William Inglis and Son Limited have announced a ¥1 million thoroughbred race in China to reward their existing clients and foster further growth in the country's fledgling horse racing industry.
The inaugural ¥1 million Inglis China-Australia Cup will be run at Yulong Racecourse in Shanxi Province in September 2016 as part of the China Horse Racing Grand Prix circuit, which also includes meetings in Chengdu and Wuhan.
The Inglis China-Australia Cup forms part of Inglis’ program to support horse racing in China, which includes sponsorship of the China Equine Cultural Festival (CECF) in Wuhan this weekend.
Arthur Inglis will represent the company at the CECF, ensuring Inglis’ uninterrupted partnership with the event since its inception in 2013.
"There are over 150 Inglis sold thoroughbreds in China and with growing awareness of Australian racehorses competing on the China Horse Racing Grand Prix circuit we feel the time is right to bolster our involvement," said Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster.
“The recent announcement of a strategic partnership between the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the China Equestrian Association is great boost for the integrity of horse racing in China and we look forward to the inaugural running of the one million yuan Inglis China-Australia Cup in September 2016."
Horses previously purchased through Inglis and raced by existing clients such as the China Horse Club, Mengjun Horse Club, Rider Horse Group, Dongxing Horse Club, Jinghuaxing Horse Club and others will all be eligible to pay a small entry fee into the Inglis China-Australia Cup.
The entry fee will also be same for horses purchased at the upcoming The Star Ready2Race Sale and other Inglis sales.
“I attended the race meeting at Yulong Racecourse earlier this month and was very impressed to see 148 horses from 20 various racing clubs compete.
"There is plenty of enthusiasm among owners to boost the profile of racing in China and as a global market leader Inglis is excited to help shape the Chinese industry," said Webster.
Mr Zhang Yuesheng, owner of Yulong Racecourse, is thrilled to host the Inglis China-Australia Cup and improve the internationalisation and professionalism of the China horse racing industry.
“The innovative action we have taken today will definitely be a milestone in the development of thoroughbred racing in China, creating a new chapter for communication and exchanging of bloodstock business between Australia and China,” said Mr Zhang.
