It was announced over the weekend that China and Ireland have entered a partnership to develop the horse racing industry in China, which includes the establishment of its first national equine facility, based in Tianjin.
The €2 billion Tianjin Equine Culture City, the initial phases of which are set to open next year, include: 4,000 stalls, a clinic, 150 trainers’ offices, five training tracks, two international standard race tracks, a grandstand and clubhouse, an international equestrian college and an auction house.
It has been reported that the agreement will generate €40 million in exports for Ireland over the next three years. “This initiative should facilitate the development of a major export market for horses from Ireland and has the potential to provide a range of business opportunities for companies and individuals in Ireland who can bring a wide range of expertise to the project,” said Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney, who is leading Ireland’s largest agriculture and food trade mission to China this week.