive, passionate about sports and eager to work closely with horses are strongly encouraged to apply.

Racing Trainees will study a wide range of courses, including stable management and horse care, preparing trainees for other crucial roles in Hong Kong racing.

Riding instructors at the Apprentice Jockeys’ School will conduct riding and fitness tests in July to identify potential candidates. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an orientation camp, from which the top 25 will be selected to join the programme.

Racing Trainees will study a wide range of courses, including stable management and horse care, preparing trainees for other crucial roles in Hong Kong racing.

Amy Chan, Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “Horse racing in Hong Kong has been shaped by a longstanding commitment to excellence, where tradition meets continuous innovation. Through structured, accredited programmes, we nurture high‑calibre racing personnel who uphold the highest professional standards. By equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and discipline required in a world‑class horse racing environment, we ensure the sport’s legacy is preserved and strengthened. As we continue to evolve on the global stage, we remain focused on cultivating talents who will carry Hong Kong’s racing scene forward with integrity, professionalism, and passion.”

Amy Chan (right), Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Felix Coetzee (left), Racing Talent Training Centre Chief Riding Instructor, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, praised Apprentice Jockey Britney Wong for her diligence and eagerness to learn.

The Apprentice Jockeys’ School adopts a Dual Education System, combining classroom learning with vocational training. Racing Trainees follow a comprehensive curriculum covering riding, stable management, physical training, financial management, and traditional academic subjects. Overseas training opportunities further broaden horizons, offering international exposure and cultural experiences. Graduates will receive certificates equivalent to Level 1 to Level 3, accredited by The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications.

Racing Trainees will study a wide range of courses, including stable management and horse care, preparing trainees for other crucial roles in Hong Kong racing.

Apprentice jockey Britney Wong, who joined the programme in 2016, shared: “I’ve grown tremendously during my time at the school, not just as a rider but as a person. The mix of classroom learning and practical training gave me a strong foundation in knowledge and skills. Overseas training proved to be an invaluable experience, helping me to adapt quickly to the fast pace of Hong Kong racing. I’ve learned to stay motivated, cherish every opportunity, and keep improving with each ride.”

Britney Wong (right) and Nichola Yuen both joined the Apprentice Jockeys’ School as Racing Trainees in 2016 and are now apprentice jockeys currently riding in Hong Kong.

For more than half a century, the Apprentice Jockeys’ School has produced outstanding graduates who have achieved extraordinary success. Among them are the legendary jockey‑turned‑trainer Tony Cruz, champion trainers Ricky Yiu and Francis Lui, and standout homegrown jockeys Vincent Ho, Jerry Chau, Derek Leung and Matthew Chadwick.

Racing Trainees have diversified career opportunities in the racing industry.

Candidates interested in learning more about the Racing Trainees Programme or applying can visit the RTTC website: www.hkjc.com/rttc.

For young people leaving residential care services who are unable to return home, as well as persons in recovery striving to rebuild their lives, access to a stable and supportive living environment is critical to their development and reintegration into society.

Jockey Club Key House integrates accommodation and support services under a one-stop co-living model.

In response to this need, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust approved a donation of HK$240 million to SideBySide to support the redevelopment of its Shau Kei Wan hostel into Jockey Club Key House and implementation of the three‑year Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co‑living Community Project. Jockey Club Key House held its opening ceremony today (30 May), marking the official commencement of services at the facility.

Guests tour the facilities of Jockey Club Key House.

The initiative combines accommodation with vocational development and social support, offering one‑stop accommodation and holistic support services to youth in need. It empowers them to develop independent living skills, pursue career and life planning, redefine their life goals and reconnect with the community. Key House is also Hong Kong’s first co‑living project to bring together out-of-home youths and persons in recovery under one roof. Through daily co‑living, residents with different backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to learn from and support one another.

Jockey Club Key House integrates accommodation and support services under a one-stop co-living model.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government; Jackson Woo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Justice Poon Siu‑tung, Chairman of SideBySide; and other distinguished guests.

Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the HKSAR Government (3rd left); Jackson Woo, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (3rd right); Grace Chan, Legislative Council Member (Functional Constituency – Social Welfare) (1st left); Justice Poon Siu tung, Chairman of SideBySide (2nd left); Patrick Li, Vice President and Corporate Governance Member of SideBySide and Chairperson of the Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co living Community Project Programme and Steering Committee (2nd right); and Anthea Lee, Chief Executive of SideBySide (1st right) officiate at the opening ceremony of Jockey Club Key House.

Speaking at the ceremony, Club Steward Jackson Woo said that Jockey Club Key House represents an important innovation in youth and rehabilitation support services in Hong Kong. Beyond promoting social inclusion, the project also serves as a demonstration model for the sector. Looking ahead, he added that the Club will continue to advance its “Fairer Opportunities” impact programme through cross‑sector collaboration, expanding support networks to enable under‑resourced communities to realise their potential and improve their quality of life.

Club Steward Jackson Woo delivers a speech.

The 22-storey Jockey Club Key House is Asia’s first co‑living service building operated under the internationally recognised “Youth Foyer” model, which combines affordable accommodation with structured education and career development support. The project integrates youth hostel services with mental health recovery principles. Approximately two‑thirds of residents will be young people leaving residential care and one‑third persons in recovery. Through the Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co‑living Community Project, residents are supported in developing life skills, planning their future pathways, and enhancing their physical and mental well‑being.

Guests tour the facilities of Jockey Club Key House.

The Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co‑living Community Project also encourages residents to give back to the community. Residents who demonstrate positive engagement and sustained progress may be eligible for personal development scholarships to support their continued growth and future aspirations. Even after residents move on, support will extend through structured transition arrangements, follow‑up services, as well as ongoing peer and alumni networks. For details on the Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co‑living Community Project, please visit: https://web-smart.sidebyside.org.hk/en/jcccp.

Jockey Club Key House integrates accommodation and support services under a one-stop co-living model.

The Club’s support for Jockey Club Key House and the Jockey Club “Craft Your Life Together” Co‑living Community Project, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.

Jockey Club Key House integrates accommodation and support services under a one-stop co-living model.