Guangzhou and Hong Kong collaborate on global equine sports hub

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the Guangzhou municipal government have signed an agreement to transform the region into a world-leading hub for equine sports and tourism. 

The initiative, which is a strategic priority within Guangzhou’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, establishes the “Equine Industry In-depth Cooperation Zone,” with a target completion date of 2030, Hong Kong’s Standard newspaper reports.

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At the core of the deal is the upgrading of the Conghua Racecourse into the Guangzhou Conghua International Racing Development Centre. Authorities plan to coordinate with customs and agricultural departments to streamline cross-border horse movement. Enhanced biosecurity protocols will be prioritised to support the importation, breeding, and commercial exchange of horses.

GBA resources for equine sports

The initiative seeks to cultivate a “Sports Bay Area” by integrating regional resources. Partners intend to launch bespoke equine-themed tourism packages and multi-destination itineraries across the region’s racecourses. Furthermore, the collaboration will promote equine sports through public exhibitions, academic partnerships, and documentary productions, aiming to broaden local understanding of the sport.

Skills development remains a key pillar of the agreement, with Guangzhou pledging support for the HKJC’s educational programmes, including the introduction of modern apprenticeships and vocational training in horse racing. Significant progress has already been achieved in equine sports, as Hong Kong’s racing certificate programmes have been integrated into Guangdong’s lifelong education framework.

The agreement was solidified during a ceremony attended by Guangzhou’s mayor, Sun Zhiyang, the HKJC’s chief executive officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, and government officials.