China backs an Irish winner

Good luck wishes go to China in its bid to establish a multi-billion dollar thoroughbred breeding and training facility, with Irish help.

In the first Chinese government involvement with an overseas joint-venture in racing and breeding, the initial joint-venture partner is Coolmore, which has grown from its original base at Fethard in south Tipperary to become a multi-national, multi-billion-euro operation, one of the world leaders in the thoroughbred racehorse industry.

The initiative opens up a major export market for horses from Ireland, and a range of business opportunities for companies and individuals in Ireland.