Ireland a racing certainty in China plan

Irish horseracing expertise and breeding stock from the world famous Coolmore Stud is to be the foundation for the creation of a horse racing industry in China providing an export market for almost €40m worth of Irish horses annually.

Yesterday, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney announced a $50 million (€37.5m) Irish export project where Ireland has been chosen as China’s partner to establish their first new $2bn (€1.5bn) national equine facility. China lifted a 60-year ban on horse racing last year.

The announcement gives Ireland first mover advantage into a market which is expected to grow considerably in the coming years. Already Ireland’s export-orientated horse breeders produce more than 40% of all thoroughbred foals in Europe annually.