Hong Kong Jockey Club and Deauville sign MoU on equine sports development
The three-year agreement will focus on horse welfare, racehorse supply, riding programmes and polo initiatives.
Hong Kong.- The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the French commune of Deauville have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding collaboration across equine sports development, horse welfare and racing-related initiatives.The agreement was signed at the Residence of France in Hong Kong by Andrew Harding, HKJC Executive Director, Racing, and Philippe Béhuet, Deputy Mayor of Deauville and Special Representative of the Mayor of Deauville.
The signing was witnessed by representatives from both organisations and French diplomatic authorities.
Under the three-year extendable partnership, the two sides will collaborate on equine health and welfare research, racehorse supply opportunities, horse-riding tourism programmes, and polo development initiatives. The agreement also includes support for the retraining and re-homing of retired Hong Kong racehorses in France through Champs Legacy, an official partner of HKJC’s RESTART Racehorse Aftercare Programme.
The partnership will also encourage closer cooperation with French auction house ARQANA, facilitating exchanges between breeders, agents and Hong Kong racing connections interested in purchasing racehorses.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief executive officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the agreement reinforces the long-standing relationship between Hong Kong and France’s equine industries, highlighting their shared passion for horse racing and equestrian sports.
Philippe Béhuet 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.”
Located in Normandy, Deauville is recognised as one of Europe’s leading equestrian hubs, hosting major racing and polo events alongside training, education and equine health facilities. The HKJC has maintained longstanding ties with the French racing industry through annual trophy races in both Hong Kong and Deauville.
