Qin Yong with fist pumped after crossing the finishing line
China’s emerging thoroughbred racing industry was thrust into the international spotlight when one of its star young riders, Qin Yong, won on the biggest day of racing in Barbados, the Sandy Lane Gold Cup.
More than 10,000 local and international onlookers, including leading international owners Derrick Smith and Alan Ramsey, cheered the Chinese jockey back to scale after his slick display in The Green Monkey Trophy (1100m), clapping and roaring their support as he raised his hands above his head and beamed a winning smile.
The fanfare around the triumph almost overshadowed the feature Sandy Lane Gold Cup. The news made immediate headlines across international social media as well as local mainstream media in Barbados where Qin Yong and his fellow Chinese jockey Chen Li have been heavily profiled in the week leading into the nationally significant event.
The duo were brought to the Caribbean nation as part of the CHC China Dream Project. The program is the brainchild of the China Horse Club which has worked in conjunction with the Barbados Turf Club to build cultural bridges between the two nations and promote opportunities for talented young jockeys from China.
“Today was very good. Everyone here in Barbados has been so kind to Chen Li and I and we have received a lot of support from home [in China],” Qin Yong said after his win.
“I was very proud to win. Hopefully we can keep winning races now and make everyone proud back home.”
Qin Yong and Chen Li created history by becoming the first Chinese jockeys to compete at the Barbados Turf Club in its 171 year history.
Chen Li before the race
A comprehensive story on Qin Yong’s win on Sandy Lane Gold Cup day will run on www.chinahorseclub.com on Monday.
To watch the race video of The Green Monkey Trophy, kindly click on this link http://chinahorseclub.com/en/the-green-monkey-trophy-race7-1100m-5-march-2016-by-barbados-turf-club
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please contact Mr. Eden Harrington or Ms. Fu Peipei. We look forward to hearing from you.
Mr. Eden HARRINGTON eden@chinahorseclub.com (Hp no : +65 93769968)
Ms. FU Peipei peipei@chinahorseclub.com (Hp no : +86 18600929029)