The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the French commune of Deauville have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding cooperation across equine sports development, horse welfare and racing-related initiatives.
The agreement was signed in Hong Kong by Andrew Harding, Executive Director of Racing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Philippe Béhuet, Deputy Mayor of Deauville and Special Representative of the Mayor of Deauville. Under the partnership, the two sides will collaborate on areas including 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. In addition, the partnership is expected to strengthen cooperation with French bloodstock auction house ARQANA, facilitating exchanges between breeders, agents and Hong Kong racing interests seeking to acquire racehorses.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the agreement reinforced the longstanding relationship between Hong Kong and France’s equine industries. Philippe Béhuet said the partnership reflected shared values between Deauville and Hong Kong around horse racing, equestrian sports and innovation.
Located in Normandy, Deauville is regarded as one of Europe’s leading equestrian centres and hosts major racing and polo events alongside training, education and equine health facilities. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has maintained longstanding links with the French racing sector, including through annual trophy races staged in both Hong Kong and Deauville.
