Though still in its relative infancy, the China Horse Club has become an increasingly important entity on racetracks and in sales pavilions around the world.
Today in Singapore they put on the inaugural $3.05 million CECF Singapore Cup. There is a small catch – the 1800m showpiece is only open to horses owned by members of The China Horse Club.
But given they are putting on the extravaganza (and putting up the cash) and have added an open $200,000 3YO race for locals, it looks a good deal all round.
Star US race mare Parranda (USA) will face eight international rivals and an outside barrier as she tries to add to her imposing record.
CHC Teo Ah Khing snapped up historic The Chase at Sutton Forest recently
The China Horse Club is a lifestyle, business and thoroughbred racing club and their priorities are in that order with lifestyle coming first.
One of their objectives is to provide members with unique experiences, and this weekend’s CECF Singapore is part of that process.
They are also driven to make a contribution to the industry in China, and do that in several ways, including with scholarship programs to help talented young men and women. They are motivated by charity and the promotion of art, artists and Chinese culture. A Chinese Equine Cultural Festival embodies all of these elements, and guests in Singapore will see that this weekend with the CECF Singapore. And while their home base is China, they are without borders, and it is their goal to have an international presence and to involve members, and the Chinese at large, in the sport globally.
Earlier this year, the CHC purchased a stake in the Peter Moody-trained Dissident (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}) and the 4-year-old validated his new part-owner’s confidence as he went on to win his fourth Group 1 event in the C.F. Orr S. at Caulfield.
Dissident is expected to race through the end of the 2015 racing season before retiring to stud at Newgate Farm.
The CHC has also been represented in Australia by Group 1 winner First Seal (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) and in Singapore by Longines Singapore Gold Cup hero Tropaios (GB) (Excellent Art {GB}).
Australia wins the Investec Derby
The Club, whose founder, Malaysian tycoon Teo Ah Khing raced and retains an interest in the stallion career of dual Derby hero Australia (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), acquired two of the top three lots at the Arqana Arc Sale for i2.12 million (two of those purchases, the French-bred Auvray and Orbec race this weekend in Singapore).
They also made a serious commitment to establishing an American base at last year’s November sales in Lexington, acquiring no fewer than 11 horses for better than $7.2 million at the two auctions.
First Seal
The CHC is represented at the sales by Michael Wallace, a New Zealand native with worldwide experience, having worked at various times for Coolmore in Ireland, for Darley in Newmarket and for Vinery in Kentucky.
Wallace said of their acquisition policy recently:
“It’s about keeping a balanced portfolio, not just of colts and fillies at yearling sales, but also racing stock with proven performance. We need to service members’ needs and desires within the industry.”
“Our members are always looking for opportunities to race a leading yearling colt or filly, buy into a Melbourne Cup prospect, target a colt on the track for stallion potential or to acquire a leading mare to campaign around the world. We target opportunities based on the goals of our individual members. However, the overarching goal involves exposing mainland Chinese to the great carnivals and race days of the world. To be able to enjoy and participate in the global industry and to be pioneers in bringing the Chinese thoroughbred industry to a standard where it can contribute on the international marketplace,” he said.
