The 2024 China Horse Owners Alliance's annual conference was held at Yulong International Hotel on Thursday, September 5.
Mr Huang Qingcai, secretary general of CHOA, announced the introduction of an Everest-like race open to two-year-olds from all countries and with a total prize fund of 3.6 million RMB (around $507,000). There are 14 slots available, each costing 200k, and the CHOA will cover the remaining 800k.
At the beginning of the conference, Qingcai also provided a detailed summary of the alliance's work for 2024 and reported on future work plans for the alliance. He announced that the Hong Kong Jockey Club's handicapper will take over the responsibility of handicapping racehorses for CHOA from 2025.
Mr Zhang Yuesheng, chairman of CHOA and head of Yulong, was tasked with delivering the concluding speech. He expressed gratitude to all members, sponsors, media and friends from various sectors, noting that the alliance's current achievements are inseparable from their support. He also focused on other topics such as staff insurance, horse vaccination and prize-money, as well as jockey welfare.
He said, “In 2025, we will prioritize the safety of jockeys, strengthen their training and management, improve professional standards, and actively collaborate with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to enhance jockey skills.”
The Yulong Autumn Sale was held on Friday, September 6 and featured the progeny of leading stallions such as Frankel (GB), Galileo (Ire) and No Nay Never. Top lot was Wan Zhi Jun (CHN), lot 41, who sold for 1.9 million RMB (around $268,000) to Yulong.
Vin Cox (general manager of Yulong Investments), David Chester (international sales director of Magic Millions) and Sebastian Hutch (CEO of bloodstock sales at Inglis) were present at the sale.
Jason Singh (marketing manager of Tattersalls) and Mathieu Legars (bloodstock advisor of Arqana) were also present, and they each delivered speeches the following day as representatives of their auction houses sponsoring the Tattersalls Cup and Arqana Cup, respectively.
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