Welcome to Ireland Mr Zhang. You’ve been busy buying yearlings.

I bought a few on the first two days and they will stay in training in Ireland. The horses bought on Thursday and Friday will go to China.

What was your introduction to Ireland?

That was in 2011, the first time I came to visit Ireland and started to get involved in purchasing Irish thoroughbreds. At the time the marketing by ITM and BBA Ireland brought Ireland to my attention and I started buying then.

How exciting was victory for you in a listed race with Yulong Baobei?

I was thrilled and delighted that my horse could win a stakes race because while I have had some winners, none were as big as this. At the beginning I was only starting to learn about Irish racing, but through years of experience and with the help of Michael Donohue from BBA Ireland I have learned a great deal more.

What is the best runner you have had?

Yulong Baobei is not the best horse I have owned but the best to win in Ireland. I also own Wild Dude who recently ran in a Group 1 in Korea.

How did your interest in horses begin?

I grew up on the back of a horse you could say. At the beginning I was more involved with eventers but through ITM and the BBA Ireland I got to know more about the Irish thoroughbred and developed my passion and my love for them.

You own a racecourse in China. What is the future for racing there?

In China the racing industry is just starting to move forward. Last year there was huge growth and development. Several major racecourses in China hosted racing seasons. I can say from now there will be huge growth in racing. The future is bright.

What is your fascination with

Invincible Spirit, the Irish National Stud stallion?

I have a breeding farm in Australia and I have my own mares. There is a son of Invincible Spirit there who is very popular called I Am Invincible and his runners are very successful.

That is why I bought 15 mares this year and sent eight of them to Invincible Spirit. I hope the produce they have will bring me even more success in Australia.

Would you think about having a farm in Ireland?

I have thought about it and it is possible that my future plans could include this, as I have horses in America, Britain and Ireland.

What are the qualities you look for in a trainer?

Since I first bought runners in Ireland I have been working with my current trainer Michael Halford. He is such a nice fellow, has really good facilities in his training yard and also one of the most important factors for me is safety. That is my main concern. He takes time with the young horses and so reduces the risk of horses getting injured. I usually buy younger horses and he doesn’t push them too quick or too fast. That’s what I really like about him – he is very patient.

What are the qualities you look for in the horses you buy?

It is hard to describe, but many times I think it is just meant to be – it is that first impression. Just like with people sometimes, it is fate and destiny, very hard to put in words. It is like first love. Of course there are certain minimum requirements to be a successful runner, and pedigree is very important.

Is there a horse you are looking forward to that you can tell us about?

I have a two-year-old by Raven’s Pass called Yulong Xionghu (Magnificent Tiger). He has great potential and is in training with Michael Halford. He is the one I am most looking forward to.

What is the significance of your racing colours?

Green is the corporate colour of my company and that is why when we designed the silks we chose it. When I came to Ireland first I also studied some of the culture of the country and that is also a reason I picked green.

Do you get to see your horses run in Ireland?

I have often been here to see them race and this year I came three times already. I also went to Royal Ascot where I had two runners. Yulong Baobei and Callender both ran in the Windsor Castle Stakes. I bought Callender at the Goffs London Sale.

Are there any improvements that could be made to Irish racing?

It is very important that prize money levels are maintained and increased. Compared with such as Australia, America and Hong Kong it is low. It will attract more owners to race on the flat in Ireland if it is improved. Owners want fun, but they also don’t want to lose money. It is a positive circle. If you reward owners it will increase their motivation.

Tell me a little about eventing in China and your interest in it?

Because eventing is an Olympic discipline and an Asian Games discipline, as well as a national sport, the government supports each province in China who has an eventing team. I am from Shanxi Province and we have no team, so I want to fill the gap. On a trip to Ireland I got to know Sue Shortt and apart from being a lovely person she has excellent skills and dedication. We have been working together for over five years.

Are you using Irish-bred eventers?

The majority of the eventers I am using in China are from Ireland. I believe Irish-bred eventers possess great quality. A lot of showjumpers also in China are Irish-bred and they have a good share of the market there. With this history I believe Irish-bred racehorses will also be very successful.

What is your view of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing?

All visitors from China to Ireland receive a very warm welcome, receive great hospitality from ITM and all services are provided to make the visit as easy as possible. They market very well in China and push the industry well there. They will play a bigger role in the future also.

Is there one horse race you would like to win more than any other?

I would love to win the Irish Derby.

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The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) have secured agreement with the Association of Irish Racecourses for free admission to 107 race meetings in 2016 for owners who currently have a horse in training. Details of the meetings are posted on www.irishracehorseowners.com and will also be listed in the new AIRO magazine, which will be sent to all members