Long Lee, Head of Wagering Product Strategy at the Hong Kong Jockey Club

You are the new Hong Kong Jockey Club’s representative in the Board of the World Tote Association since mid-March – Can you please tell us how you see your role?

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only a leading world-class racing organisation acting continuously for the betterment of society, but also a pioneer in leveraging technology to enable some of the most liquid and exotic pari-mutuel jackpot pools to customers worldwide. I sincerely believe that our core values are inline with those of the World Tote Association. I look forward to sharing the best practice of our World Pool protocol and Integrated Business Model with fellow board members. Only by working closely together we can promote and support the horseracing industry in a socially responsible and sustainable manner.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of WoTA’s founding members.  Seen from the outside, what do you think should be WoTA’s priorities going forward?

I believe the answer is right in front of us, in the name of WoTA. Racing is facing many uncertainties and challenges common to other industries. To overcome those challenges, together, WoTA should serve as the platform to facilitate further development of a worldwide unified tote pool. The synergies include firstly, to bring elite races to racing and wagering fans worldwide. Secondly, the unity can provide a better experience for customers from added liquidity and availability of pari-mutuel pools. Last but not least, higher turnover can lead to improve sustainability for the racing eco-system by creating additional income streams to stakeholders.

Can you briefly describe the changes and the long-term goals of the HKJC? Where do you see the HKJC in a 10 – 15 years perspective?

The purpose of the HKJC is to act continuously for the betterment of society under its unique Integrated Business Model. In racing, we will showcase international-standard thoroughbred racing in our Conghua Racecourse in Mainland China starting from October 2026. The Conghua Racecourse is also well established as a hub to support the equine industry development of Mainland China.

For the race meetings held in our two racecourses in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, we will continue to enhance our customer experience by strengthening the promotion of racing as a sport and racecourse as a sport entertainment option. To entice the next generation of racing fans, further digitalization of racecourse experience is also underway at our Shatin racecourse. Combination of world-class racing and vibrant racecourse entertainment means significant potential for growing and supporting Hong Kong Government’s racing tourism initiative.

On the wagering front, we will continue to assist the Hong Kong Government to combat illegal betting by optimizing the provision of wagering products and solutions to effectively direct public betting demand from illegal and unregulated channel to legal and regulated channel.

Finally, to complete our Integrated Business Model, revenue generated from the wagering business will be strategically deployed via charity programmes or sponsorship responsible by the Charities Trust and the Institute of Philanthropy.

What do you do when you are not the Head of Wagering Product Strategy at the HKJC?

At the HKJC, I enjoy an excellent work-life balance. In my spare time, I also enjoy horse racing as a loyal fan. Running has lately become my best friend in the morning. On the weekend, I cook or go to charity event with my family organized by the HKJC.

Please tell us what is your best memory of a sport (horseracing or other) event you have attended?

Watching Golden Sixty at our Shatin Racecourse, at the age of eight, 1st up in 8 months, jumped from barrier 14, travelling 3-wide and won the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Mile.