As American thoroughbred racing takes center stage under the famed Twin Spires of Churchill Downs this weekend, several horses in the spotlight will be bankrolled by a new and surprising source: China.
In just five years, the exclusive and secretive China Horse Club has become a major global player in the so-called sport of kings. The club co-owns 10 prominent horses racing Friday and Saturday, including the Kentucky Derby favorite Justify; another Derby contender, Audible; the Oaks entrant Sassy Sienna; and last year’s Oaks winner, Abel Tasman.
The emergence of the China Horse Club reflects the rise of partnerships across the industry to reduce risk by pooling capital and buying into proven horses.