1971年，Hong Kong Jockey Club 宣佈推行重大改革，將香港賽馬制度逐步轉為職業化。
在此之前，香港賽馬長期以業餘制度為主，騎師多被視為「業餘騎手」，賽事運作亦較為傳統。
1971年，香港賽馬會決定推行職業賽馬制度，並於 1971至1972馬季開始實施。這項改革令騎師可以以專業身份參與賽事，同時建立更完善的培訓制度，例如設立見習騎師訓練。
這次改革標誌着香港賽馬發展的重要轉折點，亦為日後香港成為全球最具競爭力和影響力的賽馬中心之一奠定基礎。
English Article Version
In 1971, the Hong Kong Jockey Club announced a major reform that would transform horse racing in Hong Kong.
For decades, racing in Hong Kong had largely operated under an amateur system. Jockeys were often considered “gentleman riders,” and the sport was run in a more traditional format.
In 1971, the Jockey Club decided to introduce professional horse racing, marking the beginning of a new era. The change was implemented starting from the 1971–1972 racing season.
Professionalization allowed jockeys to ride as full-time professionals and introduced structured training systems, including the creation of an apprentice jockey program.
This reform modernized the sport and helped Hong Kong racing evolve into one of the most competitive and internationally respected racing circuits in the world.