Peter Philips, grandson of Queen Elizabeth has been hired by the Chinese Cultural Agency, to help the launch and promotion of a licensed horse racing industry for China.
Philips has been announced as part of a lead group of consultants that will share knowledge on how Chinese gambling and business authorities can operate a successful licensed horse racing industry.
At present Chinese authorities only allow a handful of race meetings each year, betting on Chinese horse racing is currently not allowed, however race operators can operate lottery pools at state race tracks were customers win gifts according to the horses race performance.
According to Asian business news sources the project to launch a state horse racing industry has received the back of state authorities, as China eyes a leading position in international horse racing.
Philips and several UK delegates attended last week’s official unveiling of the China Jockey Club (CJC) in Beijing. The CJC is set to be the governing body which will run the country’s nascent racing industry.
Philips has operated as a racing consultant to Chinese authorities under his sports management business, Sel UK which he set up 2012.
Commenting on Peter Philips appointment as consultant Stewart Horsford, the China Jockey’s Club’s overseas secretary general.
“Peter has been engaged for the last six months. For the Chinese it is very, very important this initiative is seen as world class, sustainable, done properly and is high on integrity. Bringing in people like Peter is very important in giving it that credibility”