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.
The project will also include the development of a stud farm in China, with more than 100 Irish broodmares. Coolmore Stud, the first partner in the venture, will host and mentor seven of China’s agriculture graduates for two months to help educate them about the horse racing and breeding industry.
~ with files from IrishTimes.com
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