Hong Kong  - A prominent retired businessman appeared in court Tuesday, accused of taking bribes of more than 50,000 US dollars for helping people join Hong Kong's prestigious Jockey Club.

John Hung, 70, a former executive director of Wharf Holdings and managing director of a property company, allegedly accepted the money in return for proposing applicants for full membership.

He is accused of soliciting a loan of more than 25,000 US dollars and accepting two other loans of 12,500 US dollars in return for helping would-be members.

Hung, an honorary voting member of the club, appeared in Hong Kong's Eastern Court Tuesday, charged with bribery in relation to the 2006 incidents. No plea was taken.

At the same hearing, businessman Wong Tak-kin and accountant Jonathan Ng were charged with offering advantages to a voting member of the elite club to process their membership applications.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has around 12,500 full members. Members must be proposed and seconded by existing members and pay a 32,000-US-dollar joining fee. The process usually takes a year to 18 months.

Jockey club members are entitled to enter the members enclosure at the twice-weekly Hong Kong races, own and run race horses, and use the club's plush restaurants and club facilities. (dpa)