Gathering speed

British equine industry veteran John Warren is convinced about China's commitment to horse racing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Between 1,500 and 2,000 thoroughbreds will be bred at the center after all the facilities are set up.

Giving more details on the center, Teo says: "The latitude of the area is also important. Ordos is on a similar latitude as breeding centers in Japan and America."

He adds that Ordos, which is in the middle of grasslands, also has perfect natural conditions to be a breeding hub. There is also the cultural affinity for horsemanship among local Mongolian ethnic communities.

Teo says the project can generate $2 billion in direct economic benefits and up to $8 billion in indirect benefits over the next decade.

Supporting Teo, Warren says that the breeding industry has big employment possibilities, adding: "Not everyone today is academically educated in a digital world, and there are people looking for alternative careers."

Li also supports the employment line, saying that each horse will create five job opportunities for the local community in areas like growing forage grass, the auction of stallions, hygiene facilities, import and export.

"Every sector in the industry chain will create revenue for local economy," he says.

Giving his take on the center, Elliott Walden, president of WinStar Farm based in Kentucky, tells China Daily: "Most startups don't have good facilities like this.