The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) said it is looking to further up the international ante by not only consolidating its world-class racing status, but also boosting its entertainment capacity to make Hong Kong one of Asia’s most vibrant destinations.

HKJC chief executive officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, added that an exciting lineup of events are in the pipeline to mark the Year of the Horse next year.

Earlier this month, the club announced a massive partnership initiative with entertainment brand XIX Entertainment. Its founder, Simon Fuller, is the man behind pop group Spice Girls, and popular show American Idol.

Engelbrecht-Bresges told RTHK’s Backchat programme on Thursday that the move is essential in helping the HKJC boost its entertainment capability.

"We think we're perfect when it comes to horse-racing and sport, but when you venture into the entertainment field, you have to have a partner who has the same global expertise and vision we have, and this is Simon Fuller, when you look at his CV and XIX Entertainment," he said.

"And he [Simon Fuller] loves Hong Kong - he's one of the biggest advocates of Hong Kong."

Engelbrecht-Bresges said the HKJC is looking to strengthen its status as an internationally-recognised sports and entertainment body by, for example, partnering with other global horse racing brands like Royal Ascot and Breeders Cup.

"We see next year's unique opportunity with the Year of the Horse... and we want to use this as a real platform for a global brand campaign - how we position Hong Kong, how we create more entertainment-based sport events in Hong Kong around horse racing and equestrian,” he added.