The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the city of Deauville, France, regarding horseracing.
The MOU will strengthen the collaboration and education of equine sports development including horse riding, horse supply, and equine health and welfare.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, HKJC CEO, said that both parties shared a “deep passion” for horseracing.
The three-year partnership is built on four pillars: exchanging information on horse welfare and health, promoting the Deauville’s horse auction house, creating tourism opportunities through tailor-made and summer riding programs, and finally facilitating the organization of polo training sessions.
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.”
For the rest of May, the HKJC will hold French-themed Happy Wednesdays to honor the deal.
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.”
Earlier this month, the HKJC donated to support The University of Hong Kong in establishing the HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute and a series of endowed professorships.
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
