New Zealand's horseracing industry is set to get a boost with the launch of the Chinese Jockey Club.
While taking a punt on a race in China is still not allowed, Chinese investors have clubbed together to own and race Kiwi-bred hopefuls.
It's just part of the appeal and why high-flying foreigners are flocking to our shores. While the Year of the Rooster has just begun, horses are the main focus for the Chinese investors.
Sir Patrick Hogan has been breeding some of our best for 50 years and is the honorary president of the newly created New Zealand Chinese Jockey Club.
"They're estimating some 3000 to 4000 members in that new venture and I'm sure that they're going to succeed," he says.
It was Chinese billionaire Lin Lang who helped put New Zealand horses on the map in this part of the world, buying up Kiwi breeds for his stable in inner-Mongolia.
But it's our track record in racing circles internationally that's been our biggest draw card.
And those results have also caught the attention of Sheik Mohammad - Dubai's ruler and the owner of the world's biggest bloodstock empire. His right-hand man is in the country for the first time, with an open chequebook.
Last year the karaka sales netted more than $86 million. Odds are strong for a prosperous future.
"Probably in the next two to three years, we'll see a dramatic demand from China for New Zealand horses," says Alan Fu.
"There are more than 60 racecourses in China but they aren't allowed to gamble.
"I haven't heard that one yet but we probably don't want them to completely take over."
The only sure bet is that foreign interest is keeping this industry in fine form.
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