CECF Yangtze Delta Region Concludes

The two-day 2014 CECF Yangtze Delta Region–the major social and Thoroughbred racing event for the China Horse Club (CHC) which promotes Chinese culture to an elite audience–was held in Shanghai and Zhejiang this past weekend. 

“Our theme for 2014 has been to ‘Bring the World to China and China to the World,’ we have had nearly 200 chairmen, chairwomen and CEOs at our events and for a festival like this in China, that is new ground,” said Chairman of the China Horse Club Teo Ah Khing. 

Sponsors included official partners Longines, Coolmore, Glenn Family Foundation, Hurun Report, China Daily (official media partner) and NMTV (official broadcaster), as well as 20 other sponsors. The 2014 CECF included the CECF Yangtze Delta Gala Dinner, as well as the Zhejiang Nine Dragons Hill National Jockeys Challenge, where some of the best young Chinese jockeys competed. 

Guests of note were: Li Xiao Ling, a famous Chinese contemporary artist; Lin Chi Ling, an actress, model and Longines ambassador; Louis Romanet, President of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA); Dennis Li, President of Longines China; Sinclair LV, President of Hurun Report; Sir Owen Glenn, CHC International Advisory Council Member, sponsor and founder of the Glenn Family Foundation; Tom Magnier, Head of Coolmore Australia; Eddie Irwin, Director of Finance Coolmore and representative of CHC International Advisory Council Membor John Magnier; and Tan Guong Ching, Chairman of the Singapore Turf Club. 

“The 2014 CECF Yangtze Delta Region has been very well received,” continued Ah Khing. “Our partners and sponsors are pleased, our owners have enjoyed two fantastic events and it is rewarding to hear that.” 

The CECF Yangtze Delta Region Gala Dinner involved traditional as well as contemporary Chinese performances and a fashion show by top designer Laurence Xu. Four horse blankets–one for each of the races at the Zhejian Nine Dragons Hill National Jockeys Challenge–2014 CECF were designed by Yue Minjun, Li Xiao Ling, Xu Lei and Peng Wei. There was also an ‘Exchange of Documents’ between the CHC and STC which recognized the inaugural international CECF to be held in Singapore during the Chinese New Year. Eight Chinese jockeys faced international reignsmen Darryll Holland and David Flores in the Zhejian Nine Dragons Hills National Jockey Challenge–2014 CECF, but the former were victorious sweeping three of the four contests with only Holland’s performance in the first race–outfinishing Flores in second–the only loss for the Chinese. Multiple international racing jurisdictions, including Racing NSW, STC, Mauritius Turf Club, Irish Turf Club and France Galop all provided senior staff to help run the event. 

“This year’s event is another step forward on a journey to provide wonderful experiences for our members, partners and sponsors and friends from across China and abroad,” concluded Ah Khing. “I believe it has been a meaningful step forward.”