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The Hong Kong Jockey Club has cancelled tonight's Happy Valley race meeting amid fears that protestors could threaten the safety of racegoers, jockeys and employees and to the welfare of racehorses.

In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon the HKJC said safety was always a top priority.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that racehorses, racegoers, jockeys and employees are safe at all times.

"The Club has been monitoring the situation in Hong Kong closely. It has conducted a thorough risk assessment of the race meeting tonight and concluded that it should be cancelled in order to preserve the security and safety of people and horses.

"Our concerns are tied to potential social unrest in the vicinity, the very real threat of a disturbance or possible violence at Happy Valley racecourse, and uncertainty regarding transportation in and around Happy Valley and Causeway Bay for racegoers, jockeys and employees and horses entering or leaving the racecourse throughout the evening.

"This is a very difficult and most unfortunate decision to make, but public safety is of paramount importance. We hope the racing community and the Hong Kong public will understand our reasons for doing so."