China Horse Club Grabs Signature Win in Kentucky Oaks

The China Horse Club has enjoyed success at the highest international levels in recent years, including classic wins in England and Ireland. But China Horse Club bloodstock manager Michael Wallace predicts Abel Tasman's Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) victory May 5 at Churchill Downs will make big waves in China.

"There's been a really high level of success in a short period of time," Wallace said. "But to win a classic like this here at Churchill Downs—this will take great weight and carry a lot of news through China and worldwide. ... It's a really important result and something we're very proud of."

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The China Horse Club has become a top owner on the track and at auctions throughout the world. After the Oaks win, founder Teo Ah Khing said the victory had registered throughout China. Teo said his ownership group includes members and partners celebrating "in all of Asia and China," and "I will just let you know that my phone is ringing right now and vibrating nonstop."

Teo and Wallace outlined the ownership group in 2013. Teo said members each put in $1 million, and "in our first and second year, we probably got less than 100 members."

After management fees, Teo said the rest of the money is used for investing in the horse industry, including stallions, in ways allowed by a Chinese government that prohibits legalized gambling.

"There are many other ways that we try to innovate and encourage investors," Teo said. "There's no difference between investing in store chains or investing in stallions."

 

The club now is invested in more than 20 stallions. In recent days, the China Horse Club was part of the breeding syndicate announced for Wood Memorial Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (G2) winner Irish War Cry, one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (G1). 

"In the less than two years, I think our result shows (members') investments have quadrupled, and they are very encouraging," Teo said.

Besides providing an outlet for racing-interested Chinese and building an industry there, the club also bills itself as promoting business networking and charitable work for jockeys. It also tries to promote Thoroughbred racing and breeding in China.

In January China Horse Club bought into Abel Tasman, who secured a grade 1 win as a juvenile. They continue to campaign her with breeder and initial owner Clearsky Farm. Wallace said China Horse Club liked that she was a grade 1 winner and would have long-time residual value.

That value went to another level May 5.