Wagers may be allowed next year
Mainland authorities are paving the way for the reintroduction of horse racing, with the city of Wuhan to host a test run after the Beijing Olympics.
Xinhua reported yesterday that the central government had approved the establishment of regular horse racing at the Orient Lucky City racecourse in the capital of Hubei province from September, and was considering the introduction of gambling on the races next year.
Yesterday's Changjiang Times quoted Wuhan party secretary Miao Wei saying the State Sports General Administration (SSGA) had permitted the issuing of a 'horse racing lottery' in Wuhan in September. However, a senior manager with the Orient Lucky Horse Group Corporation told Xinhua betting on the races would probably not be introduced on a trial basis until next year.
'Initially about 250 horses from different jockey clubs around the country will participate in the races,' the manager said.
'But betting can only be officially launched when the races draw at least 2,000 horses.'
A China Sports Lottery Administration Centre spokeswoman told Xinhua: 'The proposal of betting on horse racing is being reviewed and discussed but there is no concrete information on when or whether it will begin.'