Breeding & Racing Magazine

Ireland Signs "Racing Partnership" Deal With China

Irish Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney & Horse Racing Ireland announced that the Irish breeding industry will receive a massive boost following the signing of a "multi-million euro deal with the Chinese Government to launch a new thoroughbred industry" in that country. Coolmore "will play a key role" in the initiative to build a US$2 billion equine centre over 3.3 million square meters in Tianjin (China's 4th largest city) as early as next year. The project "encompass 2 race tracks with a grandstand & clubhouse, 5 training tracks, 150 training bases & 4,000 horse stalls, a state-of-the-art horse clinic, an international equestrian college & an auction house" noted racingpost.com. The Irish bloodstock industry will ship over 100 broodmares & a selection of stallions over the next 3 years to lay the foundations, while Coolmore has offered training for 7 agriculture graduates from Chinese universities who will eventually run the breeding operation. Minister Coveney noted: "Today's announcement of a partnership involving Ireland to develop a major racing & breeding operation in China arises from the pre-eminent position that Ireland holds in the thoroughbred breeding world. This initiative should facilitate the development of a major export market for horses from Ireland & has the potential to provide a range of business opportunities for companies & individuals in Ireland who can bring a wide range of expertise to the project. Coolmore Stud is recognised as a world leader in thoroughbred breeding & is to be commended for their involvement in this major project."