China, Singapore ink horse-racing deal

According to Soong Tze Ming, senior vice-president of the Singapore Turf Club, the international equine cooperation will reinforce his organization as a host of elite racing and provide Singapore with another sophisticated cultural and sporting event other than Formula One Singapore Grand Prix.

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Both Teo and Soong agreed that it is a shame that although Singapore began thoroughbred racing as early as 1842, when the Singapore Turf Club was founded, the country has lagged behind Hong Kong as a world-class thoroughbred racing center. The Chinese mainland's growing thoroughbred industry should help Singapore gain a higher position and wider influence in world racing circles.

Teo reveals that China Horse Club and Beijing municipal sports bureau will also launch an official cooperation in May related to thoroughbred breeding, racing, and overseas promotion. China Equine Cultural Festival will also expand to several Chinese cities other than Hohhot in 2014. Racing in the coastal city of Yantai, Shandong province, has been scheduled.

There is an island in Yantai called Yangmadao (which means island of horse raising). Local legends show its horse-raising history can be traced back to the time of China's first emperor of Qinshihuang (259-210 BC) but Teo says he found few old equine traditions are left.

"China never lacks horse-related stories, and it will soon have many top-tier racecourses also as the economy booms and the social elites demand it," Teo says.

However, a more difficult task is to establish an equestrian culture and complete software to maintain sustainable development.

"China can learn from Singapore's experience in marketing and management, as the city state is a melting pot of East and West. The year 2014 is the Year of the Horse for both countries. No other time is better to do this job," Teo says.