THE Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced that Mr Andrew Harding has been appointed to the newly-created position of Director of Racing Development, with effect from 1 August 2012.

Mr Harding leaves his position as Chief Executive of the Australian Racing Board and will continue in his current role as the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) Secretary-General.

Within the context of the Club, he will provide support as the key ARF contact to the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).

In his new role, Mr Harding will take responsibility for devising and establishing, alongside other stakeholders, a comprehensive framework for racing development.

He will also assist on racing-related legal issues, oversee matters relating to the Racing Development Board and provide experienced input as Hong Kong prepares to host the 2014 Asian Racing Conference.

Mr Harding has worked as Chief Executive of the Australian Racing Board for the past 14 years. The ARB is the national administrative body for the Australian thoroughbred racing industry.

For the last 10 years, he has also served as Secretary-General of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF).  He holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Queensland and is an Australian qualified lawyer. Apart from his roles in the ARF and IFHA, Mr Harding is a trustee of the National Jockeys Trust of Australia.

“When we took the decision to create this new role within the Club, we were determined to source a candidate with a wealth of industry experience, someone with the drive to bring innovation and invigoration to the Club’s racing development strategies.

"I am confident that we have that person in Andrew Harding who possesses experience gained at the sport’s highest administrative levels through his work at the ARB, ARF and IFHA, and I am looking forward to working with him,” said HKJC Executive Director of Racing William A Nader.


HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MEDIA RELEASE