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Chinese jockeys shine at Chengdu Dubai International Cup

Wang Wenxun celebrates after winning first place in the Wenjiang Sprint (1,400m), during the 2017 Chengdu Dubai International Cup, held in Wenjiang on April 2. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Jockeys from different countries fiercely compete for a total prize pot of 3.75 million yuan ($544,361). [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

The 2017 Chengdu Dubai International Cup kicks off at Jinma International Equestrianism Sports Center on April 2. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

The 2017 Chengdu Dubai International Cup opened in Wenjiang Jinma International Equestrianism Sports Center on April 2.

The world’s best jockeys from China, Ireland, England and the United Arab Emirates gathered in Wenjiang, to compete for a total prize purse of 3.75 million yuan ($544,361).

Chinese jockey Wang Wenxun, 21, from Guizhou province, won first place in the Wenjiang Sprint, taking home 300,000 yuan in prize money.

In the Guangsha Mile race, Patrick Dobbs from Ireland crossed the line first, with another Chinese jockey, Chen Yi, coming in second.

Five major races, including the Wenjiang Sprint (1,400m), Guangsha Mile (1,600m), Meydan Handicap, Wenjiang Meydan Classic and Chengdu-Dubai International Cup were also held.

According to Chengdu municipal government and Emirates Racing Authority, the event sponsors, it’s the first time that five Chinese jockeys have taken part in the Chengdu Dubai International Cup. Since 2016, the training of Chinese jockeys had been listed as the major project in preparing for this year’s competition.

To provide the best training for Chinese jockeys and to promote the domestic horse racing industry, five jockeys were sent to Dubai, capital city of United Arab Emirates, to take part in training courses in March.

Edited by Owen Fishwick