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Irish racing signs multi-million euro deal with China Irish racing will receive a much-needed boost to its economy as a result of the announcement on Sunday that a multi-million euro deal has been signed with China to launch a new Thoroughbred industry there. Coolmore is at the forefront of the initiative to build a $2-billion equine center over 3.3-million square meters in Tianjin, China's fourth largest city, as early as next year. The Irish bloodstock industry will ship over 100 broodmares and a selection of stallions over the next three years to lay the foundations, while Coolmore has offered training for a group of agriculture graduates from Chinese universities who will eventually run the breeding operation. "HRI has an international marketing wing and we've been entertaining delegations from China for some years. They've been seeing our stud farms and coming to our sales," Horse Racing Ireland's (HRI) Director of Marketing and Communication Michael O'Rourke said. "What is particularly exciting about this is that this is the first deal of its kind done by the Chinese government. That is a big plus. They have been saying very nice things about us, that we are a world leader. "The HRI message would be that Ireland is the best country in which to breed racehorses. Realistically, domestic demand has been quite flat since 2008. We have been conscious that, if we are going to get growth, it would be overseas. And this has great potential. A few years ago, our export of Thoroughbreds were worth 200 million a year. They are talking about this project alone delivering 50 million in about three years' time, so that shows the scale of it." Trainer Dermot Weld is in China at present as part of a delegation to help in the creation of the Tianjin Equine Culture City, which will encompass two racecourses, five training tracks, 150 training bases, 4,000 horse stalls, a horse clinic, international equestrian college and an auction house. It is expected that around 40 race days will take place next year. "We are delighted to be one of the first Irish companies to kick-start this partnership and represent Ireland's hugely successful horse breeding and racing industries," Coolmore's JP Magnier said. "(This) announcement marks the culmination of huge efforts by the Irish Government and department of agriculture, led by Minister Coveney, who have been trying to develop new Irish trade links with China. The sector plays a huge part in the Irish economy, currently generating 1.1 billion annually. This industry is something we are good at, and today one of the biggest markets in the world has recognized that and has chosen to partner with Ireland." "(This) announcement of a partnership involving Ireland to develop a major racing and breeding operation in China arises from the preeminent position that Ireland holds in the Thoroughbred breeding world," Minister Coveney added. "This initiative should facilitate the development of a major export market for horses from Ireland and has the potential to provide a range of business opportunities for companies and individuals in Ireland who can bring a wide range of expertise to the project. Coolmore Stud is recognized as a world leader in Thoroughbred breeding and is to be commended for their involvement in this major project."
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