Zhang Goes One-Two At Yulong

Prominent racehorse owner Zhang Yuesheng–also the owner of Yulong Racecourse in the Shanxi province on mainland China–took home the top two prizes in Sunday's Inglis China-Australia Cup at Yulong which, with a purse of ¥1-million (about $200,000) is the richest race ever contested in China.

Zhang's Club Star (Aus) (Starcraft {NZ}), a 5-year-old gelding, bested Chiaramonte (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus})–a 7-year-old entire who will eventually enter stud in China–in the Cup.

Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster, who attended the event, said, “At ¥1-million, this is the richest race in China and there was some excellent competition. It was a very well-run event, with Australian-bred horses dominating the day and we're very proud to have been associated with this event.”

“The Chinese racing market continues to evolve at a rapid rate and we're thrilled to be long-time partners,” Webster added.

Zhang was well represented not only in his home country on Sunday, but around the world, also having winners in Australia and Ireland. Zhang has signaled his ambitions with significant outlays at public auction in recent years, including the purchase of several mares at this year's Tattersalls July Sale. He has spent A$6-million on 50 yearlings and broodmares in Australia over the past two years.

Aushorse Chief Executive Officer Tom Reilly was also among the Australians in attendance, and he remarked, “It was wonderful to be part of such an important weekend in the growth of Chinese racing as Mr Zhang's guest. He has built a first-class equine facility in Youyu and has ambitions to develop racing in this part of China to a new level. Everybody who came to the meeting will have been impressed by Mr Zhang's passion for the sport and love of horses. I'm sure he will be a leader, not just in Chinese racing, but in racing across the globe for many years to come.”

Reilly added, “investment from mainland China continues to grow and with more and more events like Sunday's racing at Yulong, it can only help firm up the relationship between the two countries.”