On a memorable trip to China's Yulong Park complex in Shanxi province, a group of Australians representing the breeding and racing industry visited the world-class equine centre.
"I was honoured to be invited, it was a lovely gesture from
one of our newest neighbours in Nagambie," Swettenham Stud's principal Adam
Sangster said.
"I had heard about Mr Zhang's expansion plans and growth, so it was wonderful to see his China-based complex with my own eyes. I was very impressed, and it strongly endorsed his positive investment and development in the Victorian breeding industry."
The group of breeders, trainers, suppliers and industry representatives, including Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria President James O'Brien attended the Yulong Horse Sale on Friday and then raced on Saturday at the Yulong Racecourse.
"Priding themselves on excellent animal husbandry, the horses were all in great condition and very well presented at the sale. It showed the high-quality operation behind the Yulong brand," Sangster said.
"From a tourism perspective, the Yulong precinct is perfectly located; close to the Great Wall of China and with the Terracotta Army statues only a province away. It will become a destination for horse lovers and racing devotees. The sales facility and racetrack are world-class and combined with the Yulong International Hotel, the complex as a whole creates a wonderful equine atmosphere," Sangster said.
"It is evident that Mr Zhang is passionate about the horse, as the multi-functional sales ring can be converted to peruse equestrian disciplines, for professional and pleasure riders between the sales."
Having had such a strong relationship with Gerry Ryan's Limerick Lane next
door, Swettenham Stud is looking forward to building a productive relationship
with Yulong as new neighbours moving forward.
"Mr Zhang has made a significant effort to connect and engage with the thoroughbred community, and the progress made over the last year alone has been immense. It's a credit to the team, and with his plans for the future, he will encourage more Chinese owners to become involved in racing horses, which will focus on Victoria.
"Additionally, along with Racing Victoria's Chief Executive Officer Giles Thompson, from a state level perspective, we will be pleased to offer support and guidance to Yulong Investments in any way, to assist with infrastructure, administration, welfare and integrity," Sangster said.
"We wish Mr Zhang, Eric Koh, Sam Fairgray and Sam Pritchard-Gordon all the best, and we are grateful for the investment Yulong are making in Victoria. By working together, we can all benefit from the mutual development of the thoroughbred industry in China and Australia."
