Chinese racing

HONG KONG, CHINA--Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges is at the helm of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, an international racing powerhouse, for nearly two decades. He has navigated Hong Kong Racing through financial crises, political upheaval and a pandemic, and never let anyone think that his visionary sight had lost its compass. In the conversation that follows, recorded on the eve of the HKJC's international race meeting, the chairman of both the Asian Racing Federation and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities once again covered ground that will resonate well beyond Hong Kong--from...

Thoroughbred owner Wang Ruiqing rode his own colt Xin Nian Zhi Huo (Chi) (Chivalry (Aus) to victory in a 1000-meter race in Yulong racecourse Saturday. Starting from gate two, the juvenile was midpack early and was in the fifth heading into the final 400 meters. Passing the furlong pole, the Zhang Mingliang-trained colt burst into the front and claimed a narrow victory for Ruiqing. It was the first win for Ruiqing in a Thoroughbred Flat race. A jubilant Wang replied after the race, "I started my professional jockey training when...

Thoroughbred racing resumed in Wuhan, China on Oct. 1. Racing had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic which originated in the region. A crowd of 3,000 fans were allowed to attend the races, with masks and strict social distancing measures enforced. The first race of the five-race card was the China Cup (video), which went to Ashraf (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in track-record time. Racecourse announcer Wen Li proclaimed, "Wuhan racing, we are back."