China News Service, Hong Kong, March 8 (Reporter Han Xingtong, Liu Xuanting, Wen Mengxin) Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Ying Jiabai recently accepted an exclusive interview with China News Network's "Hong Kong and Macau Living Room" and said that horse racing is not only an important part of the daily life of Hong Kong people, but also It also reflects the life attitude and spirit of Hong Kong people.
Ying Jiabao has been working and living in Hong Kong for more than 20 years. He described joining the Hong Kong Jockey Club as "one of the best decisions in his life." He likes Hong Kong and its vitality and enthusiasm.
In Ying Jiabao's view, "horses still run and dances still dance" not only symbolizes that Hong Kong's prosperity has continued after the return of the motherland, horse racing has long been integrated into the daily lives of Hong Kong people, but also reflects a life attitude of Hong Kong people, "horse racing competition" Fierce, extremely fast, never give up, and always work hard to meet the next challenge." This also reflects the character and spirit of Hong Kong people.
Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Ying Jiabao recently accepted an exclusive interview with China News Network's "Hong Kong and Macau Living Room". Photo by China News Service reporter Li Zhihua
In the nearly 27 years since the handover, Hong Kong's horse racing industry has also benefited from the rapid development of the "one country, two systems" policy. "In 1998, no horses in Hong Kong could enter international competitions." But now, the best horses in the world compete here and the top events are held here. Ying Jiabai also mentioned that although the number of horses in Hong Kong only accounts for 0.9% of the world's total number of horses, 8% to 9% of the world's top horses are trained in Hong Kong. “This shows how we started as a regional organization and became a global leader in horse racing.”
Ying Jiabao is also the chairman of the Asian Horse Racing Federation and the International Federation of Horse Racing Organizations. He has in-depth understanding and rich experience in the development of international horse racing. In his view, Hong Kong's advantage lies in talent training. Over the past many years, the Jockey Club has established an advanced and systematic talent training plan. While introducing outstanding overseas talents, it is also committed to cultivating local talents.
The shortcomings of Hong Kong's horse racing development are also clearly visible, that is, the horse breeding industry has not yet started. Ying Jiabai said, "Currently we need to buy horses from all over the world, and the market has changed. In terms of the quality of horses we need, competition is very fierce." Therefore, he believes that gradually expanding the business model to horse breeding industry will be inevitable.
As Hong Kong embarks on the road to returning to normal after the epidemic, the SAR government is sparing no effort to attract tourists to return to Hong Kong, and "Happy Wednesday" has always been a signature event of the Jockey Club. Ying Jiabao said that the Jockey Club's positioning of horse racing is far more than just betting, and it also regards it as a world-class event and social entertainment activity. "People come to the racecourse, get together, enjoy sports and enjoy food." Create new Improving experience and meeting the diverse needs of customers have always been the strategic goals pursued by the Jockey Club. (over)