The China Horse Club’s support of the Australian racing industry extended into a fifth year after the running of Saturday’s 2021 AUD200,000 China Horse Club PJ Bell Stakes at the Australian Turf Club’s Royal Randwick Racecourse. The China Horse Club PJ Bell Stakes is rightly positioned within The Championships, the Australian Turf Club’s premier two-day carnival and Australian racing’s autumn grand finale.
“The China Horse Club is proud to extend its partnership with the Australian Turf Club and the Australian thoroughbred industry through its sponsorship of the 2021 AUD200,000 G3 China Horse Club PJ Bell Stakes,” said Eden Harrington, Vice President of the China Horse Club.
“China Horse Club and the Australian Turf Club’s partnership dates back five years to 2017 and has been build on mutual respect, a belief in the importance of elite racing and in the promotion of the best virtues of horse racing and has benefited major events in both Australia and China.
“Congratulations to the connections of Matchmaker on a thrilling win. We hope Matchmaker can continue her rise and build on the profile of the China Horse Club PJ Bell Stakes.
“Congratulations as well to the Australian Turf Club and to Racing NSW for continuing to build the profile of The Championships and horse racing in this country.”
In addition to supporting Australian racing with extensive investment in both its racing industry and breeding industry, China Horse Club has previously sponsored the Australian Turf Club’s:
- 2017 AUD1,000,000 G1 China Horse Club George Ryder Stakes
- 2017 AUD200,000 G2 China Horse Club Breeders’ Classic
- 2017 AUD200,000 G3 Carbine Club Stakes
- 2018 AUD200,000 G3 Carbine Club Stakes
- 2018 AUD150,000 Listed China Horse Club Mile
“The PJ Bell Stakes has a record of launching the careers of future G1 heroines Politeness (2014), Red Tracer (2011), Private Steer (2003) and Dane Ripper (1997) as well as a succession of elite fillies and mares. Its placement on the first day of the Championships, Australian horse racing’s premier carnival, is testament to its significance,” said the Australian Turf Club’s master of ceremonies post-race.
“It is entirely appropriate that a race with such a record is partnered by the China Horse Club which has a proven record to help you go racing to the world. In less than eight years, China Horse Club has won almost 700 races worldwide. Last weekend’s Golden Slipper was its 36th G1 win and sits alongside successes in the Kentucky Derby, Epsom Derby, Caulfield Guineas, Kentucky Oaks, Irish Derby and more.
“As international racing’s premier lifestyle, business and racing club, China Horse Club is uniquely placed to create bespoke experiences and investment opportunities for those who aspire to race on the world stage.”
Matchmaker delivered a powerful finishing burst to land the G3 China Horse Club PJ Bell Stakes in an engaging finish ahead of four other rivals. Her triumph left champion trainer Chris Waller elated and planning for the next season.
“[Matchmaker] is from the South Island in New Zealand, she did a good job over there winning her first start and running in some nice races, picking up some black type,” Waller said.
“Now to come to the big stage here at Royal Randwick and winning on Doncaster day, it’s pretty special.
“The confidence she’ll take out of it is good and naturally you’d expect her to get out over a little bit further as well. I think she’ll be a nice four-year-old.”
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please email your inquiry to horses@chinahorseclub.com.