The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the Guangzhou municipal government have signed an expanded cooperation agreement aimed at substantially establishing a cross-border equine industry zone by 2030.
The agreement comes ahead of Conghua Racecourse’s inaugural race meeting on October 31st, 2026, when HKJC is expected to stage five or six races.
The Guangzhou-Hong Kong Equine Industry In-depth Cooperation Zone will be centered on Conghua Racecourse and will support the development of a wider equine industry economic cluster in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Under the agreement, the two sides will promote regular international-standard racing events alongside equine-themed tourism, cultural and sporting activities at Conghua.
The initiative will also extend beyond racing into horse imports, trading and breeding, while supporting the cross-border movement of horses, veterinary medicines and equipment.
Guangzhou authorities will prepare a development plan for the cooperation zone and accelerate supporting infrastructure around Conghua Racecourse. Customs and agricultural authorities in Guangzhou and Hong Kong will also work to improve cross-border procedures while maintaining Conghua’s equine disease-free status.
HKJC said Conghua would be developed as a world-class equine sports and industry demonstration base and a horse-themed culture, sports and tourism destination.
Tourism products are expected to include equine experience tours, multi-destination travel packages and activities connecting HKJC’s three racecourses in Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
The agreement also covers professional training and the mutual recognition of qualifications for workers in the equine industry.
HKJC chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said the introduction of regular racing and related activities at Conghua would support the development of the Greater Bay Area’s equine value chain and events economy.
HKJC and the Guangzhou government signed an initial framework agreement in 2021 to develop the regional equine industry, with Conghua Racecourse serving as the main platform for the cooperation.
