The Singapore Turf Club (STC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the YuLong Horse Racing Club at an official press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.
The event held at Sina headquarters also set the stage for the launch of the 2017 Shanxi Youyu Ecological Culture Tourism – YuLong International Horse Racing Open Tournament in Shuozhuo’s Youyu county from June to October this year.
With a total prizemoney of RMB15 million, the YuLong International Horse Racing Open Tournament is the richest horse racing event ever staged in China, kicking off on 24 June, and will incidentally mark the beginning of a new era in China - the first races to be organised all year round.
(From left): Singapore Turf Club Senior Vice President Simon Leong, Chief Operating Officer
Soong Tze Ming, General Manager of YuLong Horse Corporation cum YuLong Horse Racing Club Ma Jing and Director of Singapore Equine Sanctuary Company Limited Eric Koh interviewed by the media on Wednesday. (photo credit to Shanxi News Network).
Top jockeys and horses from around the world will be invited to participate in those races while the 2017 Shanxi Youyu Ecological Culture Tourism Series Activities will leverage on the county's rich historical and cultural heritage as well as its ecological resources to promote its cultural tourism industry, sports and wellness.
The YuLong International Horse Racing Open Tournament is set to become the only professional horse racing event in China, and will be broadcast internationally via Sina Sports.
The runners that will be competing in the 42 to 46 race meetings held a year, will come from the 400-horse strong population stabled at Shanxi Youyu.
As part of the memorandum, the STC will bring its 175 years of racing experience and technical know-how to the YuLong Horse Racing Club, providing assistance in all aspects related to horse racing operations.
On behalf of STC, Senior Vice President Mr Simon Leong welcomed the signing of the Strategic Cooperation Memorandum between STC and YuLong Horse Racing Club as a new breakthrough into the untapped Chinese market.
“We have worked with many countries including Malaysia, Japan, Korea and Australia. In future, we will work closely with YuLong Horse Racing Club,” said Mr Leong.
“The signing of the Strategic Cooperation Memorandum will also give the Singapore Turf Club the opportunity to promote its racing, horse ownership and racing culture in China.
“We look forward to a long-term collaboration with YuLong Horse Racing Club.”
Preparations to the big day are currently underway, with both horses and jockeys secured and a team of officials from Singapore will be travelling to Shanxi to provide assistance on their preparations for the YuLong International Horse Racing Open Tournament on 24 June 2017.
