Hong Kong Jockey Club eyes mainland opportunities despite betting ban

HONG KONG -- The Hong Kong Jockey Club is looking to expand its presence in mainland China, as it prepares to hold regular races there from 2026, its CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges told Nikkei in an interview.

With 8.5 billion Hong Kong dollars ($1 billion) of investment since 2015, the HKJC is transforming a training facility in Guangzhou's Conghua District into a full-fledged racecourse. Even though gambling on horse races is illegal in mainland China, the club could be able to find a way around the restrictions.