Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the opening ceremony of the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show today (January 30):

Deputy Commissioner Hua (Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Hua You), Mr Zhu Jianping (Head of Sports Section of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR), President Lester Huang (President, Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show), Chairman Liao (Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Martin Liao), Rosanna (Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law), distinguished guests, riders and horse lovers, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good evening. I'm most delighted to join you for the opening ceremony of the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, which is the second edition after last year’s spectacular success. 

     This magnificent, three-day showcase of equestrian sport and non-stop entertainment features world-class showjumping. The very best horses and riders from around the world will compete for more than HK$5 million in total prize money. 

     The Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Youth Challenge puts a bright spotlight on the region's top young talent aged 14 to 18, including rising stars from Hong Kong. The Shetland pony races, dog agility competitions, artistic performances and a great deal more are also part of this grand gathering connecting Hong Kong with the global equestrian community.

     Equestrian sport has long been a highlight of Hong Kong. We hosted the equestrian events at the 2008 Olympic Games, and we've been passionate about horse racing since the 1840s. Events such as this Horse Show inspire our youth and strengthen our status as a premier destination for outstanding sports competitions and major cultural events. It also underlines Hong Kong's status as the world's East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     My thanks go to the organiser, Clarion Events Asia, and to the HPower Group, for its sports and equestrian management. I must also profusely thank the dedicated strategic partner, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, as well as the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale), the world governing body for equestrian sport. And to all the other sponsors, partners, officials and volunteers involved, my big thanks for your concerted efforts in making this excellent "M" Mark event possible. To the riders and their teams, I wish you all exceptional performances and a memorable stay in Hong Kong.

     Ladies and gentlemen, the Year of the Horse is just around the corner. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolises vitality, endurance and progress. I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous Year of the Horse. Thank you very much.

Ends/Friday, January 30, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:58

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