The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has submitted recommendations to the HKSAR Government during the public consultation on Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), proposing initiatives aimed at strengthening the city’s role in national development through equine sports, the sports economy and social impact.
The Club said its recommendations draw on its experience in horse racing, tourism, talent development, philanthropy and social innovation, with the proposals grouped under three strategic themes.
Under its first theme, HKJC called for the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to be developed into an international equine industry hub. The Club proposed leveraging its Conghua Racecourse alongside Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses to support world-class racing and equestrian events across the region.
It also recommended expanding Hong Kong's expertise in veterinary science, biosecurity and disease management to other parts of mainland China, while supporting the establishment of a World Organisation for Animal Health collaboration centre in Hong Kong.
The submission also advocates closer regulatory cooperation and mutual recognition of professional qualifications within the GBA to facilitate talent mobility and industry development.
In addition, HKJC proposed creating a multi-destination racing tourism circuit linking its three racecourses to attract both mainland Chinese and international visitors.
In its recommendations on the sports economy, the Club suggested expanding initiatives that combine sport with tourism and major events, while promoting Hong Kong as a regional platform for international sporting exchanges. It also highlighted the city's experience in sports integrity and governance as an area that could support future industry growth.
The third theme focuses on philanthropy and social development. HKJC recommended strengthening Hong Kong's position as a centre for philanthropy and impact investment by encouraging greater collaboration between public, private and charitable sectors, alongside improved policy coordination across the Greater Bay Area.
Separately, the Institute of Philanthropy, established by HKJC and its Charities Trust, submitted proposals aimed at enhancing philanthropic cooperation, knowledge sharing and social impact measurement between Hong Kong, mainland China and international partners.
The submission follows a series of recent Jockey Club community and education initiatives, including a sport-themed exhibition at the Hong Kong Book Fair aimed at promoting healthy habits among young people, its support for the "Master Classes for Youth" programme connecting students with mainland innovation experts, and a donation to build a new undergraduate campus at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
HKJC's recommendations include linking its Sha Tin, Happy Valley and Conghua racecourses into a single "Two Cities, Three Racecourses" tourism proposition aimed at attracting both mainland Chinese and international visitors
