Jockey Club revitalises Penfold Park – Pony World brings new equestrian experience

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.

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.