https://www.scmp.com/rss/313601/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The climax of the evening was the ARF flag handover ceremony from The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) to the hosts of the 36th ARC, the Turf Authority of India, with the next event scheduled to take place in Mumbai in early 2016. Towards the end of the closing ceremony, it was announced that HKJC’s Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges would take over the Chairmanship of the ARF from Dr Koji Sato. Presiding over his final ARC in his current role, Dr Sato hailed the success of the... https://www.scmp.com/article/1511136/hong-kong-passes-torch-india-asian-racing-conference-ends-change-leadership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1511136/hong-kong-passes-torch-india-asian-racing-conference-ends-change-leadership?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 May 2014 01:45:30 +0000 In a dazzling closing ceremony at Sha Tin tonight, 8 May, the hugely successful 35th Asian Racing Conference (ARC), hosted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, concluded. Beginning with an opening ceremony and gala dinner on Monday, 5 May, the conference welcomed a record number of almost 800 delegates to four days of meetings, business sessions and other events, including an evening at Happy Valley racecourse to witness the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) Trophy race. ARF Chairman, Dr Koji Sato,... https://www.scmp.com/article/1508149/hong-kong-passes-flag-india-historic-asian-racing-conference-closes-announcement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1508149/hong-kong-passes-flag-india-historic-asian-racing-conference-closes-announcement?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2014 03:15:15 +0000 Executive Director of Racing of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), William A Nader, told delegates about the successful evolution of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. “State-of-the-art quarantine facilities, outstanding hospitality and a comprehensive marketing and media strategy have all been keys in the growth and success of this meeting, which is now the world’s third biggest single raceday in terms of prize money on offer,” Nader said. The presentations highlighted eight events,... https://www.scmp.com/article/1508097/asian-racing-conference-delegates-hear-about-horse-racings-biggest-events?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1508097/asian-racing-conference-delegates-hear-about-horse-racings-biggest-events?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2014 01:32:45 +0000 Horseracing is leading the field when it comes to integrity and fighting corruption in almost all sports world-wide, but there is no room for complacency and, in an ever-changing technological landscape, international cooperation must be the way forward. That was the message from the 35th Asian Racing Conference this morning when a panel of experts delivered presentations in a plenary session titled: ‘Sport Integrity: racing as the frontrunner’. Mark Warby QC, one of the strategists behind the... https://www.scmp.com/article/1508095/high-profile-speakers-call-international-cooperation-battle-corruption-sport-asian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1508095/high-profile-speakers-call-international-cooperation-battle-corruption-sport-asian?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2014 01:30:30 +0000 The final morning of the 35th Asian Racing Conference, 8 May, opened appropriately in the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, as delegates were treated to video presentations of many of the world’s great race meetings – under the banner: ‘Big Events – Today and Tomorrow’. The emphasis was on the strategic marketing and corporate alliances which underpin the meetings in focus, including: the Hong Kong International Races; British Champions Day; the Breeders’ Cup in... https://www.scmp.com/article/1507477/world-racings-biggest-shows-spotlight-final-day-asian-racing-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1507477/world-racings-biggest-shows-spotlight-final-day-asian-racing-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 May 2014 09:41:24 +0000 Bill Barich, lead writer for the HBO racing series Luck, and best-selling author Don Watson drew a rapt assembly of delegates to this afternoon’s plenary session, titled: ‘Connecting racing with popular culture’, at the 35th Asian Racing Conference, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mr Barich, who rarely speaks in public, told the audience that “racing is a great democracy” in the way it brings people together from all walks of life. The American writer’s first book,... https://www.scmp.com/article/1507236/literary-legends-tell-asian-racing-conference-charisma-horse-can-connect-racing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1507236/literary-legends-tell-asian-racing-conference-charisma-horse-can-connect-racing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 May 2014 01:34:03 +0000 Cheung chaired the morning’s session entitled ‘Connecting with the Customer’, during which he outlined HKJC’s strategy that has successfully turned around a declining turnover trend and is succeeding in attracting new customers. He told delegates that the Club’s turnover dropped season on season from HK$81.5 billion in 2000/01 to a low of HK$60 billion in 2005/06. By 2009/10 that had grown to HK$75 billion but, he said, at that time 75 percent of the Club’s customers were aged over 50. He said... https://www.scmp.com/article/1507226/conference-delegates-worldwide-urged-improve-connection-their-customers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1507226/conference-delegates-worldwide-urged-improve-connection-their-customers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 May 2014 01:30:00 +0000 The latest session of the 35th Asian Racing Conference this afternoon at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre informed delegates that Hong Kong horseracing is looking ahead with confidence as customer participation and turnover continue to grow, while in Japan, the JRA (Japan Racing Association) is innovating to offset the effects of a “greying society”.  In a series of video presentations, New Zealand, Malaysia, Macau and Korea also came under the spotlight during the session, which... https://www.scmp.com/article/1507233/hong-kong-jockey-clubs-model-success-outlined-asian-racing-conferences-industry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1507233/hong-kong-jockey-clubs-model-success-outlined-asian-racing-conferences-industry?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 May 2014 01:27:43 +0000 Television industry leaders Joerg Heise and Gary Burns, keynote speakers at today’s ‘Cutting Edge Technology in Sports TV’ session at the Asian Racing Conference, entertained and informed a large audience with the latest innovations in sports broadcasting – some of which may potentially be applied to horse racing. That was a significant focus of the session, along with the conviction that innovation not only lifts the viewer experience to a higher level but is also likely to extend attention... https://www.scmp.com/article/1507225/racing-industry-urged-immerse-viewers-sport-asian-racing-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1507225/racing-industry-urged-immerse-viewers-sport-asian-racing-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 May 2014 01:20:56 +0000 The second day of the 35th Asian Racing Conference commenced this morning (7 May) with Mr Richard Cheung, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Executive Director, Customer and Marketing, delivering a presentation detailing HKJC’s mould-breaking customer engagement. In the session entitled ‘Connecting with the customer’, ARC delegates also heard from Thomas Ascher, Chief Executive of Longitude LLC, Professor Lionel Ni from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Scott Mcleod, the Digital Media... https://www.scmp.com/article/1506662/hkjcs-richard-cheung-tells-arc-customer-connection-vital-growth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1506662/hkjcs-richard-cheung-tells-arc-customer-connection-vital-growth?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 May 2014 09:49:17 +0000 Mimi Cunningham, Director of Human Resources and Sustainability at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Koji Katsumi, Head of Environmental Measures at the Japan Racing Association, explained to delegates at the 35th Asian Racing Conference in Hong Kong that conserving precious resources by a whole range of initiatives is already part of racecourses’ daily operations. In a session entitled: ‘Racecourses and environmental sustainability’, ARC delegates were also addressed by Andrew James, a director... https://www.scmp.com/article/1506448/sustainability-vital-both-existing-and-new-racecourses-experts-tell-asian-racing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1506448/sustainability-vital-both-existing-and-new-racecourses-experts-tell-asian-racing?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 May 2014 01:46:27 +0000 Mr Louis Romanet, Chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) reaffirmed his organisation's commitment to horse welfare and medication control today, May 6, at the session titled ‘Fair Competition and Drug Control’ at the 35th Asian Racing Conference in Hong Kong. Romanet spoke of the IFHA’s commitment to both issues during the session, which also featured a presentation from world sports medicine expert Dr Perikles Simon, under the heading 'Leveling the Doping... https://www.scmp.com/article/1506442/racing-authorities-have-conviction-enforce-stringent-drug-rules?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1506442/racing-authorities-have-conviction-enforce-stringent-drug-rules?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 May 2014 01:32:00 +0000 Matthew Cheung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivered a keynote address at the 35th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in which he emphasised the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC)’s “sterling contribution” to the Hong Kong community. Cheung was one of a number of officials, industry experts, administrators and business leaders who explored pivotal issues during the opening day’s plenary sessions. The three-day ARC, the third to be staged in... https://www.scmp.com/article/1506140/horse-racing-brings-huge-community-values-government-officials-reaffirmed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1506140/horse-racing-brings-huge-community-values-government-officials-reaffirmed?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 May 2014 00:15:15 +0000 The Honourable Matthew Cheung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, today (6 May) emphasised the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s instrumental role in “augmenting, supplementing and complementing the government’s efforts in building a more caring compassionate and cohesive society.” Mr Cheung was addressing delegates from around the world during the 35th Asian Racing Conference in Hong Kong.   At the plenary session examining ‘The Community Impact’ of... https://www.scmp.com/article/1505975/hong-kongs-secretary-labour-and-welfare-and-former-premier-victoria-highlight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1505975/hong-kongs-secretary-labour-and-welfare-and-former-premier-victoria-highlight?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2014 11:40:28 +0000 At the Asian Racing Conference today, May 6, delegates at a session titled: ‘Movement of Horses’ were told that significant progress had been made to facilitate the internationalisation of racing and that good science, cooperation, harmonisation of protocols and developing trust were the keys to further progress. Dr Brian Stewart, the Head of Equine Welfare and Veterinary Services at Racing Victoria in Australia, told delegates that the continued rise of international competition in horse racing... https://www.scmp.com/article/1505944/international-movement-horses-boosted-and-more-can-be-achieved?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1505944/international-movement-horses-boosted-and-more-can-be-achieved?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2014 11:11:59 +0000 Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, opened the 35th Asian Racing Conference at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning (6 May) with a keynote presentation for the session titled ‘Racing’s Lifeblood – the future landscape for wagering’. As chair of the three-day convocation’s first session, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges, who is also Vice Chairman of both the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and the International Federation of... https://www.scmp.com/article/1505903/hong-kong-jockey-club-ceo-chairs-presentation-wagering-racings-lifeblood-opening?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1505903/hong-kong-jockey-club-ceo-chairs-presentation-wagering-racings-lifeblood-opening?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2014 11:00:30 +0000 The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Leung Chun-ying, struck a ceremonial gong to signal the start of the 35th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) during a stunning opening ceremony and gala dinner at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre last night. The regional flag of the HKSAR hung proudly alongside those of the Asian Racing Federation’s member nations and regions as the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Chairman T. Brian Stevenson welcomed a record... https://www.scmp.com/article/1505601/hong-kong-hailed-global-giant-opening-35th-asian-racing-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1505601/hong-kong-hailed-global-giant-opening-35th-asian-racing-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2014 23:45:45 +0000 The 5th International Stewards’ Conference was conducted today, 5 May, at Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong, in conjunction with the 35th Asian Racing Conference. Chaired by Mr. Kim Kelly, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chief Stipendiary Steward, the conference was attended by 71 delegates representing 28 racing jurisdictions. One of horseracing’s most important Rules is the protest/objection Rule, which until relatively recently was operated in several different ways around the world. This... https://www.scmp.com/article/1505130/international-stewards-conference-confirms-progress-big-issues?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1505130/international-stewards-conference-confirms-progress-big-issues?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2014 11:07:34 +0000 On the eve of the 35th Asian Racing Conference, the outstanding reputation of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Racing Operations team resulted in an enormous turnout from across the world for the first ever Racecourse Operations Seminar today, held at Sha Tin racecourse in Hong Kong. Almost 200 delegates were in attendance to see presentations on a wide range of subjects relevant to racecourse operators everywhere, in an event organised by Mr John Ridley, Director of Racing Operations at the Hong... https://www.scmp.com/article/1505059/hong-kong-jockey-club-racecourse-operations-seminar-draws-huge-response?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1505059/hong-kong-jockey-club-racecourse-operations-seminar-draws-huge-response?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2014 09:42:52 +0000 On the day of the opening ceremony to launch the 35th Asian Racing Conference, a piece of racing history was made today, 5 May, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, when the Executive Council of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) met for the first time at an Asian Racing Conference. The IFHA is the Paris–based world body for thoroughbred racing. Its major functions include the quality control of International Race Planning and Grading (known as ‘black... https://www.scmp.com/article/1505040/executive-council-ifha-meets-first-time-ever-asian-racing-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1505040/executive-council-ifha-meets-first-time-ever-asian-racing-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2014 09:05:53 +0000 The 35th ARC is the biggest ever in the 54-year history of the conference and is being organised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). It has attracted almost 800 delegates from more than 40 jurisdictions, including those from outside the Asian region, such as racing powerhouses like the UK, France, Ireland and America. There are also delegates from countries as diverse as Chile, Grenada, Iran and Nigeria. The 35th ARC is without question the largest event of its kind in the world. The ARC,... https://www.scmp.com/article/1504828/hong-kong-leads-way-35th-asian-racing-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1504828/hong-kong-leads-way-35th-asian-racing-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2014 01:31:58 +0000 In the Year of the Horse, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is honoured to be hosting the 35th Asian Racing Conference, summit of the world racing industry, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5-8 May 2014. The Asian Racing Conference (ARC), likened to be the APEC of the racing world, is widely known to be the most important and prestigious event of its type across the world. The most important racing officials, administrators and executives from all over the world gather at this... https://www.scmp.com/article/1503295/racing-industry-summit-held-hong-kong-first-time-handover-35th-asian-racing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1503295/racing-industry-summit-held-hong-kong-first-time-handover-35th-asian-racing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 May 2014 03:41:33 +0000