People Stories
Inspiring voices — we shine a spotlight on the people that are making a difference
As we mark the 140th anniversary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, we recognise that it’s the people of Hong Kong who truly make good possible. Here, we celebrate the city’s community, the journey that we have taken together for 140 years and the continuing journey that lies ahead. We are committed to being with you – then, now and always.
Romantic Warrior, whose earnings now total a record-breaking HK$207.04 million, takes the Middle East by storm
When fencer Vivian Kong won a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, it was the realisation of a lifelong dream. Having trained at the Hong Kong Sports Institute, she is grateful for the support that The Hong Kong Jockey Club has provided to local athletes.
Adolescence can be challenging, but Ivy Yau, a social worker with the Hong Kong Playground Association, believes that young people have immense potential to thrive during this phase of life. Providing them with the right guidance can make all the difference.
When Henry Leung’s wife was diagnosed with dementia, he grew concerned with his ability to care for her, given his own advanced age. Thanks to the Jockey Club Carer Space Project — funded by the Club’s Trust — Leung found the support he needed to care for his long-time partner with greater confidence.
Dr. Lawrence Chan cares about animals deeply. Currently serving as a Racing Veterinary Surgeon with the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Veterinary Clinical Services team, he has supported the welfare of horses at the Club for over 33 years.
Did you know that the ideal grass height for a horse racing track is four inches? Kiki Lau, Senior Manager of Tracks (Turf) at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, along with a dedicated team of over a hundred professionals, works tirelessly to maintain this standard and ensure the racing tracks are in world-class condition.
From starting his career as an apprentice jockey, stable hand and exercise rider, Danny Shum has risen to become the celebrated trainer of 2023/24 Horse of the Year, Romantic Warrior. Now he hopes to pass the torch to the next generation of local trainers, elevating the sport of racing to even greater heights.
Joelle Wong, a Hong Kong Jockey Club Striding On Scholarship recipient diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome from birth, initially thought her physical limitations would prevent her from engaging in sports. However, her discovery of table tennis dramatically changed her perspective, not only enabling her to enjoy sports but also paving the way for her to represent Hong Kong at international competitions.
From his early days as a graduate of the Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School to achieving multiple victories competing on legendary racehorses like Golden Sixty, celebrated local jockey Vincent Ho shares insights into his remarkable career and how he stays grounded amidst the highs and lows.
How does a wetland in the bustling city of Hong Kong serve as a "hotel" for birds? For Nicole Wong, Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Hong Kong, the answer lies in the management and conservation efforts of the Mai Po Nature Reserve, which is supported by the Club. Likening herself to a dedicated hotel manager, Nicole is committed to providing the best possible conditions for the tens of thousands of migratory birds that visit each year, ensuring they have a welcoming place to rest and rejuvenate before continuing their journeys.
Salom Yiu, a seasoned player on the Hong Kong, China Rugby Sevens men's team, has enjoyed an illustrious career. Since his debut in 2009, he has overcome multiple setbacks through determination and perseverance, culminating in a gold medal win at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
As a stables assistant with 28 years of experience in the horse racing industry, Donna Tam is the quiet force behind each horse’s well-being. Her connection with the horses goes beyond performing functional day-to-day tasks — it’s a bond built on trust and heartfelt care.
Visually impaired singer Michelle Siu wants to devote herself to inclusive education on top of her career as a musician, so that more people with special needs can find an education model system that works for them. "I'd like to share with you a French song. My favourite colour is pink, and this song is called La Vie en Rose.”
Colleen Lee, award-winning pianist: “I am not asking all students to be professional musicians, but I hope that music can actively influence their lives.”
Tsz-kei went through years of ups and downs as a secondary school drop-out who couldn’t see a way forward. “I got better and better during my days at CLAP@JC…I knew I couldn’t afford to miss another chance.”
Vic Law: “I want to give back to society and bring opportunities to local students with potential. I hope the younger generation will come back to Hong Kong after their studies and pass on their scientific wisdom.”
Raymond Chan got his dream job as a physiotherapist and wants to change other lives through his own. “We cannot change the fact that illness exists, but we can change the quality of life.”
Wu Tin-dak: “Eighty percent of teachers in the school did not know anything about autism, and teaching them was no easy task.”
Vivian Lai is channeling everything she’s learned from a lifetime of volunteering into her social enterprise to bring Hong Kongers more happiness and joy.
