Major Influx Of Irish Horses Into China

Following a large scale purchasing effort by BBA Ireland last autumn the biggest consignment of thoroughbreds were transported from Ireland by air cargo to China last week. The plane contained 76 horses all owned by Zhang Yuesheng who enjoyed racecourse success last year through the exploits of his Michael Halford trained stakes winning sprinter Yulong Baobei (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}). The majority of the horses exported to China were purchased as yearlings at Goffs Sportsman's Sale by BBA Ireland's Mick Donohoe who has spent a number of years developing his client base in China with the assistance of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. Speaking to the Irish Field Donohoe said, “This is a big opportunity for Irish breeding. The amount of racing in China has increased and there are more tracks opening up. Mr Zhang owns Yulong Racecourse in the Shanxi province and he has made a big investment in Irish horses and hopefully they will perform well.” Important for the breeders of horses that will ultimately race in China is the news that Weatherbys will accept the majority of race results and that catalogue pages will be updated in accordance with these results.