In exciting news announced on Tuesday, a group of private investors have established the New Zealand Chinese Jockey Club to cater for the high level of interest in racehorse ownership by the Chinese community, both here in New Zealand and internationally.
Headed by Mr Joshua Zong, a prominent Chinese business owner and property developer based in Auckland, the New Zealand Chinese Jockey Club will be officially launched on the eve of New Zealand Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales Series at a function to be held at the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting on Sunday 29 January at Ellerslie.
Speaking from his Karaka-clubhouse base, Mr Zong spoke enthusiastically about the level of interest shown in racehorse ownership at the recent seminar held by New Zealand Bloodstock at Karaka prior to the Ready to Run Sale of 2YO's.
"Chinese see the opportunity for racehorse ownership as an investment opportunity, but more importantly as a way in which they can network with other like-minded people who want to enjoy the thrill and excitement of owning and racing a horse" Zong commented.
"Having purchased a horse at the recent Ready to Run Sale, I now look forward to helping make the dream of owning a racehorse a reality for other Chinese based both here in New Zealand and in China" he concluded.
NZCJC CEO Alan Fu spoke about the excitement building for the official launch function … "it ties in perfectly with Ellerslie's planned Chinese New Year celebrations at the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting, the timing couldn't be more ideal" he said.
With the support of New Zealand Bloodstock, the Club will then be hosting throughout the week in a marquee on the lawn at Karaka during NZB's National Yearling Sales Series.
NZB's managing director Andrew Seabrook has been encouraged by the initiative to grow the Chinese market and is "confident with the right support from the industry, the Club has the potential to increase the size and scale of the industry. This is a very exciting time as we continue to develop the Chinese market with our partners".
Offering an annual calendar of events, educational seminars, exclusive functions and attendance at race meets, this prestigious Club will aim to attract and entertain a large membership base.
For more information email: info@nzcjc.co.nz
