The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is one of the oldest institutions in Hong Kong. Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a horse racing operator and Hong Kong’s largest community benefactor, operating as a non-for-profit organisation. It was granted Royal Charter and renamed to “The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club” in 1959. The name of the institution was reverted to its original name in 1996 due to the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997. Membership of the club is by nomination and election only. Membership in this club is very strict, limited to the moneyed social elite. In the past, this club was reserved for only “old money” families; but currently there are increasing numbers of “newly rich” members. Similar to other elite clubs, Jockey Club membership applicants often must wait for years if not decades to be accepted. What makes it especially difficult to join is that this club does not allow memberships to be bought and sold in the secondary market. The joining membership fee is HK$400,000, with HK$1,800 monthly subscriptions. In addition, every applicant needs the endorsement of two of the only 200 voting members and the support of three other members. read more…
