China’s 780 Million Mobile Phone Users Get to Paticipate in Horse Racing

Richman’s Racing TV, a service division of RS Management Limited of Hong Kong has, through China Racing Media, accepted the exclusive right / franchise to record and broadcast live and recorded video and audio of all races to be held at The Royal Nanjing Jockey Club’s (RNJC) race course in Nanjing, China.

RSM believes that this exclusive broadcasting right / franchise is valuable and capable of generating significant annual revenues for all parties concerned - with relatively little if any risk. However, in consideration of the award of the exclusive franchise, RSM’s has agreed to provide financial support for the early completion of RNJC’s race course, relevant supporting infrastructure and subsidies for Tierce and Quinella pools.

Richman’s Racing TV proposes to initially target a subscription level representing less than 2% of China’s 780 million current mobile phone users. Subscriptions will be marketed through revenue sharing partnerships with China’s major mobile network operators.

In addition to being able to view live racing, race analysis, horse and jockey fundamentals and expert commentary, subscribers to Richman’s Racing TV will also be entitled to register their selections of horses they think will win RNJC’s regular Tierce and Quinella cash pools. Selections can be made directly through their mobile phones and is FREE OF CHARGE. Richman’s Racing TV and RNJC do not accept bets on their horse races. Subscriber’s horse selection entitlements is for every race run at RNJC for the duration of their subscription.

According to RSM, Richman’s Racing TV subscription are affordable and offer an attractive cost to benefits proposition: RNJC’s live racing data subscription is to be offered at a very affordable monthly rate and will permit subscribers to participate in selecting winning horses for up to 80 races per month. This basically means that for a very affordable monthly subscription cost, a subscriber has the chance to win (or if there is more than one winner) share in a total Tierce pool of up to ¥8,000,000 per month and also a chance to win (or if there is more than one winner) share in a total Quinella pool of up to ¥4,000,000 per month. Subscribers get a chance to win a total of ¥12,000,000 per month with having to place any bets.

For more information on revenue sharing alliances, please email RS Management Limited.

New Techniques in Selecting and Training Winners

Thoroughbred (and Arabian) horse breeding, training and racing is a multi billion dollar industry. Some of the world’s wealthiest corporations and individuals are involved in it. Owners, breeders, racecourse operators, trainers, jockeys, bookmakers and yes even online gaming site operators spend time and money trying to understand how to pick the best horses.

With so much money from so many groups involved - it’s no surprise that the quest to find superior selection and training techniques have always been viewed as the holy grail of the industry. One pioneer who has developed a successful method through Equine Psychology Techniques to both select and train winners is Kerry M. Thomas the founder of Thomas Herding Technique.

Following is an article by Kerry Thomas outlining some of the special techniques he employs to select and train tomorrow’s winners. By special prior arrangement Richman’s Racing members will be able to avail of Kerry Thomas’s services. Please contact us for more information.

Emotional Conformation, scouting the hidden talent… By: Kerry M Thomas

Often mystical is the nature and flowing beauty of the horse. For centuries mankind has been enticed by the allure, infatuated with the power, and awed by the magic within the spirit of the horse. And for me, that magic is revealed in the Emotional Conformation of the horse.

My name is Kerry M. Thomas and I am the founder of the Thomas Herding Technique. I consider myself an investigator, a researcher who develops specific protocols based on an investigation and study of the psychology and emergent properties hidden within the horse.

Mental soundness, aptitude, behavioral tendencies, emergent properties, family line behavioral traits, and focus agility all blend together to form the Emotional Conformation of the Equine athlete. Physical conditioning is very important, but mental soundness is the key to the successful Equine athlete.

Why do some horses seem to be unable to pass other horses or get fragile in certain positions on the track, herding together and coming in a nose behind, or a behind, behind, even when physically their constitution is more powerful?

Many races are lost not because of the lack of physical training, but rather, they are lost in the space of time it takes for the horse to properly manage the emotional stress it incurs during the race.

Not only is physical conditioning important for the success of the Equine athlete. But, the question is: does the horse have the will to win – an emotional level of soundness that manifests itself into a physical result?

Emotional Conformation can answer that question. Emotional Conformation: know it, nurture it, breed it, train it...

Genetic research and pedigree analysis reveals much about the Thoroughbred racehorse. Physical aptitude and conformation are considered in all aspects from breeding to how they should be trained and raced. However, an investigation into the individual equine psyche is just as important and it completes the Emotional Conformation profile. Individual nuances, personality propensities, emergent properties of behavioral dynamics, the intricate social structure of the herd in both Group Herd Dynamics and Individual Herd Dynamics, all have to be considered in every area of the horse’s life – from breeding selections to training and developing to actual competition. Just because a horse is bred from so and so for such and such, doesn’t mean the projection should be cookie-cutter neat; physical ability does not always mean mental preparedness.

Genetics, alone, is not the determining factor for success or failure. But, rather, it is the mind of the horse that is in complete control of the will and, thus, performance, on and off the racetrack.

An athlete has to have a natural inclination for managing emotional stress. Have you ever felt nervous or anxious before a speech, or an at-bat, or some other big moment? You probably have one time or another felt that burn of anxious energy from an emotional build-up to an event. Yet it is less the moment than it is how you manage the moment, which will influence the outcome. This is a key area of Emotional Conformation and what I have developed as a barometer of sorts, is in indicator I call the P-Type.

Emotional Genetics are Revealed in the Emotional Conformation of the Horse

Pedigree efforts alone, while extremely vital, are primarily concerned with the physical genetics of the equine athlete – the Physical Conformation. Now you can enhance this information with an Emotional Conformation, a grade-score indicated by the P-Type.

A study of the horse’s individual behavioral tendencies lends itself toward a deeper understanding of the driving force that powers the physical animal. Physical Genetics are only part of the story; it is the latent tendencies of behavior that complete the equine athlete. Emotional Conformation can establish family behavioral markers which can be used in the evaluation processes well beyond mating considerations.

Behavioral tendencies within the equine psyche are the emergent property signatures that can only be nurtured when understood. Herd dynamics and the mental aspect of the equine are underutilized, yet powerful allies in the advancement of the athlete.

Hybrid-Reality: Atavism

Consider the Physical Genetics handed down the breeding line as a gene pool rather like a baseball team with a roster of 15 individual players. Out of the 15 individual players only nine can be on the field at any given time. These nine represent the entire team – they are the Emotional Conformation controlling the physical make-up of the whole. Nature’s law, the rules of atavism, In hybrid or impure animals, traits are passed on completely independent from each other. Thus, we can easily understand the important role that is played by the Emotional Conformation of the horse – for distance aptitude can be found within.

When we seek to apply Emotional Conformation to mating we must remember that breeding for behavior requires an established profile for either the Sire or the Broodmare, after which a mate can be sought to suite the desired projection or likely foal tendencies. The highest probability of success requires considering and combining both Physical and Emotional genetics.

The mental capacity of the equine controls the physical output of the athlete.

Focus agility is the determining factor that allows physical ability to be fulfilled. Any species that adapts well is a species reliant on continued advancement by emergent properties. At Thomas Herding Technique I focus on Equine Athletic Psychology, to investigate, evaluate, and apply, the individual propensities of the horse.

The application of this process lends itself to a great many uses along the road of the Thoroughbred athlete and perhaps none more effective than scouting the hidden talent that lay within the horse: The Economics of Behavior simply makes sense.

Throughout the ages we have looked to the horse to entertain and help us with tasks both spectacular and mundane. If we wish to return the full measure of what the horse has given us, we need to reach beyond our own world and embrace the magic within the spirit of the horse.

Dubai Horse Fair to Showcase Equestrian Safety

The region's leading equine exhibition will highlight the welfare of both horse and rider.

As the prize money at international horse championships increases, so too does the value of both horse and rider. In recent years, innovative products, treatments and technologies serving to safeguard this serious investment have come to the forefront of the equine market. See editor's note below.

Abdulla Qassem, Board Member of Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Horse Fair and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: "We have seen significant advancements in the technologies that reduce the risks associated with equestrianism, while retaining the sport's excitement."

Nowhere is this more evident than at the 6th Dubai International Horse Fair, the region's leading equine exhibition that takes place from March 18 until 20 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and runs concurrently with the $4 million (Dh14.7m) Arabian Horse Championship.

Qassem said: "Exhibitors recognise that owners, trainers, breeders and enthusiasts in this market are uncompromising in their demand for the highest quality and safest and most technologically advanced products that will ensure horses and riders reach their full potential. With the show coinciding with other high-profile equestrian events in Dubai, the Dubai International Horse Fair provides the perfect platform to reach this market."

In keeping with this demand, some innovative products will be showcased at the horse show.
MK9, the world's first racing simulator for jockeys, which for horseracing professionals combines the essential elements of both safety and practice, will be introduced to the Middle East for the first time. This training tool will provide the jockey with the most realistic riding experience, enabling him to hone his skills and practice unfamiliar or difficult racetracks without risk of injury or distraction.

Specialists in safety and protection equipment will showcase the most technologically advanced safety jackets for riders in dressage, showjumping, eventing and steeplechasing.

Abdul Feroze Kareem, General Manager, Al Awani General Enterprise, the UAE's leading distributor of premier equestrian products and a key exhibitor at the show, said: "The wellbeing of horses in every discipline is of upmost importance to Al Awani and we are committed to providing the best equipment for both horse and rider. The Dubai International Horse Fair is the perfect arena for vendors and suppliers looking for the latest examples of products and equipment shaping the future of the equine industry."

The event will once again run concurrently with the Dubai World Cup, which is to be held just after the exhibition and the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, the preeminent competition in the region for purebred Arabian horses, renowned for their beauty, agility and heritage. With prize money of $4m for 2010, the championship attracts entries of the highest calibre from around the world. More than 200 companies from 30 countries will be exhibiting the latest advancements in the equine industry, particularly in the area of safety, at this year's show.

Editor’s Note: RS Management Limited (RSM), Global General Managers of Richman’s IMC and The Royal Nanjing Jockey Club are in the process of introducing a special range of food supplements for race horses. These supplements, that will be available in China soon, have been proven in Japan and Australia to enhance overall equestrian health and expecially their racing performance. For enquiries please contact RSM at contactrsm@gmail.com

Shadwell Sponsors Meydan's Big Race

According to an article from Gulf News, Shadwell’s stud director Richard Lancaster says the new course at Meydan is truly amazing and will be the envy of the world.

Shadwell Estate continues to show their support for horse racing in the UAE by sponsoring today's big-race meeting at Meydan racecourse.

Tonight's meeting features the second rounds of the Al Maktoum Challenge, with the Group Three Thoroughbred edition run over 1,900 metres and the Group One Purebred Arabian version run over 2,200 metres, both on the all-weather track.

Meydan's Chairman of the Board and CEO Saeed Humaid Al Tayer said: "The Dubai International Racing Carnival will be past the half-way mark this Thursday [today], as Meydan Racecourse hosts the fifth of nine meetings in this edition.

"We are excited and look forward to what lies ahead, as we have seen the Carnival grow into the definitive racing feature it is today. This would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, and we are extremely grateful to our long-term partners Shadwell Estate for their commitment to racing and their support of the Dubai Racing Club and Meydan".

Shadwell Estate's Stud Director, Richard Lancaster added: "Shadwell is delighted to continue its long association with the Dubai Racing Club. It is especially exciting this year to be coming to sponsor at the new Meydan Racecourse. This project which one has seen develop from the drawing board to completion has been truly amazing and has produced a racecourse that will be the envy of the world.

Today's meeting offers a number of hospitality options available to suit all tastes. Entrance to the public areas of Meydan Racecourse is free of charge and there are also complimentary transfers at the end of the night from Meydan Racecourse to Emirates Towers and Souk Madinat.

Note: Shadwell was bought by H H Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum twenty five years ago. The stud estate located just outside Thetford in Norfolk had previously been owned by the Musker family. The racing and breeding of thoroughbred horses had been engrained in the Estate’s history for over a hundred years.

CHINESE MILLIONAIRES’ LATEST LIFESTYLE REPORT

This is the 6th time since 2005 that Hurun Report had announced the annual research findings of brand awareness and preferences, consumption habits and lifestyle trends of China’s highest net worth individuals.

This year’s report consists of two parts – the lifestyle report and the Best of the Best report. The lifestyle report gives a comprehensive analysis of the differences between millionaires in tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3 cities, men and women, elder and younger as well as the multimillionaires and average level consumers. The Best of the Best report discloses the Chinese millionaires’ brand preferences.

Read the full report from Hurun Website...

Dubai World Cup on March 27, 2009

January 28 marks the first meeting of the Carnival at the new Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse and will culminate with the 15th Dubai World Cup on March 27.

Showcasing a countdown timer, racing calendar and program for the Carnival, information on ticketing and dining are available on the website, including rates for general admissions, packages, banqueting and corporate entertainment at the Meydan Grandstand Suites. The site also premieres a new secure and user-friendly booking engine and payment gateway to facilitate consumers who wish to enjoy a night at the races at one of the several dining establishments in Meydan.

Horsemen including owners, trainers and jockeys, will also have quick and easy access to crucial information, including details about rules and regulations, application forms, quarantine and vaccination, transport, subsidies and incentives, weight for age, international agents and track surfaces.

For all media representatives, the Media Centre will also be the essential resource portal for all news, videos and photographs related to the Carnival.

The new DRC website will enable essential information such as race cards, form guides and results to be pulled real-time via the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) website. ERA is the internationally recognised governing body for horse racing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"The new Dubai Racing Club website is pivotal in how informative it is and how it captures the passion and excitement behind the upcoming racing season at Meydan. It also completes the customer experience for all those who wish to attend the Dubai International Racing Carnival and we are pleased with how it also champions horseracing globally.

"We are also always in the process of continually upgrading our value and service offerings to empower our partners and customers, thereby ensuring that they are exposed to global best practices and services that technology can empower us to offer," said Chairman of the Board and CEO of Meydan Mr. Saeed Humaid Al-Tayer.

About Dubai Racing Club

The Dubai Racing Club (DRC) is the key proponent behind the city's horseracing aspirations and has propelled it onto the international racing stage by hosting three of UAE's most prestigious racing events - the Winter Racing Challenge, the Dubai International Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup. Formerly located at the historic Nad Al Sheba racecourse, the Dubai Racing Club is now headquartered at the iconic Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, an integral part of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to create the ultimate venue for an integrated horseracing facility and a globally competitive city of the future.

For more information, please visit: http://www.dubairacingclub.com/

African Racing News Update

According to an article in the Weekend Post Addo horse-breeder and farmer Phindi Kema is one of the key movers and shakers behind an ambitious R1,3-billion horse-racing initiative in Plettenberg Bay which could see horses from all over the African continent competing in a prestige annual event.

The Iph’iNtombi farm owner is a director of African Race Estate and a mom-of-three whose dream it is to see African-bred thoroughbreds and Arabian royalty race in Plett at a new track and pavilion incorporating a five-star hotel and village.

The proposed Africa Race International (ARI) would be an annual event at which horses from all over Africa would represent their countries.

“People still grapple with the level of this race,” said Kema. “It is going to benefit the (horse-racing) industry and South Africa. It will open new markets.”

She said it would be a first of its kind and “a lot of work and time will be put into it before it starts”. The development would begin as soon as regulatory requirements – like an environmental impact assessment and rezoning of the 60ha land which had been identified – had been cleared. The land is situated west of Plettenberg Bay, adjacent to the shoreline.

The inaugural race was likely to have horses representing Swaziland, Angola, Nigeria, Morocco and Libya and funding was expected from local and Middle Eastern partners, with Qatar rumoured to be one of the nations involved.

“I realised there was a market out there that has never been explored by the industry and I’ve brought in outside partners to take full advantage of it and take racing forward.

“The Western Cape government is fully behind the project. It fits within their vision – this race, without a doubt, will add a lot of value to the industry and Western Cape because of its uniqueness.”

Kema will not give up farming in the Eastern Cape just yet, but is negotiating a deal that will free up her time so she can focus on the racing initiative while relocating to Plett. “My focus in the next few years is Africa Race International and to attend more race meetings in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.”

She said overseas expertise was being brought in and a European expert had been appointed to market the race internationally. An announcement in this regard would be made at the end of this month.

Kema, who made her mark as a businesswoman by farming with citrus and later breeding horses, said she was keen on turning Plett into a horse-racing capital for African horses. While the man in the street would be able to race at the annual event, the developers were targeting African countries, their royalty and the super-rich, she said.

Kema won the Editor’s Choice category of the 2008 The Herald, Absa Corporate Business Bank and NMMU Business School Business Person of the Year Awards for her agricultural enterprises in Addo.

She said she believed that “going after your dreams by taking risks pays later” and added it was important to “put time, focus and energy into anything you do”.

She has decided to move to Plett “to be close to the regulatory process while plans to seal the deal are under way”.

Western Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde said his department supported the initiative and on January 25 a meeting with other role- players, such as provincial planning and provincial agriculture, would take place in Cape Town.

Winde said he did not foresee agriculture or the Bitou Municipality in Plett having a problem with the development plans. “I think this plan makes good economic and tourism sense.”
If the proposed land was not available, Winde said he would be “happy to help find other suitable land”.

Note: Several African horse racing enthusiasts have invited Richman's Racing to establish a presence in Africa similar to the one it has in China.